The Perfect Moab itinerary: 2 to 3 Days Visiting Moab

The Best Things To Do in Moab Utah

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Best Time To Visit Moab

Moab is a great destination for year-round visitors. However, spring and fall tend to be the best months to go to Moab. Spring (March–May) and Fall (September-October) are cooler in temperature, which is ideal for all-day exploring and hiking, and usually not as crowded as the summer months.

How Many Days in Moab

First, you do you. If you only have one day in Moab, that’s cool. We suggest either spending your one day at Arches National Park, or doing a half day at Arches National Park and a half day in Canyonlands.

In our opinion, two days is the minimum time you should spend in Moab. Having two days allows you to experience the must-do’s and the best Moab has to offer.

What Airport Do You Fly Into for Moab Utah?

Salt Lake City will be the largest international airport that is closest to Moab; about 4-4.5 hours away. The closest regional airport is in Grand Junction, Colorado about a 2-hour drive from Moab.

If you’re coming from Las Vegas, Vegas is about a 6.5 – 7 hour drive from Moab. Regardless of which airport you choose to fly into, you’ll need to rent a car, camper or RV to get to Moab.

Check out our Ultimate Utah Road Trip to help you plan one amazing trip!

The Perfect Moab Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Arches National Park

Let’s kick this Moab itinerary off with a strong start, shall we? Day one in Moab you’re spending it in Arches National Park. Yup, all day.

Arches is home to staggering red rock formations, endless views, and yup, arches. Lots of them. Located 5 miles outside of Moab, Arches National Park is an easy spot to get to for a day of fun.

Whether you want to stay in your car and drive the 22 miles (one-way) scenic drive or want to get up close and personal with Delicate Arch, the Windows or Double O Arch, a full day in Arches will allow you to see the best the park has to offer.

From a full-day itinerary to planning tips, check out how to conquer Arches National Park in One Day or one day in Canyonlands!

courthouse towers in arches national park

Day 2: Visit Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park

Next up on the Moab itinerary is Canyonlands (Island in the Sky specifically) and Dead Horse State Park. Canyonlands is the second National Park located near Moab and it really and truly is a land full of canyons!

Located just a little ways away from Canyonlands, you’ll find Dead Horse State Park, which also offers epically amazing, staggering views. No lie.

Get our full guide to Canyonlands National Park and the best things to do!

Start your day at Canyonlands. Located about 35 minutes away from downtown Moab, you’ll find the ever-impressive Canyonlands National Park.

Experience the many overlooks like Grandview Point and Green River Overlook before hiking your way to the Mesa Arch.

Once you’ve had your fill of Canyonlands, drive the 20 minutes to Dead Horse State Park. Considered one of Utah’s best state parks, Dead Horse State Park is located on the edge of Canyonlands. And just like Canyonlands, the view from Dead Horse Point Overlook is one of the most epic views you’ll see all day.

Check out Meader Viewpoint and hike the East Rim Trail (2 miles) or West Rim Trail (3.5 miles) to wrap up your day.

Day 3: Go On A Moab UTV Or Rafting Tour

Your last day with your Moab itinerary, so why not go out with a bang?! Like we’ve said before, Moab is an outdoor junkie paradise. Downtown Moab is the jumping-off point to some of the best outdoor tours in the state of Utah.

Day 3 Option A

Do you dare take on Hell’s Revenge? If an unequivocal yes if you answer, then BOOM, a UTV 4×4 off roading tour is for you. Zoom and climb over sandstone domes and slickrock ledges as you take in the amazing scenery while your adrenaline pumps.

Day 3 Option B

Thinking you’ve had enough of sand and stones? Looking for something different? Three words – Colorado River Rafting. Whether you want to do a half-day rafting trip or take it up a notch for a full-day rafting trip, one thing is for sure: you’ll be in full adventure mode on the Colorado River.

Day 3 Option C

Ok, ok, with so many AMAZING tours that run out of Moab, we had to give you a few more to choose from. Sorry for adding to an already difficult decision 🙂

If you haven’t already figured it out, Moab is a BEAST when it comes to adventure!

So if canyoning or rock climbing is your thing, DO IT. More of a mountain biking person? Book it!

Are you thinking, “Nah, I want something a little more chill.” Then, a scenic petroglyph tour or a dinner river cruise is for you, our friend.

Regardless of which option you choose, just promise you’ll make your last day in Moab one you’ll never forget! Cool? Cool.

Bike path along the Colorado River in Moab

Stay Somewhere Unique In Moab – Go Glamping

O k Glamping Tipi or Under Canvas Moab allows guests to experience the great outdoors, but in extreme comfort.

Relax in fully furnished, luxury canvas tents and enjoy a unique accommodation experience close to the best places in Moab. If glamping isn’t your thing.

Absolutely no worries! There are some other amazing places to bunk up for a few days in Moab like Hoodoo Moab, Moab Springs Ranch, or Red Cliffs Lodge.

For more places to stay in Moab, you can check out the latest places and prices here.

Explore Downtown Moab

Moab is a really cute town, home to friendly locals and surrounded by mountains. At the end of each day in Moab, you have the option to go into downtown Moab to do a little exploration at some shops or galleries or grab a drink and bite to eat.

Coffee & Breakfast: Moab Garage, Moab Diner or Jailhouse Cage
Lunch: Quesadilla Mobilla, Love Muffin Cafe or Milt’s Stop & Eat
Dinner: 98 Center Moab, Zax Restaurant or Sunset Grill
Brewery/Winery Moab Brewery and Castle Creek Winery
Shop: Moab Made and Kokopelli Gallery

Where To Next?!

Whether you’re heading south to explore the rest of Utah’s Big 5 (check out our Utah Itinerary), or heading north into Colorado and exploring placing like Telluride or Great Sand Dunes National Park, you’re in a primo jumping-off point to explore some of the best parts of the United States.

Check out a few travel guides to help inspire your next destination!

MOAB ITINERARY – PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstus, Pinterest and on Facebook. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)