Tips for Avoiding the Crowds in Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, with its otherworldly landscapes of red rock formations, arches, and canyons, is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. From the spectacular trails of Arches National Park to the sweeping views across Canyonlands, Moab can feel a bit too crowded during peak tourist seasons. If you’re planning a visit but dread the thought of packed trails and viewpoints, then follow our tips for avoiding crowds while enjoying the serene beauty of Moab.

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We just returned from another spring trip to Moab, which overlapped with many Colorado school vacations and Moab’s Easter Jeep Week. This meant that the town was 99% sold out of lodging and packed with people. We got lucky and booked a pet-friendly townhouse that someone had cancelled at the last minute. We managed to not run into any crowds on our week of adventures. How did we do it? We’ll share with you some of our top tips for avoiding the crowds in Moab.

1. Time Your Visit Wisely

If you can time your visits to avoid Moab and Arches National Park’s peak seasons, that is the easiest ways to avoid the crowds. Peak season is usually March-May and September-October. This is due to the mild weather for exploring the parks. Low season is typically November-February.

Avoiding peak weeks entirely would be ideal. If you find yourself in Moab during high season, plan to start your days early or late. Most tourists tend to explore the parks between 9 AM and 4 PM, so aim to hit popular spots like Delicate Arch at sunrise or Double Arch just before sunset. Not only will this strategy help you avoid the crowds, but you’ll also be rewarded with spectacular light for photography.

On my recent trip, I hiked up to Delicate Arch for sunrise on a chilly morning. While you need a headlamp or light for the first stretch of the hike, there were fewer than 20 people in the area around the arch when I arrived. I stopped at a number of viewpoints on the way back in to town, with few people around.

2. Explore Lesser-Known Attractions

Moab is more than just its famous parks. There are plenty of stunning attractions outside of Arches National Park. You can find many of our favorite less crowded activities in our post on Top 10 Things to Do in Moab Utah Off the Beaten Path.

The arches aren’t contained to Arches National Park. Try the Corona Arch, Bowtie Arch, Pinto Arch Trail (we like to call this the 3 arches trail) off of Potash Road. Even during our busy week, we had the trail to Pinto Arch to ourselves, and saw one other group on the way to Longbow Arch.

Other spots like Fisher Towers or the La Sal Mountains offer equally stunning scenery with a fraction of the crowds. One of our more recent favorites for a late afternoon hike with the dogs is Faux Falls near Ken’s Lake. You can combine a hike with some fishing or SUP on the lake as well.

By choosing less popular sites, you can find more peace and quiet, even on busy days.

3. Take the Road Less Traveled

Instead of sticking to the main park roads, consider alternative routes like the River Road (128) or Potash Road. These backroads offer more secluded landscapes and unique viewpoints that many visitors miss. Drive carefully on thee smaller and more windy roads. Don’t miss these attractions.

River Road (128)

• Grandview Canyon
• Professor and Mary Jane Canyon Trail
• Fisher Towers
• Castleton Towers
• Dewey Bridge

Potash Road

• Wall Street (rock climbing)
• Petroglyphs near Wall Street
• Dinosaur Tracks near Poison Spider parking lot
• Corona, Bowtie, and Pinto Arches
• Jeep Arch
• Longbow Arch

See Things to Do on Potash Road for more ideas.

4. Book Guided Tours Early

Guided tours can provide access to exclusive areas of the parks that are typically less crowded. Whether it’s a 4×4 adventure, a rafting trip on the Colorado River, or a guided hike, these experiences offer a more intimate view of the area’s natural beauty. Book these tours well in advance, especially during peak weeks, to ensure your spot.

5. Head out on a Bike or on the Water

For those looking to escape the crowds and experience Moab’s natural beauty, consider biking or water sports. Biking on the lesser-known trails, such as Onion Creek or Courthouse Wash, offers a thrilling way to discover secluded areas with breathtaking views at your own pace.

Alternatively, hit the water for an equally serene escape. Whether kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or rafting on the Colorado River, you’ll find peace on the water, far from the busy trails. These water routes not only showcase stunning canyon walls and ancient rock formations but also offer a refreshing reprieve from the desert heat, allowing for a unique perspective of Moab’s rugged landscapes.

6. Intriguing Indoor Options

If you’re looking for a break from the outdoor heat or simply want a different kind of Moab experience, the town offers several intriguing indoor options that provide both entertainment and education.

• Film enthusiasts will appreciate the free Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, which celebrates Western cinematic history as a famed filming location for classic westerns.
• For a dive into the local culture, fossils, and geology, the Moab Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits detailing the region’s natural and human history.
• Rock collectors and geology buffs should not miss the Moab Rock Shop, where you can explore an array of fossils, gems, and minerals unique to the area.
• For some family fun, Gravel Pit Lanes offers a cozy bowling alley experience that’s perfect for an afternoon or evening out.
• The Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center is an excellent spot to unwind or get active with its pools and fitness facilities, catering to visitors of all ages looking to relax or burn off some energy indoors.
• Don’t forget to visit the Jailhouse Café, known for their excellent breakfast food.

7. Stay Flexible and Be Prepared

Lastly, always have a backup plan. If you arrive at a destination and it’s overwhelmed with visitors, have a list of alternative spots to check out instead. Flexibility can make all the difference in enjoying your trip.

Additionally, prepare for all weather conditions and bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities in less-visited areas are limited. Keep in mind that cell phone service is spotty within the parks. Download google maps or Alltrails or similar before heading into the parks.

7. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Utilize apps and online resources to check real-time updates on park traffic and trail usage. Download the national parks (NPS) app, which can help you plan your visits to popular sites with better timing.

Moab’s landscapes are undeniably attractive, drawing crowds from around the globe. However, with a bit of planning and some insider tips for avoiding the crowds in Moab, you can experience the quiet majesty of this unique place without the stress of battling tourists. By visiting at less conventional times, exploring lesser known sites, and using technology smartly, you can uncover a side of Moab that many never see.

Where to Stay in Moab

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 when it’s not too crowded, for quick access to the bike trails and the parks and the ability to walk into town. When town is filled with tourist, choosing llodging in the Rim Village or Golf Course areas about 4 miles south of town may give you the quiet you are looking for. Campgrounds and resorts on the river road are also a great option for peace and quiet with easy access to trails.

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.

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