5 Fun Things To DO in Moab On a Weekend Trip
What’s up Adventurer? In this article we’re going to go over 5 of my favorite activities to do on a weekend trip to Moab!
Moab, Utah is made for outdoor enthusiast’s. I’m an avid outdoor enthusiast, and I can verify that Moab has it all. With rock climbing, off-roading, rafting, canyoneering and world-class hiking and biking trails, I can almost guarantee you will find it hard to take a day to rest. That is also what makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start (especially if you haven’t been there). That’s why I’ve put together a list of my top 5 favorite things to do in Moab, to help you make the most of your weekend trip.
For a weekend trip, you will be limited in time. So, here are 5 of my top recommendations for things to do in Moab when you can only visit for a weekend.
- Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
- Take a quick trip to Canyonlands National Park#canyonlands-national-park
- Take a scenic drive down Potash Road and hike Corona Arch Trail
- Mountain Bike in iconic Moab Trails
- River float down the Colorado River
Let’s take a look at my top 5 recommendations on what to do in Moab for a weekend trip.
1. Hike to Delicate Arch
Arches National Park is a quick 10 minute drive from downtown Moab. It is a quick jump over to see one of the most iconic landmarks in Moab. In fact, you’ve probably seen it on a screensaver or stock photo somewhere. This is, of course, Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. This natural arch, is easy to get to, and (I’d say) is a must-see for any first-time visitor. The hike to Delicate Arch is a moderate 3-mile round trip hike that weaves you through a beautiful desert landscape. The trail is well-maintained year-round and offers stunning views of the surrounding rock formations. I would highly recommend getting out early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. Also don’t forget you National Park pass if you have one.
2. Explore Canyonlands National Park
Next is Canyonlands National Park. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Moab to the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. You can do an entire scenic drive that takes about 2 hours depending on how often you stop. That being said, The Island in the Sky visitor center has beautiful views, and is open 7-days a week throughout the year. A couple other popular views in the park include Mesa Arch and the Green River Overlook. There are hikes and off-roading trails, however I think you can get a good sense of the park from the lookouts.
3. Take a Scenic Drive on the Potash Road
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Moab is to take a scenic drive on the Potash Road. This was unexpectedly one of my favorite drives. This road winds its way along the Colorado River and offers stunning views of the red rock cliffs and buttes. Along the way, there are several pull-offs where you can stop and explore the area. One of my favorite stops is the Corona Arch Trailhead. It is a short, moderate hike to a beautiful natural arch (corona arch pictured above). The hike is only 6 miles round trip and it is mostly flat. The views are stunning, and it is a great way to get some exercise, and see one on the beautiful natural arches around Moab. Also, keep an eye out on the rock faces, on the side of the road. You may see some climbers on the walls. It is a great place for advanced climbers to try out their skills.
4. Go Mountain Biking
Moab is also known as a mountain biking mecca… and for good reason. The area offers a wide variety of trails for all skill levels, from easy scenic rides to challenging technical trails. My personal favorite (and one of the most famous) is the Slickrock Trail, which is a 10.5-mile loop that takes you through some of the most iconic landscapes in Moab. If you don’t bring your own bike, you can always rent one from one of the local Moab bike rental shops. Be sure and tell them you came from Utah-Activities!
5. Go Rafting on the Colorado River
Lastly, a river float is always a good way to cap off a trip. It’s a really fun way to see some of the red rocks from a different perspective. After your morning coffee, get a guide, and take a trip down the Colorado River. There are several companies in Moab that offer half-day and full-day trips. Check out Discover Moab for local Moab raft guides, and more info on availability. You can choose to do a leisurely float trip with the family. OR if you want to get some adrenaline going, you can do a white water trip. Whichever you choose, you’ll get stunning views of the red rock landscape floating your way down the river. And as I said, you’ll have a chance to cool off during the trip by jumping in the river. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat. Even though it’s cooler on the river, it’s still a lot of time in the sun.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Those are my top 5 recommendations for what to do on a weekend trip to Moab. But these recommendations are just scratching the surface of the activities available here. It can be exhausting to pack in so many activities, but Moab is the perfect place to do it. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to see and do it all. So make sure you plan out your days accordingly, and don’t forget to plan time to eat with all the fun you’ll be having 😉.
I know, no matter what you choose, you will have a good time. For now though, get to planning, and get out and adventure!