Moab

Moab is a unique Western community situated in the red rock country of Southeastern Utah on the Colorado River. Arches National Park is only six miles from downtown and Canyonlands National Park is 32 miles from Moab. The city is surrounded by public lands used for recreation including mountain biking, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, highlining, B.A.S.E. jumping, skydiving, disc golf, and cross-country skiing. Because the area is rich in recreational opportunities, Moab has become the hub of tourist activity and services.

Moab is accessible by air through Canyonland Field Airport, which has commuter service to Denver and Salt Lake City. Bookings from beyond can be ticketed with United or Delta to reach Moab. Ground transportation between Moab and the airport should be reserved in advance. By road, Moab's Main Street is part of US Route 191.

Moab's Main Street is part of US Route 191. Traveling north on Main will get you to Arches National Park, Canyonland Field Airport, and Interstate 70. To get to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park by backcountry dirt road, use Utah State Route 279, which intersects US-191 near the entrance to Arches National Park. To access Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point by pavement, continue farther north on Hwy 191 to Utah State Route 313.

Summer temperatures in Moab can get very hot. Travelers should drink extra fluids as needed and plan outdoor activities for cooler morning or evening hours. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures for hiking and outdoor recreation.

Moab offers accommodations ranging from budget hostels to hotels. The Lazy Lizard Hostel at 1213 S Hwy 191 is probably the cheapest accommodation in Moab, with dorms from $13/bed and private rooms from $35/single. The Cali Cochitta Bed & Breakfast at 110 South 200 East offers rooms from $85-165 in a renovated late 1800s home. Mid-range options include the Aarchway Inn (1551 North Highway 191) with 97 rooms, pool, and complimentary breakfast, and the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn (16 S Main St) with pool and hot tub.

Moab has diverse dining options. ZAX at the corner of 100 South and Main St is a family restaurant with a pizza bar, open 11:00AM to close. Pasta Jay's at 4 South Main St is known for its tortellone dishes. For drinks, the Moab Brewery at 686 S Main St has been serving great food and beer since 1996, open Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-11PM. Spanish Valley Vineyards produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer wines available at local restaurants and the Moab liquor store.

Moab is an adventure capital with numerous activity providers. NAVTEC Expeditions (321 N. Main St) offers Colorado River rafting trips including Fisher Towers, Westwater Canyon, and Cataract Canyon, plus 4x4 and hiking tours. Red River Adventures (1140 S. Main St) is Moab's only company permitted to guide rafting, canyoneering, and rock climbing in house. Tex's Riverways (691 North 500 West) has provided canoe and kayak outfitting since 1958 on the Colorado and Green Rivers. Skydive Moab at 114 W Aviation Way offers dives with views of Arches buttes, Dead Horse Point, and the Colorado River.

Notable sights include the Dan O'Laurie Museum of Moab at 118 E Center St, specializing in local history, geology, paleontology, mining, and anthropology. The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks trailhead is located 13 miles north of Moab on U.S. Highway 191 near mile marker 141, featuring Morrison Formation dinosaur fossils and petrified wood along a half-mile hike. Castle Valley is a town located at the foot of Porcupine Rim.

In summer, Moab can get very hot. Drink extra fluids as needed. If you plan to go off-roading or camping out on the trails, take at least one gallon of water per person per day.

From Moab, the main onward destinations are Arches National Park (6 miles north on US-191), Canyonlands National Park (32 miles away), and Dead Horse Point State Park (accessible via Utah State Route 313). North on US-191 leads toward Vernal via Thompson Springs, while south leads toward Monticello.