Moab is full of adventure and incredible beauty and is one of our favorite weekend destinations! If you’re looking for the best things to do in Moab, here is the perfect three-day itinerary!
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How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Moab
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Check-in and Relax
- Day 2: Visit Arches National Park
- Afternoon: Go for a Swim
- Day 3: Off-Roading Adventure
- Other Recommended Activities in Moab
Day 1: Check-in and Relax
- Check into your hotel or accommodations.
- Get settled, and let the kids swim.
- Take a quick hike. If you’re anxious to get out and explore the area but don’t have a lot of time, I would recommend Faux Falls. It is a short and easy 1/2 mile walk to a waterfall. Kids will love splashing and playing in the falls, and it is a great way to cool o
- ff from the heat. The trailhead is located between Ken’s Lake campsites 18 and 19.
- Grab some dinner. We ate at our campsite each night, but if you’re looking for places to eat in town I have heard great things about El Charro Loco for delicious Mexican food.
Best Places to Stay in Moab
We chose to stay at the KOA Campground because it was budget-friendly, and we were quite happy with the accommodations.
They have different lodging options including a variety of cabins, RV sites with electric hookups, and tent sites.
We chose the tent sites and liked that they had a flat area with sand for the tents. Each site has a picnic table and grill which came in handy.
The bathrooms were kept clean, and we found that the best bathrooms are on the north end across from the cabins.
The swimming pool had a beautiful view and was a nice relief from the heat.
They also have a camp store where the kids loved getting the .20 cent candy. It was also convenient when we needed a few small items and didn’t want to drive into town.
Keep in mind that it does get extremely hot in the summer so the cabins with air conditioning would be a good option.
We stayed the second weekend in June, it was hot but bearable since we had some overcast days. I wouldn’t recommend staying in tents any later than the beginning of June.
The sites get booked up quickly so it is best to reserve them as far in advance as possible. The rates are seasonal and it is much more affordable to stay in the off-season.
Other recommended family-friendly accommodations in Moab:
- Holiday Inn Express: Located only a few minutes from Arches National Park, this is a great place to stay if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the park. It is clean and has a great pool, hot tub, and outdoor fire pit. The continental breakfast has great reviews as well.
- Moab Under Canvas: For a fun and unique experience, try glamping under the stars. This luxury tent camping offers the fun of camping but without sacrificing comfort. The tents are equipped with beds, bathrooms, and wood stoves, depending on which tent option you choose.
- Expedition Lodge: This was recommended to us by a friend. It is reasonably priced and centrally located in town. The rooms have recently undergone renovations and the kids will love the bunk beds.
Day 2: Visit Arches National Park
Morning: Delicate Arch Hike
Did you know that there are over 2,000 arches in Arches National Park?!
It truly is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the Southwest. It is also one of the most popular ones to visit, so you’ll need to reserve a timed entry ticket if you’re planning to visit from April 3-October 3.
If you only have one day in Arches National Park, be sure to hike to Delicate Arch
The trail to the arch is 3 miles round trip with a steady climb of 480 feet.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, be sure to go early in the morning before the heat of the day as the majority of the trail is exposed to direct sun.
Once you reach the arch you will most likely have to wait in line to get your photo under the arch, but witnessing it in person is surreal.
It is such a beautiful arch and the surrounding red rock scenery is just as magnificent.
As an added bonus, my mom is so cute and purchased geodes from Amazon to hide along the trail for the kids to find.
She brought little tools for them to crack them open and my kids thought it was just about the coolest thing ever!
I thought it was a great idea and wanted to pass it along. It makes for a fun treasured souvenir that your kids will love!
Hiking the Fiery Furnace
If you have time for one more hike, the Fiery Furnace is an incredible natural labyrinth made up of towering sandstone walls.
The Fiery Furnace can only be visited with a self-guided permit or on a guided ranger tour.
A guided ranger hike is highly recommended, especially for your first time as it is easy to get lost.
There are small arrows marking the main trail, but they are hard to spot and with so many possible trails it is hard to know which one is the main trail.
GPS and cell phones do not work well here so we had to be very diligent at remembering landmarks and retracing our steps.
It would have been a much more relaxed experience if we could leave the navigating up to an experienced guide while we just soaked up the beauty.
For more details, be sure to see our guide to Two of the Best Hikes in Arches National Park!
