If you thought your opportunity to see a dinosaur has long gone (like, you’re 65 million years too late), you’re wrong! We don’t really mean you can see an actual pterodactyl swooping overhead. But if you go to Moab, you can virtually journey back through the ages and meet life-size, state-of-the-art dinosaurs! It’s one of the many ways that Moab charms every visitor.
Other ways Moab captivates are via its incredible out-of-this-world scenery, a wealth of fun outdoor activities, quirky attractions and its proximity to the Spanish Valley Vineyards & Winery. Yes, all that, plus wine!
Park life
Everyone loves a bargain, especially now, when prices are jacked up and Christmas is coming. Consider Moab a 2-for-1 destination thanks to its two national parks in proximity! Plus, a bonus state park with its fab Dark Sky designation and the scenic Colorado River.
Moab is the gift that keeps on giving!
Rockies to the Red Rocks
Did you know that you can ride the Rocky Mountaineer between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs? Yep, the Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary is Rocky Mountaineer’s only two-day rail route into America’s Southwest for a luxe look at the epic landscape.
You’ll get an eyeful of sweeping mountain vistas, towering desert cliffs and otherworldly rock formations from your panoramic train window together with engaging storytelling and premium cuisine as you check out all the sights.
Arch de Triomphe
It’s not called Arches National Park for nothing. With over two thousand naturally formed arches, it’s more than deserving of the name. Arches National Park is also filled with Utah’s famous entrada sandstone (red rock) forming soaring pinnacles and giant boulders that seem so precariously perched.
Six kilometres north of Moab, Arches National Park is to outdoor lovers what Ben and Jerry’s is to the broken-hearted. Besides standing in awe at every vantage point, you can also hike, bike, horseback ride, go canyoneering, road trip, and camp.
The Fiery Furnace ranger-led tours are extra fun; the maze of arches and spires adds to the sense of adventure that Arches National Park commands.
In the groove
With 136,621 hectares to explore, Canyonlands National Park is no quickie destination. With its tranquil vibes, outstanding scenery, and epic hiking trails, you’d be a fool to rush it.
Only 30-minutes from downtown, the park offers another great reason to stay in Moab. Canyonlands is split into four districts – the Needles, the Maze, the Rivers, and Island in the Sky.
With over 75 hiking trails – from easy-peasy to oww-the-burn- allocating some time on foot is a must when visiting this southeastern corner of Utah. Trails in the Needles and the Maze are typically multi-day hikes for the experienced trekker.
Thanks to the scenic Colorado River that runs through the park, white-water rafting and jet boating add to your Moab thrills. You can also paddleboard, canoe, and kayak the Colorado River.
Million-star views
It’s rare to sit under a dreamy starry night sky these days: the bright lights of city life keep the stars at bay. Not in expansive Moab, though! Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are Moab’s designated Dark Sky zones. As is Dead Horse State Park.
Awarded its Dark Sky status in 2016, Dead Horse State Park is only 45-minutes by car from downtown Moab. It’s considered one of the best places in Utah for stargazing, thanks to its high plateau and distance from any light pollution.
If you don’t know your Dipper from your Orion’s Belt, book a spot on one of the ranger-led night tours, including telescope sessions and full moon walks.
Vino de clase mundial
Connecting Moab’s vibrant red rocks, picturesque arches, and thrilling outdoor playground to world-class wines may not be a leap your brain would have made on its own. However, it’s a Moab fact!
It turns out that Moab’s long growing season and fertile soil make for a delicious Cab Sav and Riesling. A visit to the Spanish Valley Vineyards and Winery is an idyllic way to relax after your Moab explorations. Whether it’s for wine tasting, a tour, or to stay at the onsite B&B depends on how much chill-out time you’d like!
“Easy there, pilgrim”
You might be wondering how a film commission makes Moab’s best-of list, but when you hold the title of the longest-running film commission in the world, you don’t want to keep quiet about it!
Moab is a popular destination for movies, TV shows, and ads and has been for nearly 70 years. You may not remember the classic westerns and John Wayne flicks filmed in Moab. However, you’ll likely know more recent movies, like Thelma & Louise and 127 Hours.
Stop by the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage at Red Cliffs Ranch to look back over the cinematic years. It’s free to enter and highlights include movies that captured the world’s imagination.
In 2024, it’s the 75th anniversary of the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission – the world’s longest-running – with events galore to mark the monumental occasion (see what we did there?). Head to Moab to pay tribute and join in the festivities throughout the year.
Dino-mite
The Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is the first of its kind in the world. Moab’s dramatic scenery makes it the perfect destination for this family-friendly attraction.
Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs (gulp) and bring your budding palaeontologists to the Dig It Out sites for a go at excavating. The park’s interactive museum, 5D prehistoric aquarium, and Dinosaur Trail make this a fun day out for little and big kids alike.
Discover Moab
Download the What’s New for 2024 Moab update here or discover more at Discover Moab. You’ll find information on Moab’s attractions, activities, accommodation options, and services.
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