Located on the banks of the Colorado River, nestled in a fertile green valley between soaring red sandstone cliffs, the town of Moab is truly an emerald in the desert. Moab’s close proximity to several national and state parks, including Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point, has made it a popular destination and rendezvous point for travelers from around the country.
The town of Moab is the perfect base camp for any adventure in southeastern Utah. It’s location on the banks of the Colorado River makes it a lush oasis in the heart of a beautiful red rock desert. The town features an outstanding combination of knowledgeable local guides and outfitters, unique accommodations, and diverse cuisine.
From the shaded depths of thousand foot canyons to the snow capped peaks of 12,000 foot mountains, the landscape surrounding the town of Moab, Utah is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by some of the most diverse terrain in the world, Moab is a magnet for those that like to hike, bike, rock climb, raft, kayak, canoe, four wheel drive, sightseeing, take photographs or participate in virtually any outdoor activity they can imagine.
Major Attractions
Arches National Park is a red rock wonderland containing some of the most scenic and inspiring landscapes on Earth. Although over 2,000 arches are located within the park's 76,000 acres, the park also contains an astounding variety of other geological formations. Colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires dwarf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints and hiking trails.
Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in the state, and its diversity staggers the imagination. Three unique districts divided by the Green and Colorado Rivers, the Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze, offer a vast array of terrain to explore on foot, by car, by jeep and even by river.
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Utah's most spectacular spots. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the park provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculptured pinnacles and buttes.
Movie Sites. Since 1949 the Moab area has been a popular location for Hollywood movies. Movies filmed in our area range from the old John Wayne classics to more recent hits such as Geronimo, City Slickers II, and Mission Impossible II. Thelma and Louise took their final leap into the Colorado River from along the Shafer Trail under Dead Horse Point near Moab! Numerous commercials, and more recently music videos, have been filmed here.
Wineries. Wine tasters and connoisseurs from around the world are often quite surprised to learn that there are two vineyards and wineries right here in Moab area. Moab's long growing season coupled with its fertile, sandy soils has resulted in production of quite a few world-class wines. Visitors can spend half a day enjoying both Moab area wineries and their tasting rooms, or take a quick tour of either one.
Activities
Biking. Moab is the desert mountain biking capitol of the country. The Moab Slickrock Trail at the outskirts of town is world-famous, while the numerous other trails through the surrounding red rock canyon country offer great riding opportunities for all skill levels.
Whitewater Rafting. The Colorado River passes by Moab on its meandering way through the beautiful desert countryside. Great rafting runs abound both here and on the Green River, which joins the Colorado in nearby Canyonlands National Park.
Scenic Drives. See the spectacular terrain from the comfort of your automobile on a number of scenic drives near Moab.
Hiking. Hiking trails both in the nearby national parks and in nearby state parks and national forests are accessible most of the year.
Jeep / ATV Tours. Get off the pavement and explore the desert landscape by motorized vehicle, either on your own or with a guide. Moab's slickrock hides dozens of great spots for Jeeps, ATVs, and other offroad vehicles.
Events and Activities
There's plenty to keep you busy in Moab. Click here for an updated list of events and activities in the Moab area.
