Top 10 Free Things to Do in Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah is known for its stunning landscapes that serve as the backdrop for some of the most famous national parks, including Arches and Canyonlands. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the best of Moab. Here’s our guide to the top free things to do while in Moab:

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• Explore the National Parks on Fee-Free Days
• Visit Downtown Moab
• Enjoy Moab’s Parks
• Hike to Moab’s Waterfalls
• Top Hikes Outside of the Parks
• Experience the Moab Arts and Music Festivals
• Bike or Walk the Moab Canyon Pathway
• Take in the Views at Dead Horse Point State Park
• Swim, Paddle, or Fish Ken’s Lake
• Star Gaze from Anywhere Outside the City
• Enjoying the Sand Dunes
• Visit the Western Movie Museum
• Visit Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks on Potash Road
• Take a Scenic Drive on the River Road

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1. Explore the National Parks on Fee-Free Days

While Arches and Canyonlands usually charge an entrance fee, the National Park Service offers several fee-free days throughout the year. These days are perfect for exploring the stunning rock formations, canyons, and arches without spending a dime. Check the NPS website for the latest fee-free days to visit.

2. Visit Downtown Moab

Stroll through downtown Moab to soak up the local culture without spending anything. Downtown Moab is bustling with shops, art galleries, and an array of restaurants. Window-shopping and people-watching are free and can be as absorbing as any paid attraction. One of our kids favorites is the Rock Shop. If you are looking for a relaxed outdoor place to eat while in town, stop by the food truck park. For a great picnic spot for the family, take a look at the wonderful parks below.

3. Enjoy Moab’s Parks

Located in the center of Moab, Swanny City Park hosts free community events, including concerts and outdoor movie nights during the summer months. It’s also equipped with picnic areas, a playground, and a skate park, making it a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy a day out.

Rotary Park is a beautiful community park on the east side of town. It is sprawling and adjacent to the Mill Creek Parkway, in case you’d like to combine this with a walk or bike ride on the path. Its highlight are the oversized musical instruments scattered around the park.

4. Hike to Moab’s Waterfalls

Moab has so many beautiful hikes outside of the national parks, with free access for all. One thing you don’t expect to see in Moab are waterfalls, but there are some nice ones to explore.

We enjoy hiking the Mill Creek trail especially on a hot day. It runs along the creek and ends at a beautiful waterfall. a rare sight in the desert! It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely hike or a picnic, and the creek is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Faux Falls, which is adjacent to Ken’s Lake south of town, is a great hike when the waters are flowing (check Alltrails for the latest reviews on water status).

Another option, though a much longer hike, is the Professor Creek Mary Jane Trail, which ends at a beautiful waterfall.

5. Top Hikes Outside of the Parks

Great hiking opportunities are not limited to the national parks. Some of our favorites are:

• Grandstaff Canyon
• Corona Arch, Bowtie Arch, Pinto Arch
• Longbow Arch
• Fisher Towers
• Jeep Arch
• Professor Creek and Mary Jane Trail

Another bonus of these not being in the park is that dogs are allowed.

6. Experience the Moab Arts and Music Festivals

If you time your visit to coincide with the Moab Arts Festival (usually held in May), you can enjoy this event without any entry fee. The festival features local art, live music, and food stalls. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture and find unique handcrafted souvenirs.

The Moab Music Festival (August-September) also offers some of its concerts free to the community.

7. Bike or Walk the Moab Canyon Pathway

Bring your bike or just your walking shoes to explore the Moab Canyon Pathway. This paved trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock landscapes and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a great way to enjoy Moab’s natural beauty at your own pace. You have an option to add a short stretch biking or walking on the path along the river road as well.

You may also enjoy biking Potash Road, the River Road, or the La Sal Mountain Loop.

8. Take in the Views at Dead Horse Point State Park

Though there is typically a vehicle fee, biking or hiking into the Dead Horse Point State Park can be free. Famous for its dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands, the park provides some of the most iconic views in the Moab area. If you already have a Utah state park pass, this is free for vehicle entry too.

9. Swim, Paddle, or Fish Ken’s Lake

Just a short drive from Moab, Ken’s Lake offers a refreshing oasis in the desert landscape. Whether you’re interested in swimming, paddleboarding, or catching fish from the shore, this scenic spot provides a perfect setting. The lake is also great for picnics and family gatherings, with no entrance fee. Note that camping at Ken’s Lake does have an associated fee.

The Faux Falls hike trailhead is at Ken’s Lake. It’s a great hike to get away from the crowds and enjoy gorgeous red rocks views.

10. Star Gaze from Anywhere Outside the City

Moab’s remote location away from large cities makes it an excellent spot for stargazing. Simply drive a few minutes outside of town, pull over, and look up to be amazed at the night sky, especially vivid during new moons. Dead Horse Point and Corona Arch are great places to stargaze outside of the national parks.

11. Enjoying the Sand Dunes

For a unique adventure, head to the sand dunes located just north of Moab. These dunes aren’t just for show—they provide a perfect slope for running around or even sledding, a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the desert. Bring a board, a piece of cardboard, or a sled.

12. Visit the Western Movie Museum

Moab’s landscape has been a popular backdrop for classic western movies. The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, located at Red Cliffs Lodge, offers free admission. You can explore exhibits featuring old movie memorabilia and insights into the films shot in the region. It’s a must-visit for movie buffs and history enthusiasts alike. After visiting the museum, Red Cliffs Lodge does offer lunch by the river during the season, even for non-guests (this is unfortunately not free).

13. Visit Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks on Potash Road

You may also enjoy heading out to explore Potash Road, just northwest of town. Here you can find many of the hikes mentioned above (such as Corona Arch), rock climbing, biking and off-roading, and great spots to see both dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs. Don’t forget to enjoy the views over the Colorado River!

14. Take a Scenic Drive on the River Road

Moab’s Route 128, or the River Road, offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the American Southwest. Just head east from town on Route 128. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for free and memorable stops along the way, ranging from hikes to exploring historic sites and ghost towns. Keep in mind that this can also be done as part of a Denver to Moab road trip.

Moab offers a plethora of activities that don’t cost a penny but are rich in experience. Moab provides countless opportunities to make lasting memories without breaking the bank. Start planning your adventure to Moab today and enjoy everything this stunning location has to offer!

Where to Stay in Moab

Hotels and vacation rentals

• High-end: Red Cliffs Lodge. The lodge sits about 15 miles from Moab and Arches on the river road, has a horse corral, Western film museum and Castle Creek Winery, in addition to the pool.
• High-end: Casitas At The Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton gives you the benefit of a 2-bedroom vacation rental with the amenities and service of a Hilton.
• Mid-range: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab is in a great location quite close to Arches. The hotel is clean and quiet, with pool, kitchens in some rooms, and it’s pet friendly.
• Mid-range: Element Moab is newer and has the option of rooms or studios, in a good location near town. The pool and restaurant get good reviews.
• Budget: Lazy Lizard Hostel is the best rated hostel in Moab. It has a shared kitchen, free wifi, bbq grills, picnic tables, and coin laundry.
• Glamping: Under Canvas Moab is 3 miles north of Arches and offers basic and luxury tents.

Campgrounds

• National Park and National Forest campgrounds are in wonderful locations though they have few amenities. These are reserved on the government recreation site.
• Dead Horse Point State Park: similar to the national campgrounds, these are scenic but with few amenities. Reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made here.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites are typically not reservable and they fill up quickly. They’re scenic and well maintained. You can find these (and reserve sites for Ken’s Lake) at the government recreation site.
• Private campgrounds are worth checking if the previous campgrounds are not available.