10 Things to Do in Moab, Utah Off-the-Beaten-Path

Moab, Utah, is a treasure trove of adventure, renowned for its stunning landscapes, towering red rock formations, and thrilling outdoor activities. While Arches and Canyonlands National Parks draw crowds from around the globe, numerous hidden gems await those willing to explore Moab a bit further off the beaten path. Moab is our go-to getaway for an escape from the snow in March and sometimes other times of the year as well. Spring break weeks in Moab tend to be crowded though, so we seek out spots off the beaten path. Here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Moab that will let you experience the area’s unique beauty and solitude off the beaten path.

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Delicate Arch, shown below, is one of the more crowded attractions in Arches. It is stunning though. To visit without the crowds, go at sunrise. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views in a serene environment.

Moab’s Top 10 Off-the-Beaten Path Things to Do

• Hiking Grandstaff Canyon
• Exploring Corona, Bowtie, and Pinto Arch
• Sledding on the Sand Dunes
• Visiting Dinosaur Tracks
• Rock Climbing near Potash
• Biking the beautiful Moab area
• Stargazing in the Desert
• Kayaking and Paddle Boarding on the Colorado River
• Canyoneering in Hidden Canyons
• Hiking Mill Creek Trail

1. Hiking Grandstaff Canyon

Escape the crowds and embark on a hike through Grandstaff Canyon. This moderately challenging trail starts just off the River Road (128) meanders along a stream, leading to the majestic Morning Glory Natural Bridge. Surrounded by sheer sandstone cliffs, the tranquility and natural beauty of this hike are unmatched.

We especially enjoy this trail early morning before going to the Jailhouse Café for breakfast. The canyon is shadier than many spots in Moab, so can provide a good break from the sun and heat in the afternoon as well. You’ll need to hop over the water in a few places, and we have gotten our feet wet by accident a handful of times. Definitely keep an eye out for poison ivy by the trail.

Trail facts

• Distance: 5.7 miles (9.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 837 ft. (255 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pet friendly: dogs welcome on leash
• How to get there: From Moab, go north on US 191, turn right on US 128 and go for 3.1 miles. The trailhead and parking lot are on the right.
• Tip: the Grandstaff Campground is just across from the trailhead on the riverfront. Campsites are on a first come, first serve basis.

2. Exploring Corona, Bowtie, and Pinto Arch

Corona Arch, often overshadowed by its national park counterparts, offers a stunning hike with fewer visitors. This easy to moderate hike leads to a breathtaking stone arch (the one on the right in the photo below). As a bonus, bowtie arch sits just next to Corona Arch. The journey there is as captivating as the destination itself, making it a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. Note that this trail gets very hot and has almost no shade. It is a great hike in the morning or at sunset, especially in hotter months.

If you’d like to extend this hike to see a 3rd arch, you can add Pinto Arch as well. This makes for an almost 4 mile hike. On your way back from Corona Arch, look for the signs pointing to Pinto Arch. We’ve enjoyed our visits to Pinto Arch, both because of the lack of people visiting, and for the gorgeous views over the Colorado River.

If you enjoy Corona Arch, you might also like Longbow Arch Trail, which starts off of Potash Rd. near the dinosaur tracks. We couldn’t squeeze this one into our top 10, but worth a mention.

Trail facts

• Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
• Elevation gain: 462 ft. (141 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pet friendly: dogs welcome on leash. There is one short section with a ladder and cable that dogs may not make it up. We have always carried/helped our dog up.
• How to get there: From Moab, go north on US 191, turn left on Potash Rd (US 279) and go for 9 miles. The trailhead and parking lot are on the right. This is a great bike ride as well in case you want to combine a bike + hike.
• Tip: the Gold Bar camping area along Potash Road is right across from the trailhead.

3. Sledding on the Sand Dunes

Just outside of Arches National Park lie expansive sand dunes, perfect for an afternoon of fun. This is a great late afternoon activity, when it is shady and the sand has cooled off. You’ll see a parking area just across from the entrance to the park. This could be a quick stop or a few hours, depending on the group.

For the most part, our kids enjoyed just running up and down the steep dunes, jumping on or off the rocks, and throwing the equivalent of snowballs. The adults had as much fun as the kids. You will end up with the reddish sand everywhere.

If you are more organized, bring a sled or sand-board and feel the thrill of gliding down these steep and naturally sandy slopes. We have never found a place to rent sleds in town, but have brought one with us. To buy a sled, check at Moab Gear Trader for used sleds or the Walmart for new ones.

