trip planning moab utah

Moab Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 5 Days (How to Plan a Trip + Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2024

Moab Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 5 Days (How to Plan a Trip + Tips)

Thinking of visiting Moab, UT, and wondering how much time you need and how to best plan your trip? In this guide, you’ll find a suggested Moab itinerary for any trip, the best places to visit depending on how much time you have, and tips to make the most of your time. Take a look!

Moab in Utah is known as the base for exploring the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. In addition, you’ll find a big range of fun and adventurous outdoor activities in the area, such as rafting, ATV tours, biking, canyoneering, and more.

But all these possibilities make it really overwhelming to decide what is worth your time the most. Especially if you are visiting Moab for the first time and want to see all the ‘musts’ in just a few days.

So if you are planning a trip to Moab and wondering how much time you need and how to best plan your trip itinerary, then this article is for you. In this post, you can find our experience-based suggestions for visiting the area and Moab itinerary ideas for one to five days .

These tips will help you get the most of your trip to Moab, no matter how much time you have. And because Moab is a year-round destination, most of our suggestions will fit every trip and in any season.

Of course, you don’t have to follow these itineraries precisely. But it gives you a good idea of the main landmarks near Moab and the time you need to see them. Take our suggestions, adjust them to your interests, and create your own perfect trip! Take a look!

One Day in Moab

There are so many possibilities on what to see and do if you have just 1 day in Moab. But if this is your first trip and you want to make the absolute most of it, I suggest that you visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as well as Dead Horse Point State Park in one day. It will be a packed day, but totally worth it!

Arches National Park is located just near Moab and Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky district is just about a 30-40 min drive away. Both these parks are simple to visit on a self-drive trip and have lots of easily accessible viewpoints and landmarks that you can see without much effort.

Dead Horse Point State Park is on the way as well. Watching a sunset here is a must on every Moab itinerary!

Here’s how you could spend one day in Moab:

Start at around sunrise and drive to Arches NP.
Hike to either Delicate Arch or to Landscape Arch (including a stop at Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch on the way).
Drive Arches Scenic Drive stopping at the main viewpoints.
Have a picnic lunch or drive back to Moab for lunch.
Drive to Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park.
Stop at Shafer Trail Viewpoint.
Hike to Mesa Arch .
Visit Green River Overlook.
Visit Grand View Point.
Drive to the nearby Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset.
Drive back to Moab for dinner.

For more explanation and details of this exact itinerary, please check our detailed guide below.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Arches and Canyonlands in One Day

TIP: If you only have one day in Moab, you can also join an organized day trip rather than go on your own. Experienced local guides will make sure that you get the most out of your very short stay. Here’s the most popular day tour in the area that visits two National Parks in one day .

Two Days in Moab

With 2 days in Moab, you can dedicate more time to both National Parks. Spend a day at Arches and half a day to a day at Canyonlands. If you are visiting in summer, you could also go rafting on the Colorado River.

Here’s how you could spend two days in Moab:

Day 1: Hike to Landscape Arch (including Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch) in the morning. Drive the scenic road during the day, stopping at all the best viewpoints of Arches Scenic Drive. Hike to Delicate Arch for sunset. Alternatively, end your day with a dinner cruise on the Colorado River.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Arches National Park

Day 2: Go rafting in the morning ( half-day tours take about 4 hours). After lunch, drive to Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky) and visit just the main places as per our 1-day Moab itinerary above. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park for sunset.

If you are not traveling in the warm season or if rafting doesn’t interest you, skip the rafting trip and just go to Canyonlands for a day. The days will be shorter than in summer anyway and you can easily fill a day in Canyonlands by including one or several short hikes in your itinerary – see our detailed guide below.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park

TIP: If you have 2 days in Moab and want to see the very best of the area without having to do too much planning, you can also take tours. There are many 4×4 tours that visit Arches or Canyonlands; it’s a good way to get a bit off the beaten path and not worry about the planning.

Kayaking and rafting on the Colorado River near Moab Utah

Three Days in Moab

With three days in Moab, you have a lot more possibilities already. And, what’s more important, you can take it easier and explore deeper rather than rushing through.

If you are visiting in the summer, when it’s very hot for any outdoor activities during the day, you can also just choose to explore early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Spend the hottest hours of the day at the pool of your hotel.

