Moab Guide
Moab is the adventure capital of the Southwest, and it earned the title the hard way — this was a sleepy uranium-boom town in the 1950s (the yellowcake that armed the Cold War came out of these hills) before mountain bikers, climbers, and river runners rediscovered it in the ’80s. Now it’s the launch point for Arches and Canyonlands, the Colorado River, the Slickrock Bike Trail, and the Jeep-crawling of Easter’s Jeep Safari. It sits in a green oasis of a valley walled by red cliffs, packed with outfitters, breweries, and taco joints, and it runs hot and full March through October.
| Cost | lodging $150+ in season; town free to wander |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 2–4 days as a base |
| Best season | March–October; brutal midsummer heat |
| Where | Moab · Canyon Country Alabama |
📍 Where: Moab, Utah · 38.5743, -109.5619
Common questions
When's the best time to visit Moab?
Best season: March–October; brutal midsummer heat.
How much does it cost?
lodging $150+ in season; town free to wander. Prices drift — confirm before you go.
How long should I plan for?
Plan for about 2–4 days as a base.
Is it actually worth the trip?
Our rating: Non-negotiable. The adventure capital of the Southwest and the only sane basecamp for Arches and Canyonlands, with a uranium past and a mountain-bike present. Book early or sleep in the car.
One of 120 in Kick the Bucket List: Utah
The full book is 120 checkable picks like this one — with a Bucket Rating on every entry telling you what's worth the drive and what to skip. A keepsake you fill in and score.
Get the Utah book →More Utah Kick-It Picks
Ski the Deep End in the Cottonwoods
Non-negotiableStand Under the Icon
Non-negotiableChase the Stars at 8,000 Feet
Non-negotiableStand Over the Hoodoos
Non-negotiableVerified 2026-07. Prices and hours change — confirm before you drive. Something wrong? Tell us.