Moab: The Ultimate Playground for Every Kind of Traveler

Moab grabs hold of you the moment you arrive. Red rock canyons stretch into the sky, trails wind through ancient landscapes, and the Colorado River cuts through it all like a lifeline. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, soaking up the desert quiet, or sharing a sunset with someone special, Moab makes every moment unforgettable.

Alexis Greenwood

March 20, 2025

Moab is a pulse-pounding, soul-refreshing, choose-your-own- adventure kind of town. Sandwiched between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, this red rock mecca has something for everyone. Whether you’re wrangling kids, road-tripping with your dog, chasing adrenaline, or here to soak up the desert magic with a drink in hand, Moab delivers. And no matter what’s happening with government budgets, Utah is keeping these national treasures open — so nothing’s stopping you from answering the call of the wild.

Moab is a family-friendly destination with many activities that can keep your kids entertained.

For Families with Kids: Adventure Without the Meltdowns

Where to Stay: Moab Rustic Inn

Kid-friendly, centrally located, and just rustic enough to make you feel outdoorsy without sacrificing comfort. Perfect for families needing space to spread out while staying close to the action.

What to Do:

Arches National Park – Short, fun hikes like The Windows, Balanced Rock, and Sand Dune Arch serve up jaw-dropping scenery with minimal whining.
Moab Giants – Life-sized dinosaurs, fossil digs, and a 3D movie — because what kid doesn’t love giant lizards?
Colorado River Float Trips – Swap dusty trails for a splashy, scenic rafting trip. Relax while the current does most of the work.
Rotary Park & Moab Skate Park – Let the kids run wild at these parks with playgrounds, splash-worthy creeks, and plenty of room to burn off extra energy.

Moab is a dog heaven with many dog friendly hikes and places to stay. — Moab is a dog heaven with many dog-friendly hikes and places to stay.

For Dog Lovers: A Tail-Wagging Good Time

Moab isn’t just pet-friendly — it’s practically built for dogs. Trails, water spots, and pup-welcoming patios mean your four-legged co-pilot gets an epic adventure, too.

What to Do:

Mary Jane Canyon Trail – A shady, creek-filled trail that’s basically a doggy spa day.
Grandstaff Canyon Trail – A 4-mile adventure with water crossings and shady nooks to keep tails wagging.
Dog-Friendly Patios – Grab a bite with your pup at The Trailhead Public House, Proper Brewing, or Gloria’s.
Moab Barkery – Treat your pup to gourmet snacks, high-quality gear, and a well-deserved souvenir.

In Moab, rugged landscapes and romantic adventures go hand in hand.

For Young Couples: Romance with a Side of Adventure

Where to Stay: Red Cliffs Lodge

A riverside hideaway with rustic cabins, private patios, and knockout views. Ideal for couples who want romance with a wild side.

What to Do:

Sunset at Dead Horse Point – Pack a picnic, soak in the views, and let the fiery sky work its magic.
Jeep or UTV Tour – Hit Hell’s Revenge or Fins & Things in a Jeep or UTV for an adrenaline-fueled date.
Hot Air Balloon Ride – Moab’s landscapes look even better from the sky. Sunrise flights guarantee maximum romance.
Canyonlands by Night and Day – Dinner, a boat tour, and a narrated light show on the canyon walls? Yes, please.
Local Dining & Breweries – Celebrate love and adventure over dinner at Thai Bella, Josie Wyatt’s Grille, or a cold pint at Moab Brewery.

Moab is where adrenaline meets adventure.

For the Adrenaline Junkie: Go Big or Go Home

Where to Stay: Moab Campgrounds

Forget fancy hotels — real thrill-seekers wake up with dirt on their boots. Moab’s campgrounds let you roll straight from your tent into adventure.

What to Do:

Skydiving Over the Red Rocks – Because nothing says “Moab” like jumping out of a plane.
Porcupine Rim Trail – A gnarly mountain biking route with epic views and brutal drops. Not for the faint of heart.
Rock Climbing at Fisher Towers – Tackle towering sandstone spires, including The Titan, one of the tallest freestanding rock formations in the U.S.
BASE Jumping – If skydiving wasn’t extreme enough, Moab’s got some of the best BASE jumping spots on Earth.
Canyoneering – Rappel into slot canyons, squeeze through rock chutes, and navigate water-filled passageways like a true desert ninja.

For Retirees: Scenic Beauty Without the Rush

Where to Stay: Hoodoo Moab or a local motel

Hoodoo Moab serves up modern luxury with a western twist, complete with a spa and upscale dining. Prefer something cozier? Local motels offer budget-friendly charm with easy access to town.

What to Do:

Scenic Drives – Take the La Sal Mountain Loop Road for a fresh perspective, or cruise through Island in the Sky for effortless views.
Guided Tours – Jeep safaris, photography tours, and river cruises offer adventure without the sweat.
Art Galleries & Shopping – Peruse Moab’s arts scene, browse Moab Made and Lema’s Kokopelli Gallery, or pick up a local treat at Moonflower Community Cooperative.
Moab Museum – From dinosaurs to uranium mining, this small but mighty museum dives deep into Moab’s past.
Spa & Wellness – After a day of exploring, unwind with a massage or a soak at one of Moab’s spa retreats.

Moab isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination — it’s an adventure buffet. Whether you’re here to push your limits, chill out, or something in between, one thing’s for sure: You won’t leave Moab the same person who rolled into town.

Fun Guide, Moab, Podcast, Video

Alexis Greenwood

Podcast

When Main Street Burned: The Aftermath of the Salt Lake City Fire That Hit Downtown Bars

Fire doesn’t respect zoning, property lines, or even the most popular block on Main Street. On the evening of Monday, August 11, 2025, a blaze that began around 8:40 p.m. on Main Street. It moved quickly through a row of aging, interconnected buildings that had become the heart and soul of Salt Lake City’s fledgling bar district. By the time firefighters brought it under control, multiple businesses were damaged, dozens of workers were displaced, and one of the city’s most active stretches went dark.

The fire started at London Bell and spread into neighboring structures, severely damaging Whiskey Street. White Horse never caught fire, but smoke, water, and a partial roof collapse caused extensive interior damage, forcing a full rebuild. Other nearby businesses were affected as well, including some that had helped turn this part of Main Street into one of its most active and economically stable stretches.
Go Local

Where to Go in Utah This February

A change of scenery that doesn’t require a plane ticket or a complicated itinerary. Sometimes the best reset is just a few miles from home.
Community Events

9 Best Winter Date Ideas in Utah

Winter in Utah has a way of narrowing our routines, but it also offers unexpected invitations. From soaking beneath a limestone dome to mushing sled dogs through mountain snow, these nine winter date ideas lean into the season instead of waiting for it to pass, creating moments that linger long after the cold fades.
Go Local

Sheri Griffith and the Moab Rafting Company That Put Women on the River

–Long before “women-only adventure travel” became a category, Sheri Griffith was loading rafts in Moab, building a business that made space for women in a landscape long dominated by men — doing it quietly, stubbornly, and on her own terms.