Here’s what your 3-day Moab itinerary could look like:

Day 1 : Drive the scenic road 128. This road between Moab and Cisco follows the Colorado River. The scenery here is absolutely beautiful! After checking in at your hotel, drive to Arches National Park for a sunset hike. We recommend hiking to Delicate Arch.

If you don’t hike, head to the Windows Section. There are some really impressive arches there and it will be nice to see them at sunset. End your day with a dinner cruise on the Colorado River.

Day 2: Explore Arches National Park to the fullest. Drive the scenic road and do at least one longer hike.

We recommend starting your day with a hike to Landscape Arch. On the way there, you’ll pass two other nice arches – Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch.

If you are up for a more challenging moderate hike, continue further to the Double O Arch. On the way, you can also take a detour to Navajo Arch and also Partition Arch.

Leave the scenic road and its viewpoints for in the afternoon.

Arches NP road near the Devils Garden area

Day 3: Go rafting , take a helicopter tour of Arches , or choose one of the many outdoor activities available in Moab. See our guide to the best tours below for more ideas.

In the afternoon visit the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park. End the day watching the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

If you are traveling with kids, you may want to visit Moab Giants – a dinosaur museum – before heading to Canyonlands.

LEARN MORE: Best Tours in Moab

Rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River near Moab

Four Days in Moab

With four days in Moab, you could spend one full day in Arches NP, one in Canyonlands NP Island in the Sky district, one day in the Needles district, and one day doing all kinds of (soft) adventure activities.

Here’s what your 4-day Moab itinerary could look like:

Day 1 : Spend an entire day in Arches National Park.

Day 2: Explore Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky. Sunset at Sead Horse Point State Park.

Day 3: Off-road ATV tour in the morning followed by a half-day rafting trip in the afternoon. Alternatively, drive the scenic road 128 and/or visit the Moab Giants (dinosaur park) . There are also amazing helicopter tours in the Moab area.

You could also spread out these activities over two days. So do one activity per day, in combination with half a day at Arches National Park.

Day 4: Visit the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. One of the best ways to do it is by joining this 4×4 tour that takes you off the beaten path.

Five Days in Moab

With 5 days in Moab, use our 3- or 4-day itineraries above and do more hiking in Arches and Canyonlands. Or choose one or several fun outdoor activities that Moab is famous for.

Here are some additional suggestions:

One of the more unique things to do in Arches National Park is the Fiery Furnace hike . It requires advance booking and about half a day of your time, so might be something to consider if you have more time in Moab.

If you are looking for adventurous activities, check out rafting , mountain biking , off-road UTV tours , canyoneering , or air tours . Many of these activities are family-friendly and don’t require any previous experience.

Even if you just do one, it will make your trip to Moab even more memorable. We went rafting with the kids and it’s one of our favorite memories from our visit to Moab.

How much time do you need in Moab?

While you can see the main highlights of the Moab area in just one or two days, we recommend at least 3 full days in Moab . This will allow you to visit Arches National Park and Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, drive the scenic road 128, and do one or two adventurous activities that Moab is famous for.

If you have more time and are looking for a more relaxing trip with lots of time for outdoor activities, you can easily spend a week in Moab or even more!

With so many beautiful places nearby and such a big plethora of outdoor activities, Moab is a perfect vacation destination in Utah!

Where to stay

Good to know: All the places and activities mentioned in this article are very close to Moab town. So no matter how long your visit is, you should stay in or near Moab.

That’s also what makes it easier to plan a trip to this region! Because you’ll be in the same hotel every day, you can easily adjust the itineraries based on your interests, the weather, or the starting hours of the tours, etc.

For a shorter trip, I suggest you stay in Moab town itself (we stayed at Aarchway Inn and it was a good base for all the sightseeing). Whereas for a longer Moab vacation, you may want to choose one of the more scenically-located accommodations outside of town. In that case, take a look at Red Cliffs Lodge or Sorrel River Ranch .

There are also quite some private short-term rental accommodations in this area . Just make sure that they have a pool if visiting between May and October!

For more details and recommendations, please check out our Moab accommodation guide below. It has a good overview of all the best lodging options in the Moab area, for all budgets. Take a look!

Moab Outdoor Adventure Guide

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Daily flights to moab.

