Itineraries for Your Trip to Moab
1 Day in Moab for First Timers
The first time I visited Moab, Utah, I couldn't believe its beauty. The town is perfectly situated for a day in Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, where you can hike, go canyoneering, or just drive and take in the sights from viewpoints along the way. With one day in Moab, you'll want to start your day early to see Balanced Rock or go white-water rafting on the Colorado River. Evenings are best spent stargazing, as the area surrounding Moab has three certified Dark Sky Parks—the two national parks and Dead Horse Point State Park. Here's a 1-day Moab itinerary for first timers that ticks off many of the must-do items and leaves you wanting to return for more.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stargazing experience.
You'll get hot, dry summers and cool winters in Moab, with the shoulder season offering the best opportunity for outdoor recreation.
With two national parks to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities for road trips and outdoor activities near Moab. Book a tour with a morning pickup at your Moab hotel to get your day started. Glass-topped bus tours let you take in all the stunning beauty of the area while enjoying the air-conditioning, or you can book a 4-wheel-drive tour that gets you out in the dirt for some off-road fun.
Many Moab visitors enjoy spending some time exploring the trails at Hell's Revenge, a canyon just outside of town that's perfect for Jeep tours and 4WD excursions. If you prefer to leave the driving to an expert this afternoon, go for a Hummer tour. It's great for families and a fun way to traverse canyons and see Arches National Park and the Colorado River in the distance. Those looking for challenging mountain bike trails or short hikes should check out the nearby Slickrock Trail.
There's nothing more magical than the nighttime in Moab. Once you get away from the city lights, the whole sky opens up, and you can see more stars than ever before. You'll often find ranger-led stargazing programs at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Or, book a stargazing tour with a guide who takes you to a viewpoint and helps you identify what you see in the night sky. Some tours even have an astrophotography element so that you can learn how to best photograph the night sky.
