11 Moab Sunrise & Sunset Spots for Your Bucket List
Some of Moab’s most unforgettable moments unfold at the edges of the day—when the light softens and the desert transforms in a wash of shifting color. As the sun rises or sets over sandstone arches and red rock cliffs, the landscape glows in gold, orange, and pink tones. Whether you’re starting your morning with a peaceful hike or winding down with a drink and desert views, this guide highlights the best places to experience a Moab sunrise or sunset you won’t soon forget.
Arches National Park
Sunset at Delicate Arch
Utah’s most iconic landmark, Delicate Arch, is a must-see—especially at golden hour. Sunrise offers a quieter experience, but sunset brings out the deep, glowing colors that make this arch the best sunset in Moab. The Delicate Arch Trail leads you to this towering natural arch, famously featured on Utah’s license plate. Make the hike and watch as the red rock glows in the golden light of day’s end.
Delicate Arch Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Moderate
The trail begins with a bridge from the parking area and gradually transitions from packed dirt to open slickrock. There’s no shade, so come prepared with water, sun protection, and solid footwear. Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours roundtrip, and expect company since this is the most popular hike in Arches National Park.
Sunrise at Panorama Point
Perched on a hill, Panorama Point offers wide-open views of Arches National Park and the surrounding high desert. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the La Sal Mountains, Fiery Furnace, or Devils Garden from your car or a nearby picnic area. It’s easily accessible, peaceful, and also great for stargazing after dark.
Sunrise at Double Arch
Soak in the glow of sunrise at this impressive double arch, where soft morning light filters through its towering spans. Just a short 0.6-mile roundtrip walk from the parking area, it’s an easy and rewarding stop. Located in the Windows Section, home to one of the highest concentrations of arches in the park, it’s a great jumping-off point to explore nearby favorites like The Windows and Turret Arch, all within steps of each other.
Sunrise or Sunset at The Windows and Turret Arch
With its natural stone “windows” framing the sky, this area is a photographer’s dream. The North and South Windows and nearby Turret Arch glow beautifully in the early morning or late afternoon. The famed view of Turret Arch through the North Window is especially striking and is best photographed at sunrise or sunset.
Sunset Arches Discovery Tour
For those looking to experience Arches without planning every detail, the guided Arches Discovery Tour is a great option. You’ll visit many of the park’s highlights by vehicle and can opt for a short guided hike at sunset. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Arches, where you can relax, take it all in, and savor the moment.
Canyonlands National Park
Sunrise at Mesa Arch
A short, easy trail leads to this perfectly framed arch, where the rising sun lights up its underside in a brilliant red-orange glow that flashes gold as the sun rises. Not only is it one of the best Moab sunrise experiences—it’s one of the top arches to visit in the entire region.
Sunrise at Grand View Point
Located at the southern end of the Island in the Sky District, this overlook lives up to its name. A quick, paved walk leads to panoramic views stretching across endless canyons, distant plateaus, and the La Sal Mountains beyond.
Sunset at Green River Overlook
A favorite for its west-facing vantage point, this overlook offers expansive views of the Green River and the mountainscape backdrop. No hiking is needed since the overlook is just a short walk from where you park your car to a stunning, panoramic sunset.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Sunrise at Dead Horse Point
Rising 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point offers a breathtaking view of the river’s horseshoe bend and the vast canyons. At sunrise, soft light spills over the cliffs, illuminating the layered rock in warm tones. It’s one of the most extraordinary ways to start your day in Moab.
Outside of the Parks
Hummer Sunset Safari
For a sunset with a bit more edge, hop in a 4×4 and explore the red rock fins of Hell’s Revenge. The Hummer Sunset Safari blends off-road adventure with epic golden hour views, offering a fun, rugged way to take in the desert light as the sun dips below the horizon.
Explore this and other thrilling adventures offered by ULUM.
La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive for Sunset
Scenic drives are the perfect ways to explore Moab sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of air conditioning. For a refreshing change of scenery, head into the mountains on the La Sal Loop. Starting from Highway 128 toward Castle Valley, this 60-mile scenic route climbs into the cooler elevations of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The drive offers consistent, west-facing views over Moab, making it an easy, rewarding way to enjoy sunset from the comfort of your car.
ULUM Moab
Start your day with a desert sunrise—either during morning yoga or from the comfort of your private deck, barista-made coffee in hand. Then head to the Lobby for a gourmet breakfast, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Looking Glass Arch and climbers rappelling from its rim. At ULUM Moab, every sunset is a moment to remember. Watch the sky turn cotton-candy pink from a seat by the fire with a cocktail in hand, then unwind in your safari-inspired tent for a peaceful night in luxury under the stars.