4. Visiting Dinosaur Tracks

Moab is not just about stunning landscapes; it’s also a gateway to the ancient past. There are a variety of locations where you can find dinosaur tracks.

A few of the notable spots include:

• The Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs that once roamed this land. Park at the Poison Spider Mesa Trailhead on Potash Rd, and follow the Dinosaur Track Trailhead from the north side of the lot. This is a 0.2 mile (0.3 km) total roundtrip walk.
• The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail features well-preserved dinosaur tracks on a short, accessible boardwalk. You can find footprints of Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Camarasaurus, and Camptosaurus. These are 15 miles north of Moab on US 191 (see google maps for accurate directions). After parking, be sure to pick up an informational pamphlet at the Grand Resource Area before heading out on your walking tour through Jurassic history.

Tip: don’t forget to visit the Moab Rock Shop. In addition to the great fossil and rock collections, they can also give you tips on other the dinosaur tracks to explore in the area.

5. Rock Climbing near Potash

For adventurers seeking a vertical challenge, the Wall Street climbing routes off Potash Road offer some of the best rock climbing in the Moab area. With a variety of routes ranging from beginner to expert, climbers can enjoy spectacular views of the Colorado River and the surrounding red rock landscapes. As an added bonus, you’ll find petroglyphs next to the climbing area.

Here are a few suggested tours:

• Moab Half-Day Rock Climbing
• Moab Full-Day Rock Climbing

6. Biking the beautiful Moab area

There are more rides than we can capture here, but we’ve included a few examples of rides we like to consider.

• 2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour: this ride explores Kane Creek and its petroglyphs. The photo below was taken in this area during a mountain bike ride.
• Biking the Moab Canyon Parkway, which runs along Highway 191. This easy paved path runs 8.5 miles each way and goes right by the entrances to Arches and Dead Horse. You can add long rides in both of these parks (and even into Canyonlands).
• Introductory Mountain Biking Adventure in Moab: a great tour to give you an introduction to mountain biking in a beautiful location.
• Mountain biking Slickrock: not for beginners, this iconic loop across sandstone is not to be missed.
• Road biking the La Sal Mountain Loop. This challenging 60 mile route takes you from the red rock deserts up into the cooler, forested La Sal Mountains. The scenic vistas and varying terrain make for an unforgettable cycling adventure. Keep in mind that the temperature drops as you head up into the mountains (bring layers)

Mountain bike rentals are available here:

We’ve consistently had great experiences renting road and gravel bikes from Chile Pepper Bike Shop.

7. Stargazing in the Desert

Away from the city lights, Moab’s desert skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities. Find a secluded spot and gaze up at the Milky Way, with countless stars twinkling overhead. It’s a peaceful way to end a day of exploration.

Best places to go star gazing: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse State Park.

For a unique experience, try the Moab Astrophotography Experience.

8. Kayaking and Paddle Boarding on the Colorado River

The Colorado River offers more than just rafting; kayaking and paddle boarding (SUP) can be serene ways to experience the river’s beauty. Paddle at your own pace and enjoy the towering cliffs and calm waters. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to be on the river. You can rent SUP’s at the link below.

A few tours we’d recommend are included below:

• Moab: Colorado River 3.5-Hour Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour
• Stand-Up Paddleboard with small rapids on the Colorado

If you prefer spending an afternoon rafting on the Colorado, check out this 1/2 day tour:

9. Canyoneering in Hidden Canyons

Canyoneering allows you to explore Moab’s hidden canyons, rappelling down cliffs, and navigating through narrow slot canyons. This activity combines hiking, climbing, and sometimes swimming for an exhilarating adventure through some of Moab’s most secluded landscapes.

A few recommended tours are:

• From Moab: Half-Day Canyoneering Adventure in Entrajo Canyon
• Moab: Full Day Canyoneering Experience

10. Hiking Mill Creek Trail

This is a short trail, taking only 30 minutes or so to do. It is a great spot on a hot afternoon to cool off. The trail winds through the scenic canyon and passes several waterfalls and swimming areas. You will cross the stream and will see warning signs that you will get your feet wet. There are some logs to walk across but yes, it is likely you’ll get your feet wet, so plan accordingly.

It’s a bit hard to follow the trail after the first swimming hole. We suggest downloading the map on Alltrails before heading out on any of these trails in case your cell service is spotty.

Trail facts

• Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
• Elevation gain: 59 ft. (18 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pet friendly: dogs welcome with some off leash areas
• How to get there: From Moab, go south on Millcreek Parkway, turn left/east on Powerhouse Ln and go 2.6 miles to the Mill Creek North Fork Trailhead. Note that no buses, trailers, or RVs are allowed on this road. The vehicle length limit is 22 ft.

Moab, Utah, is a land of endless adventure and hidden wonders. When you head off the beaten path in Moab, you’ll find experiences that offer solitude, beauty, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Whether you’re hiking to secluded arches, sledding down sand dunes, or tracing the footsteps of dinosaurs, Moab’s off-the-beaten-path activities promise unforgettable adventures.

For more ideas on how to avoid the crowds in Moab, see our Tips for Avoiding the Crowds in Moab Utah.

Travel Tips

How to Get to Moab

Flights

Moab has a small airport. The airlines flying in to Moab seem to change frequently. For that reason, I am not going to include this as an option. The closest major airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport in Colorado, a 1.5-2 hour drive from Moab. Alternatively, Salt Lake City International Airport, located approximately 4 hours to the north, provides more flight options and serves as a common starting point for travelers.

From either airport, renting a car is the most convenient way to enjoy the scenic journey to Moab, allowing for stops along the way to take in the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest. It is beneficial to have a car when visiting Moab.

You can get a shuttle to Moab. Once in Moab, you’ll be very reliant on tours or riding your bike to the parks.

Driving to Moab

If you are driving from Denver or points East, check Top 10 Stops on Your Denver to Moab Road Trip for more information.

From Salt Lake City or Grand Junction: the main route is via Interstate 70, followed by a turn south onto Highway 191, which leads directly into the heart of town.

Alternate route from Grand Junction: our preferred route into Moab adds about 15 minutes to the drive. Exit a bit earlier off of I-70 in Cisco, taking the river road, SR-128. This runs along the Colorado River. You’ll have stunning views of the red rocks along the river as you get close to Moab. You can find a more detailed description of this route on the Discover Moab site.

Train

Amtrak runs the California Zephyr with daily service between Denver and Green River, Utah. From Green River, you’ll need to rent a car or get a transfer to Moab.

The Rocky Mountaineer has multi-day train trips from Denver to Moab if you are looking for a unique train experience.

Where to Stay

Moab has a variety of options to choose from, depending on your price ranges and preferences. We prefer to stay in town or on the north side of town, for quick access to the bike trails and the parks and the ability to walk into town. You can find lodging in the Rim Village area about 4 miles south of town. We’ve found that many are pet friendly and tend to have a slightly lower price point than those in town. These are quite nice, though you can’t easily walk into town.

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.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Moab, Utah, for warm weather activities is from April to May and September to October, when the temperatures are comfortable for outdoor adventures without the extreme heat of the summer months. These periods offer ideal conditions for hiking, biking, and exploring the national parks with less crowds and more pleasant weather.

Essential Hiking Tips

• Sunscreen: The suns rays are much more intense at higher elevations. Wearing sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection is essential.
• Mountain weather: Always check the forecast before heading out. Keep in mind that mountain weather changes rapidly. When you see bad weather coming, get below timberline as quickly as possible.
• Dress in layers. Dress in layers, and always carry a raincoat. Wear wool socks and sturdy hiking boots for support and traction. My favorites are Salomon hiking boots and trail shoes. Osprey’s Sportlite 25L is our favorite daypack to carry our extra clothes, food and water, and first aid kit. For short hikes, we bring along an Osprey Trail Running pack.
• Trekking poles: Many people enjoy having trekking poles, which can reduce the strain on your ankles and knees, and can help with balance on uneven terrain.
• Hydration and Fuel: Bring more water for your day hikes than you think you’ll need. Consider adding electrolytes to help you stay hydrated, such as Nuun and LiquidIV. Don’t drink water from streams and ponds, unless you are using a LifeStraw or similar. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars.
• Leave no Trace: Preserve the natural beauty by following the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of the wildlife in the area. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals and know what to do in an encounter with local animals.
• Navigation: If you are using a map on your phone, make sure that it is downloaded. Cell service can be unreliable in the wilderness areas. Inform someone of your hiking plan and expected return time.
• First Aid: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. This should include, at minimum, Band-Aids, antiseptic, aspirin, mirror, matches, and a jack-knife, a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool.

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