For your next visit consider flying directly into Moab’s Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY).

What’s New

• New Scheduled Jet Service to Phoenix – Contour Airlines begins scheduled jet service between Moab and Phoenix on February 1, 2024. Read more…

• Celebrate 100 Years of Cinematic History in Utah – Utah, a hidden gem among Hollywood’s real-world backlots, has unfurled its scenic beauty to filmmakers for a remarkable century. Read more…

• Discover the Magic of Moab in Winter! – With off-season rates making our hotels irresistibly affordable, and an array of retail shops and restaurants welcoming visitors year-round, there’s no better time to bask in the unique charm of Moab in winter. Read more…

• Bega Metzner Elected to Prestigious AFCI Board – Our local Film Commissioner is in the news! Read more…

• Arches Timed Entry Reservation System Announced for 2024 – Between April 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024 Arches National Park is implementing a Pilot Timed Entry Reservation System. Read more…

• Free Art Trails & Restaurant Pass – Discover Moab’s vibrant art and culinary scenes with our FREE Restaurant and Art Trails Pass. Unlock the best of Moab’s culture, savor exquisite cuisine, and earn prizes and exclusive discounts along the way! Learn more…

• Moab Area Transit – The Moab Area Transit (MAT) pilot program is a new, fare-free, transit service in the City of Moab. Read more…

Welcome to Moab

Welcome to Moab, Utah, where Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are just a part of the breathtaking red rock landscapes that surround this stunning destination. Combining small-town hospitality with unparalleled natural beauty and the cool waters of the Colorado River, Moab has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the American Southwest.

As you explore the unique scenery of Moab, take time to relax and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of this charming resort town. Thanks to its perfect climate, Moab attracts year-round outdoor events and festivals, while the downtown business district has responded with an array of restaurants, microbreweries, shops, and galleries. Whether you’re in the mood for regional southwestern cuisine or world-class gourmet fare, Moab’s diverse culinary scene is sure to satisfy any palate. And for those looking for a souvenir to remember their visit, the downtown shops offer a great selection of southwestern arts and jewelry, t-shirts, and much more to browse through at your leisure.

The Perfect Moab itinerary: 2 to 3 Days Visiting Moab

Visiting Moab, Utah? Excellent choice. Moab is an outdoor junkie and nature lover’s dream destination! A 2 to 3 day Moab itinerary, or a long weekend, is the perfect amount of time to get the “must do in Moab” under your belt.

From the best activities in Moab to just plain and simple fun things to do, we have the perfect travel guide to Moab just below.

Home to not one BUT two National Parks, an amazing State Park, and endless trails for your to blaze, Moab is a top destination for anyone looking to get out and explore.

The Best Things To Do in Moab Utah

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Best Time To Visit Moab

Moab is a great destination for year-round visitors. However, spring and fall tend to be the best months to go to Moab. Spring (March–May) and Fall (September-October) are cooler in temperature, which is ideal for all-day exploring and hiking, and usually not as crowded as the summer months.

How Many Days in Moab

First, you do you. If you only have one day in Moab, that’s cool. We suggest either spending your o ne day at Arches National Park , or doing a half day at Arches National Park and a half day in Canyonlands .

In our opinion, two days is the minimum time you should spend in Moab. Having two days allows you to experience the must-do’s and the best Moab has to offer.

What Airport Do You Fly Into for Moab Utah?

Salt Lake City will be the largest international airport that is closest to Moab; about 4-4.5 hours away. The closest regional airport is in Grand Junction, Colorado about a 2-hour drive from Moab.

If you’re coming from Las Vegas, Vegas is about a 6.5 – 7 hour drive from Moab. Regardless of which airport you choose to fly into, you’ll need to rent a car , camper or RV to get to Moab.

Check out our Ultimate Utah Road Trip to help you plan one amazing trip!

The Perfect Moab Itinerary

Day 1: explore arches national park.

Let’s kick this Moab itinerary off with a strong start, shall we? Day one in Moab you’re spending it in Arches National Park. Yup, all day.

Arches is home to staggering red rock formations, endless views, and yup, arches. Lots of them. Located 5 miles outside of Moab, Arches National Park is an easy spot to get to for a day of fun.

