Moab is the base camp for Arches National Park and Canyonlands, sitting on the Colorado River in southeastern Utah. Red rock country — sandstone arches, canyon rims, mesa tops, and more mountain bike trails than you can ride in a month.
In This Article
Arches National Park
Over 2,000 natural stone arches in one park. Delicate Arch is the icon — a freestanding arch on the edge of a slickrock bowl, reached by a 2.4km hike that climbs 146 meters. Go late afternoon for the classic photograph with the La Sal Mountains in the background. The hike is exposed with no shade — bring water and start by 4pm for sunset light.
Landscape Arch, the longest in the park at 88 meters, is an easy walk from the Devils Garden trailhead. Double Arch and the Windows section are drivable with short walks. Fiery Furnace requires a ranger-guided permit to enter.
Canyonlands
Three districts — Island in the Sky (most visited, mesa-top viewpoints), the Needles (hiking and backpacking), and the Maze (remote, 4WD only). Island in the Sky is 30 minutes from Moab with viewpoints over the canyon systems carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. The Mesa Arch sunrise is a photographer’s staple.
Mountain Biking
Moab is the mountain biking capital of the US. The Slickrock Trail is the classic — a 19km loop over petrified sand dunes with grip like sandpaper. Porcupine Rim and the Whole Enchilada are advanced descents. The Intrepid Trail System near Dead Horse Point has intermediate options. Bike shops in town rent full-suspension bikes.
Getting There
Moab is about 4 hours south of Salt Lake City or 5 hours from Denver via I-70. No bus service to speak of — you need a car. Grand Junction, Colorado (110 miles) is the nearest airport with rental cars.