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
Hey there, adventure seekers! Ready for the weekend trip of a lifetime? Moab, Utah is calling your name, and trust me—this desert paradise is about to become your new favorite place on Earth!
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.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (there are some metal rungs and a ladder, which makes it extra fun!)
- Cool Factor: 10/10 – you’ll want a million photos!
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!
Pro Tip: Go in the late afternoon for the best lighting. The arch glows orange and red in the evening sun, making for incredible photos!
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!
Quick Facts:
- Distance: 0.2 miles (basically just a short walk!)
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Super easy
- Height: 91 feet tall—that’s like a 9-story building made of rock!
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.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (uphill with some steep sections)
- Elevation gain: 480 feet
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!
Fun Fact: Delicate Arch is made of Entrada Sandstone and is about 65 feet wide. Scientists think it will eventually collapse (like all arches do), but don’t worry—that won’t happen for thousands of years!
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!
Trail Details:
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: Everyone! This is a great hike if you’re tired from Delicate Arch
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!
Movie Magic: You might recognize Double Arch from movies! It was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. How cool is that?
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!
Pro Tip: Arches National Park can get REALLY hot in summer (over 100°F!), so start your hikes early in the morning. Also, there’s no food or water available in the park, so pack everything you need!