Whether you want to stay in your car and drive the 22 miles (one-way) scenic drive or want to get up close and personal with Delicate Arch, the Windows or Double O Arch, a full day in Arches will allow you to see the best the park has to offer.

From a full-day itinerary to planning tips, check out how to conquer Arches National Park in One Day or one day in Canyonlands !

Day 2: Visit Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park

Next up on the Moab itinerary is Canyonlands (Island in the Sky specifically) and Dead Horse State Park. Canyonlands is the second National Park located near Moab and it really and truly is a land full of canyons!

Located just a little ways away from Canyonlands, you’ll find Dead Horse State Park, which also offers epically amazing, staggering views. No lie.

Get our full guide to Canyonlands National Park and the best things to do!

Start your day at Canyonlands. Located about 35 minutes away from downtown Moab, you’ll find the ever-impressive Canyonlands National Park.

Experience the many overlooks like Grandview Point and Green River Overlook before hiking your way to the Mesa Arch.

Once you’ve had your fill of Canyonlands, drive the 20 minutes to Dead Horse State Park. Considered one of Utah’s best state parks, Dead Horse State Park is located on the edge of Canyonlands. And just like Canyonlands, the view from Dead Horse Point Overlook is one of the most epic views you’ll see all day.

Check out Meader Viewpoint and hike the East Rim Trail (2 miles) or West Rim Trail (3.5 miles) to wrap up your day.

Day 3: Go On A Moab UTV Or Rafting Tour

Your last day with your Moab itinerary, so why not go out with a bang?! Like we’ve said before, Moab is an outdoor junkie paradise. Downtown Moab is the jumping-off point to some of the best outdoor tours in the state of Utah.

Day 3 Option A

Do you dare take on Hell’s Revenge? If an unequivocal yes if you answer, then BOOM, a UTV 4×4 off roading tour is for you. Zoom and climb over sandstone domes and slickrock ledges as you take in the amazing scenery while your adrenaline pumps.

Day 3 Option B

Thinking you’ve had enough of sand and stones? Looking for something different? Three words – Colorado River Rafting. Whether you want to do a half-day rafting trip or take it up a notch for a full-day rafting trip , one thing is for sure: you’ll be in full adventure mode on the Colorado River.

Day 3 Option C

Ok, ok, with so many AMAZING tours that run out of Moab, we had to give you a few more to choose from. Sorry for adding to an already difficult decision 🙂

If you haven’t already figured it out, Moab is a BEAST when it comes to adventure!

So if canyoning or rock climbing is your thing, DO IT. More of a mountain biking person? Book it!

Are you thinking, “Nah, I want something a little more chill.” Then, a scenic petroglyph tour or a dinner river cruise is for you , our friend.

Regardless of which option you choose, just promise you’ll make your last day in Moab one you’ll never forget! Cool? Cool.

Stay Somewhere Unique In Moab – Go Glamping

O k Glamping Tipi or Under Canvas Moab allows guests to experience the great outdoors, but in extreme comfort.

Relax in fully furnished, luxury canvas tents and enjoy a unique accommodation experience close to the best places in Moab. If glamping isn’t your thing.

Absolutely no worries! There are some other amazing places to bunk up for a few days in Moab like Hoodoo Moab , Moab Springs Ranch , or Red Cliffs Lodge .

For more places to stay in Moab, you can check out the latest places and prices here .

Explore Downtown Moab

Moab is a really cute town, home to friendly locals and surrounded by mountains. At the end of each day in Moab, you have the option to go into downtown Moab to do a little exploration at some shops or galleries or grab a drink and bite to eat.

Coffee & Breakfast: Moab Garage, Moab Diner or Jailhouse Cage
Lunch: Quesadilla Mobilla, Love Muffin Cafe or Milt’s Stop & Eat
Dinner: 98 Center Moab, Zax Restaurant or Sunset Grill
Brewery/Winery Moab Brewery and Castle Creek Winery
Shop : Moab Made and Kokopelli Gallery

Where To Next?!

Whether you’re heading south to explore the rest of Utah’s Big 5 ( check out our Utah Itinerary ), or heading north into Colorado and exploring placing like Telluride or G reat Sand Dunes National Park , you’re in a primo jumping-off point to explore some of the best parts of the United States.

Check out a few travel guides to help inspire your next destination!

