Surrounded by two famous national forests, Moab is home to more than a thousand miles of trails and canyons, multiple rivers, and countless unforgettable views. For both seasoned visitors and new visitors alike, it’s hard to know where to start! When considering a vacation in Moab, there are a few experiences that you don’t want to miss:
Biking in Moab
There are many noteworthy biking experiences in Moab with two of the most popular being the Slickrock Trails and The Whole Enchilada. Depending on the time of year, these trails may be a bit crowded, but they’re well worth it. A trip down the Whole Enchilada will bring you down 7,000 feet from the top of La Sal Hill to the Colorado River in 27 miles. The Amasa Back/Captain Ahab, Sovereign, or Navajo Rocks routes are fantastic, though the Magnificent 7 tops them all in the eyes of many. The 26-plus-mile ride showcases nearly everything makes riding in Moab so special, including ledge drops, slickrock, and of course, endless views.
For an endurance challenge, try White Rim Path, which circumnavigates Island in the Sky, a broad plateau over the Green and Colorado Rivers. You can make the 100-mile trip in a day if you’re really motivated or break it up into a multi-day adventure.
Avid bicyclists should plan to hit the La Sal Hill Loophole, a paved 60-plus-mile trip that twists around the nearby La Sal Range. You can enjoy the ride any time, or join the Grand Fondo Moab in early May to bike with other enthusiasts.
Climbing in Moab
A great place to begin your Moab climbing journey is at Ice Cream Parlor, an area 8 miles outside of town with several moderate routes, leading up to one of the area’s most significant sandstone towers. Alternatively, making the hour drive south to the splits of Indian Creek is also highly recommended. For intermediate climbers, the Quality III Kor-Ingells course on Castle Valley’s Castleton Tower is a long, difficult route topped by a football-field-size area with a 300′ rappel down that’s most exciting you’ll experience in the area. The American Alpine Institute has named it one of the 50 classic climbs up in North America.
Hiking in Moab
Prefer walking? Moab has no shortage of hiking opportunities for both novice and experienced hikers. Arches has a moderate three-mile walk to Delicate Arch while Canyonlands’ touts the beautiful Lathrop Canyon Path, a 22-mile round-trip. However, the very best hiking can’t be found in a park. About 40 miles north of the city is Fisher Towers. The modest 4.4-mile round-trip provides gorgeous views of the Colorado River and Castle Valley. It’s not overly crowded like many of the national parks, and unlike the parks, it’s pet friendly, so you do not need to leave your furry friend behind.
For a more adventurous getaway, consider a canyoneering trip. There are many slots available to explore, and though you could venture out on your own, it’s advisable to go with a guide. Flooding, falling rocks, and getting lost are common dangers for even experienced hikers, so it’s much safer to go guided.
Rafting in Moab
While most of Moab’s outdoor adventures happen on the red rock, there are many adventures to be had on the water, too, as many of the best river trips in the country begin in the Moab area. A well-known favorite is a four-day Colorado River trip via Cataract Canyon. You’ll wind 96 miles through Canyonlands National Park through Class II– IV rapids, before returning to Moab.
For a more leisurely experience, rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore by yourself, or book a guided trip, and wind around the Colorado.
Moab Vacation Rentals
When choosing your Moab Utah lodging, we would love for you to make your new favorite vacation memories in our luxurious Moab UT vacation rentals! Their amazing amenities and close proximity to all of Moab’s outdoor adventures make them ideal places to stay during your Moab vacation. Our pet-friendly Moab vacation rentals are great for small families or large groups, accommodating up to 51 guests. Empty Spaces VRM is proud to host a portfolio of vacation rentals in Moab that are designed to inspire travelers of all types and preferences. No matter what your property must-haves are, guests who book our rentals will enjoy the fact that each vacation home comes with:
- Plenty of parking spaces so everyone has a place to park
- Fresh linens, towels, and plush bedding from high-end retailers such as Restoration Hardware, West Elm, and Pottery Barn
- State-of-the-art streaming TV and fast Wi-Fi internet throughout the home
- Child-friendly features and activities, including a high chair, kid dinnerware, pack-n-play, games and toys, and more.
- A convenient stock of standard household products including trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, shampoos, and detergents.
- A fully-stocked gourmet kitchen with mixing bowls, pots and pans, mixer, blender, griddle, Keurig, and a standard coffee maker
- A pantry with basic food staples, coffee filters, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, napkins, baggies, and more
Ready to book? Call or text a reservationist to save up to 25% off your Moab vacation!
