Moab for First Timers
Moab, Utah, offers just about every outdoor activity imaginable. While visitors enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, cave exploration, and rock climbing, the area is a mecca for off-road enthusiasts. Trail names like Poison Spider Mesa, Top of the World, and Hell’s Revenge attract people from all over the country.
And while the town itself is small, the land around it is vast. Without proper planning, you might find yourself lost — figuratively, if not literally. We’re here to help.
Where to Start
The weather will play a big role in when you plan your visit. Even daily temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, so be sure to pack accordingly.
U.S. Route 191 is the main route into and through town, running north to south. Utah State Highway 128 hugs the south bank of the Colorado River just north of town. Interstate 70 runs east to west and intersects with U.S. 191 about 30 to 35 miles north of town.
Staying in Moab
Moab may have a population of only 5,366, but it attracts visitors year-round. Hotels dot the downtown area as well as Highway 191 on both ends of town. Accommodations range from modest to more luxurious, and pricing reflects that.
As with any tourist destination, rates may spike during certain times of year or around special events like concerts, festivals, or the Easter Jeep Safari.
Camping in and around Moab is plentiful, with many options available, from tents and RV parks to glamping. Some require reservations, while others are first come, first served.
Moab is compact and walkable. Despite its small size, it offers a wide selection of restaurants in and around town, including a food truck park in the heart of downtown.
Where to Go
Moab may be a playground for ATVs and UTVs, but it’s important to match your vehicle to the places you plan to explore, as restrictions still apply. For instance, ATVs and UTVs may be allowed in town, but they are not permitted in Arches National Park. You can drive a street-legal, licensed vehicle with high ground clearance off-road in Arches, but only on designated unpaved trails.
There are plenty of trails around Moab, though, so you don’t need to head into Arches. The type of vehicle allowed on — and best suited for — each trail will vary, so it’s important to choose the right route for your machine based on capability and skill level.
Trails like Chicken Corners, the Shafer Trail, and Onion Creek are best for beginners and for those who want to enjoy beautiful scenery without too much technical challenge. Gemini Bridge is also recommended for beginner ATV riders.
Trails like Fins N’ Things, Top of the World, and Hurrah Pass offer intermediate difficulty. Fins N’ Things is a great option for those who want to experience slickrock, while Top of the World delivers a spectacular panoramic view of the Moab area. Onion Creek and the White Wash Sand Dunes are recommended for ATV riders.
Pritchett Canyon, the White Rim Loop, and the infamous Hell’s Revenge offer much higher levels of difficulty, requiring drivers to have both experience and extremely capable vehicles. Hell’s Revenge is one of the most popular trails near Moab, but that doesn’t make it easy. You will likely not pass in a stock vehicle, even one designed for off-roading.
Trail length also varies, and some routes require an entry fee. Hell’s Revenge is less than 10 miles long, while the White Rim Loop is roughly 100 miles and can take multiple days to complete.
If you want to go wheeling but don’t have your own rig, you can rent a UTV or ATV in Moab. There’s a thriving vehicle rental scene, and there are also auto parts stores in town if you need to repair something on your own rig.
Safety and Respect
A few tips apply to nearly any off-road trip in Moab, regardless of what you’re driving. These are worth remembering before you head out.
First, check the weather. Trails can close at a moment’s notice, and flash floods, thunderstorms, extreme heat, and snow are all possible.
Bring more food, water, and fuel than you think you’ll need. Moab is remote, and the areas around town are even more so. Cell service gets spotty soon after you leave town, and services become limited once you hit the trail. Pack a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, spare tire or tires, and a vehicle recovery kit with items like a winch and cable or rope.
Stay on the trail. Don’t damage the local ecosystem. There are also historical sites, dinosaur bones, and petroglyphs in the area. And don’t litter.
Watch out for other trail users and wildlife. Don’t drive beyond your skill level or the vehicle’s ability. If you’re unsure about an obstacle, get out and walk ahead to scout it — or, better yet, hire a guide.
Always wear a seat belt and safety gear like a helmet and goggles.
Final Thoughts
You’ll need to do a bit of research to figure out what trails work best for you and your vehicle, and you’ll also want to confirm what is or isn’t allowed on each trail. Be sure to ask about entry fees, camping fees, and permits, too.
Once you’ve done that, Moab is yours to enjoy. Be safe, be careful, and have fun.
Tim Healey
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