Best Things to Do in Moab, Utah: Must-See Landmarks and Attractions
Moab is one of the American Southwest’s most unforgettable destinations. Towering sandstone arches, narrow slot canyons, ancient rock formations, and endless desert skies create a landscape that feels both cinematic and deeply grounding. Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend escape or building a larger Utah road trip itinerary through the national parks, there are countless things to do in Moab for travelers seeking adventure, wellness, and connection with nature. From hikes and scenic drives to immersive desert experiences beneath the stars, here are some of the best things to do in Moab and where to stay for upscale comfort in nature.
Explore Arches National Park
No visit to Moab is complete without experiencing the beauty of Arches National Park. Home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, the park feels almost otherworldly, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sandstone glows in shades of crimson and orange.
Arches Scenic Drive is a 36-mile round-trip route that winds through some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section. Hike the Delicate Arch Trail for an up-close look at Utah’s famous arch, or explore Devil’s Garden, where towering fins and formations line the trail to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world. Between scenic viewpoints and hikes, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring one of the most unique landscapes in the desert Southwest.
Check out our Ultimate Arches National Park Itinerary for one to three days exploring the park.
Discover Canyonlands National Park
While Arches is known for its unique rock formations, Canyonlands National Park inspires awe through scale. Carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers over millions of years, the park is a landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes stretching endlessly toward the horizon.
The Island in the Sky district is the easiest-to-reach section for sightseeing, with sweeping overlooks such as Green River Overlook and Grand View Point. The short hike to Mesa Arch is especially beautiful at sunrise when golden light illuminates the arch from beneath. Nearby Upheaval Dome offers a look at one of Utah’s most fascinating geological wonders.
Walk Around Downtown Moab
Downtown Moab has a mix of eclectic local shops, art galleries, restaurants, and breweries that cater to all tastes. As you stroll down Main Street, the friendly, small-town atmosphere invites you to explore shop windows ranging from artisan boutiques to outdoor gear shops, or to enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshment at the Moab Food Truck Park.
Wander Through Moab’s Slot Canyons
Among the best things to do in Moab is exploring the region’s slot canyons. Mary Jane Slot Canyon is a favorite during warmer months thanks to its shaded passages, creek crossings, and waterfall hidden deep inside the canyon. The 8-mile round-trip hike leads you through dramatic red rock scenery before opening into a cool desert oasis with a 30-foot cascade framed by towering canyon walls.
Stargaze Beneath Moab’s Dark Skies
Few places compare to Moab for stargazing. With minimal light pollution and expansive desert horizons, the night skies here feel clear and close enough to touch. Arches and Canyonlands are both designated International Dark Sky Parks, making them some of the best places to see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and constellations with the naked eye.
However, when you stay at ULUM Moab, you can simply step onto your private deck or gather around the fire to experience the desert sky after dark. As a certified Dark Sky resort, ULUM celebrates the wonder of the night sky with curated stargazing experiences paired with the comfort of safari-inspired suite tents beneath the stars.
Go Mountain Biking on the Slickrock Trail
Moab is one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations. With climbs and descents on huge sandstone slabs and petrified dunes, you’ll find the most fun you can have on two wheels. The 10.7-mile Slickrock Trail loop is one of the most well-known trails in Moab and is on many people’s list of favorite mountain biking trails near Moab.
Off-Road on Hell’s Revenge
Hell’s Revenge is Moab’s famous slickrock trail, known for steep sandstone ridgelines, dramatic drops, panoramic desert views, and dinosaur tracks if you look carefully. A guided slickrock Hummer safari is a fun and adventurous activity for couples, friends, and families alike, and is even more memorable at sunset.
Paddle the Colorado River
Floating down the Colorado River beneath towering canyon walls is another unforgettable way to experience Moab. Rafting tours range from peaceful, scenic floats to exhilarating whitewater adventures, allowing you to choose the pace of your adventure as you cruise past red rock cliffs and hidden beaches.
Spot Ancient Petroglyphs
Moab’s landscapes hold thousands of years of human history, and one of the best ways to experience that connection is by viewing ancient petroglyphs (or rock art) carved into canyon walls. Along Potash Road and Utah Scenic Byway 279, you can stop to see remarkably preserved rock art panels created by Indigenous peoples centuries ago. These carvings offer a window into the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants, telling stories through stone.
Explore Dead Horse Point State Park
Located about 45 minutes from ULUM Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is home to one of the most photographed viewpoints in the American Southwest, high above a dramatic bend in the Colorado River. The Rim Loop Trail is a scenic hike along the canyon edge with expansive views and fewer crowds than the nearby national parks. Sunset is especially beautiful here, when the desert glows in shades of gold, rust, and violet.
Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop Road
The La Sal Mountain Loop Road offers a striking contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. The route climbs from red rock canyons into alpine forests, and mountain overlooks with sweeping views of Moab, Castle Valley, and the Colorado River corridor below. During the fall, golden aspens line sections of the drive, while summer brings cooler temperatures and lush greenery that feels worlds away from the desert floor.
Wellness Experiences at ULUM Moab
Not every moment in Moab needs to revolve around adventure. One of the defining elements of a stay at ULUM Moab is the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the landscape in a more restorative way. Guests can begin the morning with guided yoga surrounded by red rock formations, soak in hot and cold dipping pools, or unwind with sound bath meditation resonating through the desert’s stillness. For deeper relaxation, the Massage Cave offers a uniquely grounding treatment experience in a natural stone-carved space, enhanced with Aesop massage oils.
Escape to ULUM Moab
The best things to do in Moab are not simply places to see, but experiences that draw you deeper into the desert. At ULUM Moab, mornings begin with red rock views and quiet moments on your private deck before a delicious breakfast, days unfold through national parks, scenic trails, and canyon overlooks, and evenings settle in with desert sunsets followed by star-filled skies. With safari-inspired suite tents, refined dining, and restorative wellness experiences, ULUM offers an elevated desert escape that feels immersive, effortless, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