Two Days in Zion National Park
Your Guide to Driving The Million Dollar Highway
17 Incredible Things To Do In Taos, New Mexico
Beginners Guide to Monument Valley
Visiting Antelope Canyon
One Day in Grand Canyon National Park

MOAB ITINERARY – PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus , Pinterest and on Facebook . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

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2 to 3 Days in Moab Itinerary: Explore Arches & Canyonlands

Last Updated on February 2, 2024

by Duncan McHenry

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

With all the adventures to be had among the towering desert mesas of southeastern Utah, making the most out of a short trip can be a challenge. Planning out a 2 to 3 days in Moab itinerary and using the town as a base camp is a great way to do this area justice.

Canyonlands and Arches are both within a 40-minute drive or less, and opportunities to get outside for activities like whitewater rafting on the Green River, canyoneering, climbing, and mountain biking are everywhere.

There are a lot of reasons why this town has become such a draw for tourists, thrill-seekers, and outdoor explorers alike. There are countless things to do in Moab and the surrounding area and its location along the banks of the Colorado River, for starters, has made it a desert outpost since it was first settled in the late 1800s.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Moab?

When figuring out how many days to spend in Moab, you’ll want to prioritize your goals in terms of desired activities and how rushed (or not) you want to feel. One day in Moab, for instance, is enough to get to know the town, however, you won’t have any time to visit either of the national parks for a day trip.

Two days is plenty of time to get a feel for the town of Moab itself and fit in some touring of both Canyonlands and Arches, and other attractions like Westwater Canyon and Dead Horse Point State Park are close enough to be experienced in well under a day’s time.

With all of that said, 3 days is ideal if you’re trying to plan a trip to Moab, especially if you plan on doing anything like backpacking or a longer rafting trip that might entail an overnight stay.

Tower of Babel in Arches National Park near Moab

Getting To & Around Moab

Getting here by car is very straightforward since Moab lies just beyond Arches National Park along the I-70 corridor some 30 minutes or less down Highway 191.

If you’ve flown to the area and are considering driving to Moab from Denver or Salt Lake City and plan on renting a car for transportation, it’s a good idea to request one with four-wheel drive and high clearance, if possible, as some of the desert and BLM roads around Moab can be a little rough.

It’s also possible to visit the area by driving from Phoenix to Moab and visiting of beautiful sites along the incredibly scenic drive.

You can browse Rentalcars.com to find deals on car rentals across major providers, or alternatively, you can search for RVs or campervans from Outdoorsy if Moab is just a stop on a longer road trip such as from Denver to Las Vegas or Phoenix to Denver .

Main roads in and around the national parks do tend to be very well maintained and paved, however, so even making the drive in a sedan or minivan shouldn’t be a total deal-breaker.

Once you’ve arrived in Moab, getting around town can be done via very short drives or short to medium-length walks, depending on where lodgings are.

And for cyclists wishing to skirt parking hassles, or even just pedestrian hikers looking to do so, there are a variety of shuttle services available. Rentals of Jeeps, ATVs, and other offroad-capable vehicles are also a popular service.

2 to 3-Day Moab Itinerary

Having 2 or 3 days to spend in Moab means you aren’t quite afforded the luxury of being able to just “fly by night” and go in with minimal preparation.

Especially if you’re looking to enlist the services of outfitters and gear rental shops or are planning on booking lodgings, you’ll want to have at least a decent start on planning.

It’s not a bad idea to be several weeks to a month ahead on any bookings and reservations these days if you’re headed to Moab outside of the desert weather extremes of mid-winter and summer. It’s also worth considering purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit several national parks throughout the year.

The most ideal Arches and Canyonlands itinerary based out of Moab will be the one that makes the best use of your available time without causing too much stress.

You could easily spend an entire month exploring this area and see something new every day, so take this itinerary as an example and a jumping-off point for your own Moab trip.

Day 1 – Explore Moab and Arches National Park

Settle in and explore the town.

Especially if you’ve made a long road trip to town the day before, you’re likely to start your first day in Moab with a little less energy than you may have on the next couple of days. So why not start your trip off by touring around town?

E-bikes and bicycles are easily rented if you’re staying a little bit outside of convenient walking distance, and the main downtown strip has everything from restaurants and bars to gear shops and museums.

