When it’s time to make the most of a great getaway opportunity, some travelers can’t imagine a trip without plenty of sugar-white beaches, emerald waves, and shoreline adventures involved. Others are more drawn to the mountains when it’s time to rest and relax. Still, others find their best vacation self comes out when they’re headed somewhere dominated by beautiful desert landscapes and options to get out and explore red rocks and canyons in abundance. If the latter sounds like you, planning a trip to mesmerizing Moab in the summer or fall is bound to be the best choice you’ll make all year! 

Moab is a vacation destination of majestic proportions situated in eastern Utah that still finds a way to retain its welcoming charm. As a gateway to some of the nation’s most enchanting National and State Parks, Moab is endlessly alluring to those who have a heart for outdoor adventure and adrenaline-pumping fun. Still, its scenic surroundings, collection of savory restaurants, and boutique shops make it a destination just as well suited to travelers who are looking to enjoy a getaway at a more leisurely pace. 

No matter how you spend your time in Moab this summer or fall, making the experience begins with creating a comprehensive itinerary that takes every amazing destination into account! The following are a few stops, activities, and attractions that are sure to elevate your summer or fall escape from a great time to an unforgettable experience that will have you coming back to Moab for more in the future! 

Things to Do While You’re Here: From Pristine Parks to Thrilling Bike Trails

It’s hard to imagine a trip to beautiful Moab without some well-deserved time set aside to explore and experience iconic Arches National Park. While summer is a season that brings travelers this way in droves, those who book a fall getaway will likely find this appealing park to be a bit less crowded if that’s the goal. Either way, it’s a place that showcases some of nature’s very best work and isn’t to be missed no matter when you arrive in town. 

Arches National Park sits just north of Moab’s city center and is bordered by the Colorado River to the southeast. Since its establishment as a National Park in 1929, Arches has been captivating visitors and locals alike with its one-of-a-kind collection of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches it hosts! Experiencing these arches up close is an amazing experience whether you’re in the park to admire the view or can’t wait to capture it all on camera. While Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch are just a few of the many memorable formations to be found here, a day spent in Arches National Park on the trails is sure to inspire discoveries of all types.  

For all of the splendor that a stop at Arches National Park promises to provide, a trip to Moab in the summer or fall should also include time spent at Canyonlands National Park. A bit further from Moab, this intriguing destination offers a captivating collection of canyons to explore and observe, much as the name indicates. Featuring a dramatic desert landscape, Canyonlands is not a National Park that one could ever hope to see in a single day. It’s actually a collection of four distinct areas to explore and discover, each of which features its own collection of natural wonder and could take an extensive amount of time to enjoy thoroughly! This makes Canyonlands a place that’s worth returning to and a destination that offers up endless intrigue for those with a passion for pursuing time in nature. The park enjoys a maze of trails to be discovered and if you’re looking for added insight, consider booking a ranger-led tour through one of the main districts while you’re in the area.   

A third, and just as exciting stop to experience while you’re in Moab is Dead Horse Point State Park. This captivating destination is known for hosting some of the most scenic views the region has to offer up thanks to the many 2,000-foot vertical cliffs and canyons that make up the thrilling landscape. Hiking and biking trails abound at Dead Horse Point State Park which is a mere 32-miles from central Moab and wonderfully convenient to get to. 

While all of the national and state parks that adorn Moab’s landscape come with some inviting bike trails to take to, those that can’t wait to explore on two wheels at thrilling speeds will want to make Slickrock Bike Trail a top activity on their itinerary while they’re in town. This popular mountain biking destination is not for the faint of heart and is generally reserved for experienced mountain bikers looking to push their limits. At 10.5 miles in length, a trip along Slickrock takes cyclists past petrified sand dunes, over ancient sea beds, and across some truly unforgiving, yet undeniably beautiful terrain.  

Museums to Explore

While outdoor adventure is definitely a highlight during the summer or fall in Moab when the temperatures rise this time of year and you could use some time out of the sun to restore, heading to a museum is always a good option. Make your way to the Moab Museum at 118 E. Center Street Tuesday through Saturday any time between noon and 8:00 pm when you’re looking to pair an engaging experience with some regional education as well. This museum hosts a variety of displays and exhibits that highlight the area’s unique geology as well as its rich mining and pioneering past. In prehistoric times, dinosaurs roamed the landscape that now makes up Moab, so you won’t want to miss the exhibits that speak to the efforts in paleontology that are ongoing and work to discover more about the amazing creatures that once called Moab home. 

