Your Ultimate 3-Day Moab Adventure!

Red Rocks, Epic Hikes, and Amazing Eats

The stunning Colorado River cutting through Moab’s iconic red rock landscape

Picture this: towering red rock formations that look like they’re from another planet, natural stone arches that seem impossible (but they’re totally real!), the mighty Colorado River cutting through ancient canyons, and so many outdoor activities you’ll want to come back again and again. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, rafting, or just soaking up incredible views, Moab has got you covered.

The best part? You can experience the highlights of this amazing desert playground in just three days! This guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your Moab weekend, including the coolest hikes, fun activities, and where to grab the best food when you’re hungry after all that exploring.

Day 1: Arriving in Red Rock Country

Morning: Get to Moab and Settle In

Start your adventure by arriving in Moab! The town itself is pretty small—only about 5,000 people live here—but it’s the gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes in America. Check into your hotel or campground, grab a quick bite, and get ready to explore.

Afternoon: Corona Arch Hike

Your First Epic Hike!

Corona Arch – 140 feet of pure natural wonder!

Corona Arch is the perfect way to start your Moab adventure. This hike is like a warm-up for the amazing things you’ll see over the next few days. The arch is HUGE—seriously, it’s 140 feet across! That’s almost half the length of a football field, just hanging in the air made of solid rock.

What Makes It Special: The trail takes you across slickrock (smooth sandstone that feels like walking on a wave of stone) and includes some cool climbing sections with metal ladders and handholds drilled into the rock. Don’t worry—it’s totally safe and actually really fun! When you finally see Corona Arch, your jaw will drop. The opening is so massive you could fit three school buses through it!

Evening: Colorado River Sunset

Golden hour along the Colorado River – pure magic!

After your hike, head to the Colorado River. The river flows right through Moab, and there are several great spots to watch the sunset. The red cliffs glow like they’re on fire as the sun goes down, and the river reflects all those amazing colors. It’s the perfect way to end your first day!

Day 2: Arches National Park Adventure

Today is all about Arches National Park—home to over 2,000 natural stone arches! This park is so famous that it’s on Utah’s license plates. You’re going to see why!

Morning: Wilson Arch Warm-Up

Wilson Arch – an easy roadside wonder!

On your way to Arches National Park, make a quick stop at Wilson Arch. This gem is right along Highway 191, just 23 miles south of Moab. What’s awesome about Wilson Arch is that you barely have to hike at all—it’s super close to the parking area!

Why It’s Cool: Wilson Arch is named after a local pioneer, and it’s made of Entrada Sandstone that’s been carved by wind and water over millions of years. You can walk right underneath it and even climb up for a better view. The reddish-orange color is gorgeous, especially in morning light!

Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Arches National Park

Cooling off at one of the Colorado River’s sandy beaches

Now it’s time for the main event! Arches National Park is only 5 miles from downtown Moab, making it super convenient. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches—more than anywhere else in the world!

Must-See Arch #1: Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch – Utah’s most iconic landmark!

This is THE most famous arch in the world, and you’ve probably seen it before—it’s on Utah’s license plates! Delicate Arch stands all alone on the edge of a huge rock bowl, and it’s absolutely breathtaking.

What to Expect: The trail crosses open slickrock with almost no shade, so bring plenty of water! The final approach is along a narrow ledge (don’t worry, it’s wide enough to be safe), and then BAM—you turn a corner and there’s Delicate Arch, standing 46 feet tall. It’s an incredible moment that you’ll never forget!

Must-See Arch #2: Double Arch

Double Arch – nature’s bunk bed!

If Delicate Arch is the superstar, Double Arch is the fun, quirky friend. This arch is actually TWO arches that share the same stone base—nature’s version of a bunk bed!

Why You’ll Love It: The trail is short and relatively flat. Double Arch is MASSIVE—you can walk right up to it and even underneath it. Kids love climbing around on the rocks here. The larger of the two openings is 148 feet wide, making it one of the biggest arch spans in the park!

Bonus Stops in Arches National Park

If you have extra time and energy, check out these amazing spots:

• Balanced Rock: A 128-foot-tall rock formation that looks like it’s about to tip over (but it’s totally stable!). The rock on top weighs about 3,577 tons!
• The Windows Section: Home to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. The trail is only 1 mile and you can see multiple arches!
• Park Avenue: A 1-mile trail through towering rock walls that look like the skyscrapers of New York City—but made of red stone!

Day 3: River Fun and More Adventures

Morning: Colorado River Activities

Ancient petroglyphs tell stories from thousands of years ago

Time to cool off! The Colorado River runs right through Moab, and there are tons of ways to enjoy it. Here are some awesome options:

Option 1: River Rafting

Nothing says adventure like floating down the mighty Colorado River! You can choose between calm scenic floats or more exciting rapids, depending on what sounds fun to you.

• Calm Float Trips: Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. You’ll see red canyon walls rising up on both sides of the river, desert wildlife, and maybe even ancient petroglyphs (rock art made by Native Americans hundreds of years ago!)
• Whitewater Rafting: If you want more excitement, try the rapids! Don’t worry—the guides know exactly what they’re doing, and you’ll have a blast getting splashed by the waves.

Option 2: Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Want to try something different? Stand-up paddleboarding is super popular in Moab! You stand on a large board and use a paddle to glide across the water. It’s easier than it looks, and it’s a great workout. Plus, the views from the middle of the river are incredible!