The Museum of Moab is a fun local stop, especially for families with kids, as it houses an impressive collection of dinosaur bones and other archaeological artifacts that give a fascinating sense of the area’s geologic past.

If you’re feeling under-equipped for any planned outdoor activities, some time spent around town is a good chance to visit a local favorite outpost like Gearheads Outdoor Store or Moab Gear Trader.

Not only can shops like these offer you a chance to get that new pair of hiking boots or trekking poles you desperately need, but they’re also a chance to have a fun conversation with some locals who have real knowledge about the area and some of the more “off the beaten path” things to do.

Arches for Sightseeing

Now that you’ve had a bite to eat, chatted with some locals, and gotten a sense for the culture of the Moab area, it’s time to make the short trip over to Arches National Park , one of Utah’s crown jewels that’s home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring sedimentary rock formations.

This also happens to be one of America’s national parks that’s most easily explored and viewed from paved roads. Many of the main geologic formations in Arches—including the Delicate Arch , Balanced Rock , and the Tower of Babel — can be easily seen from viewpoints along the park’s main road.

Stunning Arches National Park is a must visit during your Moab itinerary

For those who are ready to go ahead and get some hiking in on day one, there are several trailheads in Arches leading to day hikes that get you up closer to many of the arches, including some that otherwise wouldn’t be viewable from the road.

Trails in Arches vary in difficulty from easy to moderate and on up to difficult. Popular short hikes include the Balanced Rock loop trail and The Windows climb , and you could choose a hike as difficult as the Primitive Trail at Devil’s Garden , which tends to take even experienced hikers at least 4 hours to complete.

It’s important to note that since there are generally little to no opportunities to find or filter water on trails in Arches and Canyonlands, you always need to plan on bringing at least enough water to cover you for the entirety of your hike, plus a little extra in case of an emergency.

Devils Garden in Arches National Park near Moab

Day 2 – Bike Rides and Hiking in Canyonlands

Take a bike ride.

Having hopefully woken up well-rested after your first full day, kick off day 2 in true Moab fashion with a morning bike ride.

If you’re not looking to fill the entire day by riding something like the renowned Slickrock Trail — a challenging, 9.6-mile mountain biking experience that’s known to be as technical as it is thrilling — you can even opt for renting an e-bike and heading out on any of the many motorized and some non-motorized routes and loops surrounding Moab.

E-bikes offer performance benefits in sandy terrain and on steep hills that are akin to giving a regular bike steroids, so these can be an interesting option for exploring some places that would be next to impossible to reach with either a car or a regular bike.

If you prefer to go in a group, there are a number of options including this 4-hour tour on the Moab Brands Trail or this 5-hour tour both of which depart from Moab.

And if you’re traveling with kids or simply want to visit a fun place insteading of going on a mountain biking excursion, then consider heading to the Moab Giants. This open-air museum has lots of life-sized dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.

Canyonlands for Hiking

Canyonlands National Park is a quintessential southeastern Utah national park on the same level as Arches, Zion , Bryce Canyon, and others. What sets Canyonlands apart, however, is the immense variety of different terrain and geology types housed within its borders.

You can visit Canyonlands independently or take a half-day tour from Moab if you want to see the highlights with a guide.

Hiking in or near the area called The Needles District , for example, will have you feeling like you’re walking on the surface of Mars or some other extraterrestrial landscape. The massive red- and white-banded rock formations here are the result of millions and millions of years when sand was deposited and eventually eroded.

Other prominent sandstone features in Canyonlands National Park include the Wooden Shoe Arch , Mesa Arch , and the Whale Rock . Canyonlands, being a good bit bigger than Arches, has a lot to offer in terms of hike-in sightseeing and overnight backpacking opportunities.

Destinations like the soaring Druid Arch can only be accessed via several-mile-long hikes heading out from trailheads like Squaw Flat . Given the oftentimes hot (and always dry) conditions here and the overall lack of water, it’s best to keep shorter day and half-day hikes to around 4-5 miles or less round-trip.

If you’re not looking to do an overnighter like Druid Arch or heading out into the remote Maze District , other stops like Pothole Point and Big Spring Canyon Overlook are great options.

In the northern area of the park, by entering through the Island in the Sky Visitor Center , you can choose to drive all the way in to the Orange Cliffs and Grand View Point overlooks or head up the fork toward views of the Whale Rock and Upheaval Dome.