Afternoon: Go for a Swim
After a morning of hiking, you’ll want to spend the afternoon cooling off in the water. Here are a few different options:
- Ken’s Lake Recreation Area: This man-made reservoir is located about 10 miles south of Moab. It is nothing fancy or too scenic for that matter, but it’s a great place to relax and cool off while the kids play in the water. You can rent inflatable SUP boards and explore around the lake. There is not much shade, so bring an umbrella. The shore is rocky so I would also bring chairs.
- Mill Creek Falls: The 2-mile round trip trail will take you to a swimming hole and small falls. The trail is easy to access and is located only about 7 minutes from downtown Moab. There are also petroglyphs that can be viewed along the trail. I read that there is a possibility of poison ivy along the trail so use caution.
- Moab Aquatic Center: Located just off Main Street at Swanny City Park, this aquatic center offers a slide, splash pad, indoor and outdoor pool (outdoor pool is seasonal). Admission is $4/kids, $7/Adults, or $25 for a family of six. 3 years and under free.
Evening: Stroll Through Downtown Moab
Main Street in Moab is so cute and charming.
Browse the shops and boutiques, pick up souvenirs (my boys loved the rock shop), and grab some ice cream.
Be sure to visit the Food Truck Park for a variety of dinner options.
The Movie Museum located at Red Cliff Lodge is also worth a stop if you have time.
Entrance is free and offers a self-guided tour with memorabilia and information about movies filmed in the area such as old John Wayne classics, 127 Hours, Disney’s The Lone Ranger, John Carter, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Geronimo, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Mission Impossible II, and Thelma and Louise.
The Swanny City Park is also located just off of the main street and offers summer movies in the park a few Friday nights each month from June-September.
*Related post: If Monument Valley is also on your Southwest road trip itinerary, then check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Monument Valley!
Day 3: Off-Roading Adventure
Hurrah Pass to Chicken Corners ATV Trail
You can’t come to Moab and NOT take advantage of the amazing 4WD trails. After all, it is America’s Off-road Capital!
We chose to rent Rangers from the Moab Tour Company and I would highly recommend them.
They were very friendly and easy to work with and I felt that their prices were reasonable. They even gave a discount for multiple rentals so be sure to ask if you are going with a group.
If you would prefer, here is a great option for a guided tour.
There are so many amazing trails available for different skill levels, it was hard to decide which one to do.
The Moab Tour Company recommended the Hurrah Pass to Chicken Corners trail and it was amazing!
The trail is not too challenging (although there are a few more difficult spots, but manageable) and doesn’t require a lot of experience.
It also offers some of the most incredible scenery. The road starts on Kane Creek Road by the McDonald’s in town. You’ll soon come to a staging area that requires a parking fee so bring cash.
The first five miles are on a paved road through the canyon.
The road will then turn into a gravel road for about 7 miles, then dirt and slick rock as you start the steep climb to Hurrah Pass.
At this point, the scenery becomes quite dramatic. You’ll discover steep jagged red cliffs and stunning overlooks to the Colorado River Gorge and Kane Springs Canyon.
The trail will start getting a little more exciting and challenging in parts as well. The Hurrah Pass will take you up and over the Kane Creek Anticline as you descend to the river bottom below.
You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views all along the way.
If you have time, be sure to take the side trail to explore the caves at Catacomb Rock.
Look for a rock with a white arrow about halfway between Hurrah Pass and the Chicken Corners trailhead that leads to the caves.
You can see the mounds of red rock off to the left of the trail. There are tunnels and passages all through the rocks. Just be sure to keep an eye on the little ones so they don’t get lost!
The trail will continue another 2.5 miles until you reach the sign for the Chicken Corners Trail. You can’t miss it, you’ll see toy chicken dolls hanging from the sign.
The name originates from the old days when it was used as a pack trail. Only the least chicken were brave enough to cross Chicken Corners!
We stopped at this point and had a picnic and let the kids climb the cool rock formations, then turned around and went back.
From the research I’ve done, it looks like the trail continues for about 8 more miles until you reach the end of the trail.
At this point, the trail is too narrow for vehicles but you can walk out and take in the breathtaking views.
You can look across the Colorado River to Dead Horse Point and see the famous Thelma & Louise Point.
Sand Flats Recreation Area: Fins and Things 4X4 Trail
If you are renting an ATV or jeep, I would highly recommend doing the 24-hour rental. We headed over to the Sand Flats Recreation Area that evening to tackle Fins and Things.
Entrance to the recreation area is $5 per vehicle and the trail is definitely more challenging and not recommended for beginners.
Also, keep in mind that the section of the Fins and Things 4×4 trail that lies south of the Sand Flats road is only open for day use. Restriction begins a half-hour before sunset until a half-hour after sunrise.
It is a one-way only trail that starts at Echo Campground as you follow the white painted arrows up and over Slick Rock Dome.
Some of the more difficult portions have an easier alternate trail marked with white dots. Stay only on the marked trail, violations are a class A misdemeanor and are subject to fines.
The trail is made mostly of slick rock and sand and is a guaranteed adrenaline rush!
Once you complete the portion south of Sand Flats Road, you can head back west on Sand Flats Road then take a right on Radio Tower Road to connect to the longer Fins and Things Loop.
Check the map for details.
This section is not restricted to day use only and is a little less challenging, although there are some tricky spots. You’ll definitely get an unforgettable thrill ride!
For another one of our favorite ATV trails, check out the Devil’s Racetrack in San Rafael Swell!
*Related Post: if you like outdoor adventures, be sure to check out our First Time Guide to Lake Powell!
Other Recommended ATV Trails Near Moab:
If you have time, here are a few other highly recommended trails.
- Shafer Trail: Located in Canyonlands, this is one of Utah’s iconic 4×4 trails with an incredible view. The trail follows the rim of the Colorado River with a series of steep switchbacks more than 1,000 feet up with no guard rails, so it’s not for the faint of heart! However, the road is wide and safe. The Shafer Trail begins where the pavement ends at the end of Potash Road in the Islands of the Sky district.
- Onion Creek Narrows: Follow the trail across several creeks for about 4 miles until you get to a small pull-off area where you can hike for about 1 mile into the narrows.
- Cameo Cliffs Hook and Ladder: My sister-in-law and her family come to Moab quite often and this is their favorite place to explore by ATV. It is located about 25 miles south of Moab by Wilson Arch.
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Other Recommended Activities in Moab
If you have time, here are a few other recommended activities in the area:
- Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail: The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail is located just off Highway 191 northwest of Moab. This is the perfect hike for kids, not only is it short but they’ll have a chance to see real dinosaur bones. The self-guided trail has interpretive signs along the way with information about the area and the dinosaurs that roamed here. You can also pick up a brochure and guide from the Moab Field Office. The trail will take you to an area where you can view dinosaur bones encased in rock. While in the area, you can also visit the remains of the Halfway Stage Station located just east of the Dinosaur Trail. This historic train station was first used in 1883. To reach the stage station head north toward Highway 191. Turn right at the first intersection and proceed until you come to a dry wash. Turn right on the jeep trail at the wash crossing and it will take you to the station.
- Grandstaff Canyon (formerly Negro Bill Canyon): Take the 5-mile round trip Grandstaff Trail to the impressive Morning Glory Natural Bridge. What makes this trail so fun is that it runs in and out of the stream, perfect for a hot day and fun for all ages! Be sure to wear hiking sandals or water shoes.
- Sand Hill: Just north of Moab across from the entrance to Arches National Park, you’ll find a large patch of sand on the hill. Kids will love playing in the sand, climbing up the hill and rolling or running down. For added fun, bring a boogie board or sled to slide down!
- Colorado River Rafting: Rafting down the Colorado River would be such a fun experience! Various trips are available, or you can rent a raft and explore on your own.
- Fisher Towers: Fisher Towers is such a beautiful and unique area with a variety of hoodoos and majestic towers that were formed millions of years ago. The rock formations vary from 4-foot tall goblin formations to the towering 900-foot Titan. The hike to view the Titan is 2.2 miles one way, but the hike itself is just as magnificent. You’ll see amazing views right from the parking lot. It’s not too difficult for kids, and even if you don’t complete the full hike you will still enjoy your time there.
And if you’re planning to visit Goblin Valley State Park while you’re in the area, be sure to check out our nearby First Time Guide to Goblin Valley!
Hopefully, this guide will help you to discover the best way to spend a weekend in Moab!
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I thought this was a great article, especially when you explain that there’s so much to do, at least a week of activities. My job is really stressful so I’m looking for a place to vacation. We’ll have to look into Moab rafting trips.
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