Option 3: Swimming and Beaches

There are several spots along the Colorado River where you can swim and relax on sandy beaches. The water is refreshing (okay, it’s pretty cold even in summer!), and it feels amazing after hiking in the desert heat.

Afternoon: Petroglyphs and Ancient History

Did you know that people have been living in the Moab area for thousands of years? Take some time to visit petroglyphs—ancient rock art created by Native Americans who lived here long ago.

Best Petroglyph Sites:

• Courthouse Wash Petroglyphs: Just outside Arches National Park, this site has amazing rock art panels showing animals, human figures, and geometric designs. The art is over 1,000 years old!
• Potash Road Petroglyphs: Along Highway 279, you’ll find several panels of rock art right next to the road. Look for bighorn sheep, handprints, and mysterious symbols.

More Awesome Things to Do in Moab

Can’t fit everything into three days? Planning a longer trip? Here are more incredible activities you can enjoy in Moab:

Mountain Biking

Moab is world-famous for mountain biking! The slickrock trails are unlike anything else on Earth. The most famous is the Slickrock Bike Trail—a 10.5-mile loop that’s considered one of the best mountain bike trails in the world. If you’re new to biking, don’t worry—there are easier trails too, and you can rent bikes and get lessons in town.

Canyoneering

Want to feel like an action movie star? Try canyoneering! This sport involves hiking, climbing, rappelling (sliding down ropes), and sometimes swimming through narrow canyons. Several companies in Moab offer guided canyoneering trips for beginners. It’s an epic adventure!

Scenic Drives

Not everyone wants to hike all day, and that’s totally okay! Moab has some of the most spectacular scenic drives in America:

• Scenic Byway 128: This 44-mile drive follows the Colorado River through red rock canyons. It’s absolutely gorgeous!
• Potash Road (Highway 279): A 17-mile drive with amazing views of the Colorado River, rock art, and towering cliffs.
• Shafer Trail: If you have a 4×4 vehicle and aren’t afraid of heights, this unpaved road offers incredible views as it switchbacks down canyon walls.

Stargazing

Moab has very little light pollution, making it perfect for stargazing! On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, planets, and even meteor showers. Just drive a little way out of town, lay down a blanket, and look up. It’s magical!

Visit Canyonlands National Park

If you have an extra day, check out Arches’ neighbor—Canyonlands National Park. This park is even bigger and more remote. The Island in the Sky district has mind-blowing overlooks where you can see for miles and miles across layered canyons. Mesa Arch is a must-see—it’s a perfect arch right on the edge of a cliff!

Rock Climbing

The red rock towers and cliffs around Moab are a rock climber’s paradise. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there are climbs for every skill level. Several guide companies offer instruction and can take you on climbing adventures.

Top 10 Restaurants in Moab

All that hiking and adventuring will make you HUNGRY! Luckily, Moab has awesome restaurants with everything from burgers to international cuisine. Here are 10 great places to fuel up:

What to Pack for Your Moab Adventure

Packing right can make or break your trip! Here’s what you need to bring:

Essential Gear

• Water bottles: Bring at least two big water bottles per person. The desert is DRY, and you need to drink lots of water!
• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ is best. The sun in Moab is INTENSE, even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours!
• Hat and sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from the bright desert sun
• Good hiking shoes: Sneakers with good tread work fine. You don’t need expensive hiking boots!
• Layers: It can be 100°F during the day and 60°F at night. Bring shorts and a warm jacket!
• Camera or phone: You’ll want to capture all these amazing sights!
• Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars, fruit—anything that won’t melt in the heat
• Small backpack: For carrying water, snacks, and extra layers on hikes

Nice to Have

• Trekking poles (helpful on steep trails)
• Binoculars (for spotting wildlife)
• Star chart or stargazing app
• Portable phone charger
• First aid kit with Band-Aids and blister pads

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

Moab has different vibes depending on when you visit. Here’s what to expect:

Spring (March-May): PERFECT! Temperatures are in the 60s-80s, wildflowers are blooming, and everything is beautiful. This is peak season, so expect crowds and book accommodations early.

Summer (June-August): HOT! Temperatures often exceed 100°F. If you visit in summer, hike early in the morning or late in the evening. Afternoons are best spent at the river or in air conditioning. On the plus side, summer has long days and beautiful sunsets.

Fall (September-November): Another great time! Temperatures cool down to 60s-80s, the crowds thin out after Labor Day, and the golden cottonwood trees add extra color to the red rocks. September and October are especially nice.

Winter (December-February): Quiet and peaceful! You might see snow on the red rocks, which is gorgeous. Some trails might be icy, and it can get cold (20s-40s), but you’ll have the parks almost to yourself. Just bundle up!

Important Safety Tips

Stay safe so you can enjoy your adventure! Follow these important rules:

• Drink LOTS of water: In the desert, you need to drink even when you don’t feel thirsty. Bring more water than you think you’ll need!
• Stay on trails: Going off-trail can damage fragile desert plants and soil crusts that took hundreds of years to form
• Watch for weather: Flash floods can happen in canyons even when it’s not raining where you are. If you see dark clouds, get to higher ground!
• Watch your step: Some trails have steep drop-offs. Stay back from edges and watch where you’re walking
• Tell someone your plans: Let a family member or friend know which trails you’re hiking and when you expect to be back
• Wildlife: Don’t feed animals or get too close. Enjoy them from a distance!
• Leave no trace: Pack out all your trash. Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints!