If you’re looking for a long weekend adventure, Moab is the place. This desert oasis is 5.5 hours from Denver. Once there, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by canyon walls carved out from the Colorado River.
From Mid-April to September, Moab is…hot. No surprise here. But you can still create yourself an incredible weekend if you plan accordingly. Moab itself has plenty of activities to do and it also sits right outside of Arches and Canyonlands National Park. The possibilities are endless in this little desert town. We enjoyed a little of all three and here’s what I would highly Recommend checking out:
Arches National Park
The drive through Arches alone is absolutely amazing. Buttes and rock formations sky rocket out of the earth in this unique landscape. Luckily, most of the hikes and viewpoints are short so you can knock out a lot in one day.
Delicate Arch
I now know why Utah brags about this arch on their license plate and everything else connected to this state. I found myself in complete awe admiring the natural wonder. There are two different viewpoints to check out Delicate Arch but I would definitely endure the 3-mile hike to get closer, at sunrise if you can. We saw people of all ages enjoying the trail as well.
Broken Arch
This was one hike that we never planned on doing but I’m so glad we did. The trailhead is hidden inside of Devils Campground but can also be accessed from the Sand Dune Arch Trail. This loop is flat and you’ll find yourself weaving in and out of sandstone formations. Take a quick detour to check out Tapestry first and continue on to Broken Arch.
Devils Garden Primitive Loop
Beyond the paved trail, one can find themselves truly deep in the unique landscape of Arches. This sandy, sometimes discrete trail will lead you to seven natural arches. I’d recommend doing this 8-mile loop counterclockwise. There are a few steep climbs or descents down the slick rock and we were glad we went in this direction. It’s relatively flat but bring plenty of water and snacks as the Moab sun can be unforgiving.
Canyonlands
Canyonlands is split into ‘Districts’ and there isn’t a road that drives through the whole park. The closest district from Moab is Island In The Sky which showcases some beautiful vistas and the famous Mesa Arch. If you’re interested in the other districts, The Needles and The Maze, plan on driving anywhere from 2-6 hours to get there and back to Moab.
Mesa Arch
This is a popular one, especially at sunrise. Despite the crowds, it’s worth checking out because the arch has inframed a beautiful view of the vast landscape below. Be careful, just beyond the arch is a 1,500ft drop into the canyon.
Shafer Canyon Overlook
Make a quick stop here before leaving the park and maybe you’ll catch some vehicles off-roading up the narrow switchbacks.
Moab
Like I mentioned above, there is plenty to do in and around Moab. If you’re looking for the off-beaten path away from tourists, here are some hikes for you:
Mary Jane Slot Canyon
This ‘secret’ slot canyon is a must. I wouldn’t consider it a slot canyon but it’s still a beautiful hike and perfect way to beat the heat. Follow 128 until you reach Professor Valley Rd. There’s limited parking so plan to leave early. The trail is unmarked but begins right behind the ‘no camping’ sign. Plan to hike in water almost the entire time, but honestly, it feels great. There are a few dry washes, follow the one with water the entire time. The first few miles are more exposed to the sun than the last 1-1.5 miles. About 4 miles in, you will reach the Waterfall. It’s not deep enough to swim in but it’s refreshing! (coordinates: 38.683787, -109.355686)
Grandstaff Trail
We felt like we were in a tropical oasis on this hike. Slightly humid and sunny but there’s a creek to cool off in. Plan on crossing the creek a handful of times and dodging poison ivy. At the end, you’ll find Morning Glory Natural Bridge. It’s the 5th largest bridge in the world. Enjoy the shade and hikers repelling down the bridge before heading back.
Corona and Bowtie Arch
Another must-see away from crowds. Follow Potash road and enjoy more views of the Colorado River before getting to get to the trailhead. On the trail, you’ll cross some train tracks, follow green marks, climb and natural ladder before arriving to Bowtie Arch. Shortly after, you’ll arrive at Corona Arch. Hike past it and enjoy the canyon views before making the trek back.
Book a Self-Drive 4×4 Hells Revenge Tour
Enjoy Moab from a different perspective! (And without the worry of banging up your own vehicle!) I’m a proud scaredy cat when it comes to heights so this was a big step for me to sign up. Hells Revenge is a popular off-roading trail and listed as Hard on AllTrails but we felt completely safe with Aaron from Xtreme 4×4 Tours. The tour lasted 2.5 hours and we enjoyed some of the best views Moab has to offer. Book your tour here.
Catch a Sunset
There are so many overlooks and vistas near Moab. The possibilities are endless! Head over to Dead Horse State Park with a little more of a crowd and watch the sandstone landscape change colors as the sun sets over the canyon below. For a quieter spot, drive down 128 in either direction to find your own private showing. This is a popular spot for elopements! Learn more about planning your stunning sunset elopement with me today!
Places to Eat
If you’re needing a break from the heat, stop by Milts Stop and Eat for a burger and a shake. (Their turkey melt is to die for!) For breakfast, check out Love Muffin. They have the best breakfast burritos and I’m still dreaming about their apple cinnamon muffin.