Weekend Getaway: Moab, Utah

 Moab, Utah is known as the "ultimate outdoor adventure basecamp of the American Southwest."  It's spectacular setting of massive red rock formations and is the gateway to two national parks - Arches and Canyonlands - making  it one of the most popular destinations in Utah and the Southwest. It's a world class mountain biking and offroading destination, too, and you can even get in some whitewater rafting. If getting out into the desert and outdoors is your dream, then Moab is your spot.

We drove the 6 hours there from Denver for a weekend getaway to visit both national parks and hang out in the small town itself. Here's what we got up to in Moab:

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located 5 miles north of Moab and is home to 2,000 natural sandstone arches - the largest concentration on Earth.  It's a "Red Rock Wonderland"! And it's one of the Mighty Five parks in Utah. You can enjoy scenic drives - there is a paved scenic 18 mile drive - hiking, (including some easier, shorter hikes) and it is a photographers dream. If you would like to stargaze, this is your spot. 

We spent a morning at Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail which was a good start to our weekend. This is a very short and easy walk - our 4 year old grandson had no problem. We then moved on to the Windows Viewpoint and Trail. This is another easy, short walk of 1 mile but this time there is a gentle climb with a slight elevation gain. Definitely worth it. By now it was starting to heat up - it was July - so we went back to our condo for a break and some air conditioning.

The next morning part of our crew headed to the most popular hike in the park - Delicate Arch. This arch is one of the most famous geologic features in the world and it has come to be a symbol for the state of Utah. The trail to see it is 3 miles in length with a 480 feet elevation gain. All who went said it was worth it! The rest of us went on a short walk to ? which was perfect for us. 

Arches is such a unique park and I always enjoy my visit here. Our two days here was perfect in length and by getting out in the morning we were able to beat the heat. A side note: when we went reservations were required but I have read that reservations are not required in 2026.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is one of the Mighty 5, and the largest national park in Utah. It's 30 miles away by car from Moab and is easily doable as a side day trip from there. (which is what we did)

Canyonlands is a story of erosion - bedrock that has been shaped into cliffs, pinnacles, canyons and domes by the Colorado and Green Rivers.  There are four districts - Islands in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the Rivers - with the most popular and accessible being Islands in the Sky.

The Islands in the Sky mesa sits 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Start at the Visitor Center here to get the lay of the land. Then you can drive to multiple viewpoints, take a short hike - the 0.5 loop trail to Mesa Arch is popular - and that is exactly what we did. We went in the afternoon and were quite lucky to hit the park with incredible skies and low crowds.

It's an easy park to meander - in your car and on short walks - but if you'd like you can access back country adventures, bike, boat (flat water and white water trips are available), hike, star gaze and even rock climb. It's not a park with a big "wow" factor - instead it's more subtle. But it's so close to Moab and Arches that I think it's worth the detour.

Moab

Moab's population is 5,160. With hippie roots, it has evolved into a arts community and outdoor vacation hub. Most stores and restaurants are independently owned - and for that matter hotels too - and it shines in its independent spirit. If you don't feel outdoorsy, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

We went souvenir shopping and then ate at Moab Brewery which serves its own brews along with cocktails and food. 

Where We Stayed

We stayed at an Air BnB rental condo. We needed somewhere to fit 9 of us and this one served the bill. Of course, we would've loved a spacious, luxury spot but when you keep the budget in mind, this was perfect. It was 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a great room with full kitchen and living room with tv. There was a front enclosed patio with hot tub and a bonus of a garage. Worked out fantastically! (Message me if you'd like more info)

How about you? Have you been to Moab?