Moab holidays
Located on the doorstep of Arches National Park, this tiny city in the heart of Utah’s rocky desert landscapes lures thrill-seekers with its crimson cliffs and alpine peaks. The best holidays to Moab are all about hiking, biking and road-tripping through a wonderland of ancient sandstone formations. In town, you’ll find everything you need to recharge, from ‘down-home’ diners and luxury lodges to Wild West–style saloons.
Moab holiday highlights
Moab
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Arches of wonder
No holiday to Moab is complete without a visit to Arches National Park. This extraordinary world of soaring pinnacles, rock stacks and arches was carved over 65 million years. And the landscape is still changing today. Take a ranger-led tour or get a permit to tick off the legendary Fiery Furnace — a short yet challenging hike through narrow passages and vibrant desert terrain.
Stellar stargazing
It’s worth staying up past bedtime to see the stars. This part of Utah is home to three International Dark Sky Parks. Plan your visit around the new moon, then join a group tour to learn about our galaxy with astronomy experts and powerful telescopes. Or go solo — Balanced Rock picnic area, Garden of Eden viewpoint and Panorama Point are the best stargazing spots nearby.
Where to stay
The epicentre of Moab’s historic downtown is Main Street and its charming mix of 19th-century buildings. You’ll find family-run cafes, international restaurants and old-school diners offering a place to refuel after a busy day in the desert. You’ll also find a mix of lodging options, from rustic ranches and historic inns to luxury hotels.
Moab: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)
High season
March – October and June – July
Low season
November – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Moab
Moab
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Places to eat
Whether you’re craving Thai food, sushi or authentic Neapolitan pizza, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes in Moab. For street eats, head to Moab Food Truck Park, where you’ll find everything from tacos to pizza and hot dogs. There are several popular diners around town that serve hearty burgers, milkshakes and grilled sandwiches in retro surroundings.
Nightlife
Start your night with a local beer at a microbrewery, or head to nearby Spanish Valley to sip single-estate wine while gazing across the vineyards. Be sure to catch some live music, which is the beating heart of Moab’s after-dark entertainment. There’s everything from bluegrass and country to rock n’ roll at venues ranging from open-air theatres to Wild West–style saloons.
Shopping
On the hunt for souvenirs? Main Street, with its treasure trove of independent boutiques, is the place to indulge in some retail therapy. Stop by Moab Made for artisan gifts and locally made artwork, or indulge your inner geology geek by sifting through the local fossils and gems at historic rock shops.
FAQs about Moab holidays
The warmest month in Moab is July, which sees maximum temperatures of 36ºC (97ºF).
You can generally count on your holiday to Moab to be a safe and exciting experience, especially if you're staying within the popular tourist spots. However, it's always wise to exercise some precautions to ensure your trip is smooth sailing. For example, keep valuables like your phone and wallet in a safe place, be mindful of your surroundings, and stick to well-lit areas at night.
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Moab holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of -10ºC (14ºF).
During your trip to Moab, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for your expenses. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any hassles with payments.
English is the language you'll encounter most often while on a city break in Moab.
Plan a two- to three-day holiday in Moab if you want to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Park and enjoy the city. If you’re keen to do lots of hiking and explore lesser-known spots beyond the national parks, four to five days is about right.
With an average rainfall of 0.7 inch, October is the wettest month to go on a Moab holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveller or a more relaxed explorer, the cost of your city break in Moab will depend on what you want to do and see. You'll want to factor in everything from activities to meals, in addition to your Moab flights and hotels.
With countless things to do in Moab, this lively city will keep you coming back for more. Get your sightseeing underway at sought-after attractions like Arches And Canyonlands National Park HQ and Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
Book a holiday to Moab during the shoulder seasons — February and early March or late October and November — for sunny days, cooler nights and fewer crowds. If you don’t mind cold weather in exchange for cheap hotel rates, visit in winter. Spring and autumn are the busiest seasons but offer the best conditions for hiking and biking.
Moab can have big temperature fluctuations year-round, so bring lots of layers, plus a warm jacket for chilly nights. If you’re planning on hiking during your holiday to Moab, walking shoes with good grip are a smart idea. And don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
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