Once you’ve taken time to make your way through the Moab Museum, a stop at the Moab Information Center is in order. Situated at 25 E. Center Street, the Moab Information Center offers up a wealth of information related to local landmarks, activities, and events. The on-site staff is more than willing to answer questions, help you plan that ideal Moab adventure, or simply provide you with the trail maps you’ll need to make the most of the journey. Either way, it’s a place worth checking out when you want to get to know your vacation destination a little better. 

Tours to Take

For adrenaline-seeking travelers, Moab is a destination where you don’t have to look far to find heart-pounding adventures. A great way to experience the best of Moab’s dynamic landscape when you’re new to the area is to book an amazing adventure tour. For many visitors during fall and summer in Moab, a trip isn’t complete without a Hell’s Revenge 4×4 off-roading excursion that’s sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Over the course of 2.5 hours, a Hell’s Revenge off-road tour gives participants a chance to zoom over sandstone domes and Slickrock ledges that are truly breathtaking and best maneuvered by the professionals. Each UTV is generally able to seat up to four passengers at a time and some of the highlight sightseeing stops along the way include Abyss Canyon, the La Sal Mountains, and the mighty Colorado River.

For even more in the way of guided Moab tours and adventures, be sure to partner up with the outdoor recreation enthusiasts at Barlow Adventures. Headquartered at 284 N. Main Street, Barlow Adventures offers up options to enjoy guided Jeep tours that take you on a customized route past those Moab icons you can’t wait to see or can just as easily focus on the beautiful and thrilling Rubicon Trail.  

Family Outdoor Adventure

When it comes to summer and fall family fun in Moab, booking a few excursions through the Moab Adventure Center makes planning easy and the experience one-of-a-kind. Reserving your family’s place on a river rafting adventure with this company is a great way to experience the landscape in style and create memories everyone is sure to cherish long after you’ve returned home. These guided rafting trips can be booked as half or full-day experiences and can even include scenic stops to enjoy a BBQ lunch before hitting the rapids once more! 

Guided climbs with the Moab Adventure Center are also great family-focused excursions that allow everyone to learn new skills side by side in a setting that’s unbelievably beautiful. Climbing guides can customize excursions to meet varying skill levels and will cover the basics before you ever head out into the Moab scenery. 

Restaurants to Enjoy

Yes, a trip to Moab is bound to be filled with time in the great outdoors but for all of the energy spent exploring and discovering this amazing vacation destination, Moab is just as exciting when it comes to culinary adventures to be enjoyed! Travelers that head to Moab will find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars waiting to be savored, but there are always a few that stand out from the rest. When you’re in town and find yourself craving Southwest American fare in a setting made to match, heading to Desert Bistro is bound to be a good choice. Located at 36 S. 100 W., Desert Bistro offers up an intimate setting in which to enjoy dishes that are designed to showcase bold, Southwest flavors! Open Wednesday through Monday from 5:00 pm until close, Desert Bistro dinner options include everything from market fish and gorgonzola crusted beef tenderloin to Colorado lamb loin chops and bistro duck confit. 

When you’re up for something fresh, healthy, and casual at every turn, a meal at Moab Kitchen is a must! This eatery features vegan and plant-based fare served up from a food truck and best enjoyed on the spacious outdoor patio where you can indulge in good eats alongside family and friends. Moab Kitchen is found at 180 W. Center Street and provides guests with options that include everything from quinoa bowls and salads to savory soups and wraps that are good for the body and are sure to please the palate as well.  

Places to Stay in Moab

Whether you head to Moab in the name of outdoor adventure, can’t wait to explore the bustling downtown scene or are more interested in simply relaxing and unwinding in desert style, knowing you have accommodations in place that keep you comfortable, living luxuriously, and close to those places you can’t wait to explore can make all the difference. Moab travelers who partner with the property professionals at Empty Spaces Vacation Rental Management can expect all this and more when you reserve your place in one of our inviting homes away from home in Moab.  

At Empty Spaces Vacation Rental Management, our portfolio of Moab-based properties is designed with a customized experience in mind at every turn. Guests who book with us can pick and choose from a selection of properties that range from 4-bedroom abodes all the way up to 8-bedroom stays that can easily accommodate up to 27 guests at a time! Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple on a romantic getaway, or in the company of family and friends, we’re sure to have the rental you’re looking for. 

