Moab

Moab is a town in Utah's Canyon Country and a gateway to the nearby Arches National Park and other attractions in Canyon Country. Moab is a unique Western community situated in the red rock country of Southeastern Utah on the Colorado River. Arches National Park is only six miles from downtown and Canyonlands National Park is 32 miles from Moab. The city is surrounded by public lands which are used for recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, highlining, B.A.S.E. jumping, skydiving, disc golf and cross-country skiing.

Moab has become the hub of tourist activity and services for southeastern Utah. The town has a population of about 5,300 but swells with visitors year-round, particularly during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. The area offers an extraordinary concentration of outdoor recreation opportunities, from world-class mountain biking on the Slickrock Trail to whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.

Moab sits in a high desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the most popular seasons, with daytime temperatures averaging 60-80°F (16-27°C). Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C), and late summer monsoon season brings violent storm cells which can cause flash floods.

By Plane

Canyonland Field Airport (CNY) has commuter service to Denver and Salt Lake City. Bookings from beyond can be ticketed with United or Delta to reach Moab. Ground transportation between Moab and the airport should be reserved in advance.

By Train

Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Green River, Utah (GRI), 52 miles from Moab. Combine the train with flights into Denver, Grand Junction, Colorado, or other places along the Zephyr line, then reserve a taxi or bus service to Moab. The Rocky Mountaineer train line goes all the way to Moab for a more luxurious cruise-style train tour.

By Car / Road

If approaching Moab while driving west along I-70, use Utah Route 128 for the beautiful scenery. About 10 minutes past the Colorado-Utah border is exit 214 on I-70, marked as "Cisco." The road narrows, meets and crosses the Colorado River, and the remainder of the trip has the river on your right with spectacular canyon walls. This is one of the best drives in North America. Optimal times are morning (~9AM) or afternoon (after 3PM) for the light.

Moab's Main Street is part of US Route 191. Traveling north gets you to Arches National Park, Canyonland Field Airport, and Interstate 70. To get to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park, use Utah State Route 279 or UT-313. Downtown Moab is walkable.

• Slickrock Trail — On Sand Flats Road, 2.3 miles from the intersection. One of the most famous mountain biking trails in the world.

• Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks — Along a nature trail requiring a moderate 1/2-mile hike. Morrison Formation dinosaur fossils and petrified wood visible in a natural setting.

• Dan O'Laurie Museum of Moab — 118 E Center St. A 50-year-old museum specializing in the history of Moab, with exhibits on geology, paleontology, mining, history and anthropology.

• Castle Valley — A town located at the foot of the humongous Porcupine Rim.

• River rafting — The Colorado River offers excellent rafting. The Fisher Towers section, known as the "Moab daily," is a 14-mile stretch perfect for families.

• Jeeping — Moab is home to the Semi-Annual Jeep Safari. Many trails rank from easy to difficult.

• Rock climbing and canyoneering — Sandstone cliffs, spires, and slot canyons draw climbers and canyoneers from around the world.

• Skydiving — Skydive Moab offers dives with views of the Merrimac and Monitor rock formations, Dead Horse Point, and Arches National Park.

• Mountain biking — World-class trails including Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, and numerous other routes.

• ZAX — 100 South and Main St. Family restaurant with a pizza bar and sports bar. Open 11:00AM to close.
• Pasta Jay's — 4 South Main St. Order the Tortellone Alfredo or the Chicken Pesto Tortellone.
• Moab Brewery — 686 S Main St. Great food and great beer since 1996. The Black Raven Stout is a local favorite. Open Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM.

• Moab Brewery — 686 S Main St. House-brewed beers and full food menu. Billiards and TV available in the bar area.
• Spanish Valley Vineyards — Produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines. Available at the Moab liquor store.
• The Spoke Bar — 5 N Main St. Good place to grab a drink.

• Budget: Lazy Lizard Hostel, 1213 S Hwy 191. Dorms from $13/bed, private rooms from $35/single.
• Mid-range: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn, 16 S Main St. Rooms and suites with pool, hot tub, and secure bike storage.
• Upscale / heritage: Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Highway 191. 97-room lodging between red rock cliffs. Complimentary hot breakfast and bike storage.

Moab has numerous outdoor gear shops, art galleries, and souvenir stores along Main Street. The town is a good base for stocking up on camping and hiking supplies.

• Arches National Park — 6 miles north. Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches including Delicate Arch.
• Canyonlands National Park — 32 miles northwest. Three distinct districts with dramatically different landscapes.
• Dead Horse Point State Park — 32 miles northwest. Stunning overlooks of the Colorado River.
• Green River — 110 miles west. Known for river trips and fishing.
• Goblin Valley State Park — About 1.5 hours west. Unique mushroom-shaped rock formations.
• Cisco — 30 miles east. A ghost town with old west rail history.