Spending some time exploring incredible Canyonlands is a great way to wrap up spending 2 days in Moab.

Day 3 – Colorado River Rafting & National Park Evening Hike

Raft down the colorado river.

Assuming you aren’t waking up in a tent or campground somewhere down a trail in Canyonlands, your last day on this Moab itinerary is a great chance to get out for some guided whitewater rafting.

There is a slew of great local outfitters to check in with as far as booking an outing. Half days, full days, and overnight trips tend to all be offered, and floats are tailored to client preferences.

Pleasure floats with only mild whitewater and gorgeous scenery are on the table along with more intense whitewater trips for the more intrepid types.

A nice middle ground to consider is Westwater Canyon , often dubbed “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip,” as it offers narrow whitewater canyon stretches with exciting rapids along with plenty of unique scenery spaced throughout.

For travellers that prefer to pre-book their rafting adventure, some options including this full-day trip along the Westwater Canyon , this half-day leisurely rafting trip or this full-day combined rafting and Jeep tour .

Colorado River overlook in Canyonlands National Park

Evening Hiking and Sightseeing

As your 3 days in Moab come to a close, you’re bound to feel the urge to head back to either Arches or Canyonlands for one more dose of sightseeing. Since you’re likely to only have visited one stretch, loop, or general area of either of these parks at this point, it’s a good idea to look at a map and figure out a different zone to cover.

In Canyonlands, for example, if you already visited the southernmost area accessible from the Needles Visitor Center , then head up to the northern Island In the Sky District , and vice versa. Keep a wary eye out for a chance at spotting some of the incredibly adapted native animals like the small desert lizards that often dart about in the rocks here.

Have More Time in Moab?

Castle valley.

Another great sightseeing area that’s less than a 15-minute drive from Moab is the town of Castle Valley . This might feel like more of the same if you’ve spent a good bit of time in Arches and Canyonlands, but the castle-esque cliffs that line this valley are a worthy stop on your way out of town and look especially pretty in the twilight of evening.

Take a Balloon Ride

Local Moab business Red Rock Ballooning offers roughly one-hour-long hot air balloon rides guided by pilots who also double as guides. This is an especially fun way to cap your trip by looking down at some of the same arches, mesas, and canyons that you’ve explored and viewed from the ground.

Where to Stay in Moab

Adventure Inn Moab – This boutique motel is a great choice for those after a mid-range stay in Moab. There are several comfortable rooms on offer, free on-site parking and even some self-service laundry facilities for those who need them.

Comfort Suites Moab – A comfortable hotel in the center of Moab, this place has several rooms and suites available and there’s even a heated swimming pool for guests to splash around in.

Private Rental – There are countless private rental options in and around Moab for those who want it. For instance, this quaint home in town is located within easy reach of both national parks.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Moab hotels

Spending some time in Moab and exploring the nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks is a great way for travelers to get acquainted with the state of Utah and its natural areas. The best part is that even the most veteran outdoor adventurers can probably always find a new part of either of these parks to explore.

With Zion, Canyonlands, and the many other surrounding attractions linked to the Colorado River drainage in such close proximity, Moab is sure to have plenty of activities to pique the interest of travelers—especially those who enjoy the outdoors.

Are you planning to visit Moab? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

10 Best Stops on a Denver to Moab Road Trip

Arches vs Canyonlands: Which National Park to Visit?

Zion National Park is the last stop on the Denver to Las Vegas drive

How to Plan a Zion National Park Day Trip From Las Vegas

About Duncan McHenry

Duncan is a writer for The World Was Here First. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. He has spent time in Costa Rica and has made numerous trips exploring the Western states of the Rocky Mountains.

Hi. I’ve read the itinerary and it all looks fabulous. I’m very interested in your suggestions on a few things . Where would you recommend staying? We have a 9 year old granddaughter traveling with us . The trip is not until 5-2023. I’m also interested in which off road jeep tour you recommend along with the white water rafting . I’ll plan 3 days in Moab if possible. This was a fantastic read with great suggestions. So in summary if you had to pick one exciting / different adventure which would you do ? Balloon ride ? Helicopter ride ? White water rafting ? Off road jeep( hells revenge )? Thank you for your time. Christine Sindon