In addition to tasteful furnishings and incredible views, our Moab rentals are designed with luxury in mind, and many include vaulted ceilings, large flat-screen televisions, decorative Southwest art, and access to pools and hot tubs too. When you’re not dining out in Moab, you can easily serve up a home-style meal in one of the full kitchens hosted in many of our rentals as well. Where access to a private patio or balcony maximizes time with the view, large bedrooms with plush mattresses and high-quality linens make for a wonderful night’s sleep when resting up for Moab fun ahead.  

When you’re ready to turn Moab travel dreams into a reality, Empty Spaces Vacation Rental Management is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our amazing collection of Moab rental properties and to see how we can help you book your stay! 

While we never need a reason for a summer getaway, you can always use the 4^th of July as a great reason to visit Moab! This summer holiday is one of our favorite times here in the city, and you can easily see why. Moab will host a variety of fun events, and you will have access to many exciting activities. Take a look at what your 4^th of July in Moab can look this year:

4^th of July Beehive Bash in Moab

When it comes to throwing a celebratory bash that is worthy of the 4^th of July, there is no place better than Moab. One of the biggest celebrations in town is the annual 4^th of July Beehive Bash that takes place every year. This two-day celebration showcases our nation’s birthday with some exciting activities. The fun and excitement start the evening of July 3^rd with a free movie screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This movie screening is perfect for adult guests, with beers being offered at the showing. Don’t miss out watching this classic film starting at 9:00 PM. The remaining activities will all take place on July 4^th starting at 9:00 AM sharp. Join in on the fun for an exciting volleyball tournament that will last until 2:00 PM. Get together a crew and put your skills to the test with this fun yet competitive tournament. A variety of family games and activities will happen from noon to 4:00 PM. Some of the exciting activities included are a dunk tank, bounce house, watermelon eating contest, fire truck water spray, photo booth, and a beer garden for the adults. Later in the evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM the GCHS mountain bike team will be showcasing a fundraiser dinner. Last but certainly not least, the Beehive Bash will end with a free concert from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM with artists Shuffle. All of these exciting activities will take place at Swanny Park located at 100 West and 400 East. Don’t forget to stick around for the dazzling fireworks display that will take place when the concert ends at 9:00 PM. Now that is the 4^th of July done right!

4^th of July River Parade in Moab

Another incredible annual event that takes place in Moab each year is the 4^th of July Rafting Parade. This aquatic event takes place on the Colorado River for a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Just as the name suggests, the event is a parade on the river with local companies decking out patriotic floats to display. The Rafting Parade will take place on the 4^th of July and will be available to view at two different times: 8:15 AM and 11:30 AM. Seating is limited for this popular event, so make sure you get to the viewing areas early. Each child in attendance will receive a free 4^th of July souvenir just for showing up. Make sure to dress up for the occasion, as the best costume will win an incredible prize! Spots for the 4^th of July River Parade in Moab can be booked through Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours. You can book your rafting experience by calling 970-247-4789. Don’t miss out on this fantastic 4^th of July experience exclusive only to Moab!

Exciting Summer Activities

When it comes to a fun and exciting summer season, you simply cannot beat visiting Moab. We are known for a great outdoor season that is full of exciting activities. You can explore the area with hiking or mountain biking. Pick up a mountain bike from a local rental shop or book a mountain bike tour experience. If you want to see Moab from a different angle, you can book a horseback riding experience through the La Sal Mountains. As mentioned, we are nearby the Colorado River so you can expect plenty of boating and rafting. Many visitors come down for the white-water rafting that is some of the best in the state. Look out for white water rafting tours that go through Westwater Canyon or Cataract Canyon. The Green River is also close by and features plenty of rafting options too. If you want to beat the heat, book an early morning ATV or Jeep tour that will take you across the canyons from the comfort of a luxury vehicle. You can also stay cool by visiting a local attraction such as the Moab Film Museum. Local wineries such as Castle Creek Winery produce award-winning wines, so stop by for a tasting or grab a bottle to go. The options are endless when you visit around the 4^th of July!

Book Your Stay in Moab

There is plenty of fun and excitement waiting for you in Moab when you visit for the 4^th of July. Book your stay today by reserving one of our vacation rentals in Moab.