The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Guide to Moab: Top Things to Do Outside

Moab is a place where the outdoors takes center stage. Surrounded by red rock canyons, towering sandstone arches, winding rivers, and world-famous trails, this small desert town has become a global hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, Moab delivers fresh air and adrenaline in equal measure.

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From high-speed off-road rides to peaceful hikes and jaw-dropping stargazing, Moab is packed with experiences for every kind of adventurer. This guide highlights the best outdoor activities to help you make the most of your time in this unforgettable part of the American Southwest.

1. Off-Roading with Outlaw Adventure Tours

Let’s start with what Moab does best—off-roading. The terrain around town is rugged, wild, and perfect for Jeeps and UTVs. If you want to explore the backcountry but skip the hassle of maps and rentals, a guided tour is the way to go.

Outlaw Adventure Tours offers some of the most thrilling off-road experiences in Moab. Our guides take you straight to the heart of iconic trails like:

  • Hell’s Revenge: A slickrock playground with steep climbs, tight ledges, and panoramic views

  • Fins and Things: A fun, bumpy ride through waves of sandstone and sand dunes

  • Sunset Tours: Off-road adventures that end with golden-hour skies and sweeping canyon views

You don’t need any off-road driving experience to join one of our tours—just bring your sense of adventure and let us handle the rest.

2. Hike to Iconic Views

Moab is home to two national parks and countless public lands, all loaded with hiking trails that lead to world-famous landmarks and hidden gems alike. Some of the best day hikes in the area include:

  • Delicate Arch (Arches National Park): A 3-mile roundtrip hike to the most photographed arch in the world

  • Corona Arch: A slightly less crowded option that still delivers massive views and a natural stone arch

  • Fisher Towers Trail: A 4.5-mile trail past towering rock spires that glow at sunrise and sunset

  • Hidden Valley Trail: A moderate climb with sweeping views and access to ancient petroglyphs

Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and start early in the warmer months to beat the heat.

3. Bike the Famous Slickrock

Moab is a mountain biking mecca, and the Slickrock Trail is its crown jewel. This 10.5-mile loop rolls across petrified sand dunes and offers steep climbs, fast descents, and nonstop views.

If you're newer to mountain biking, don’t worry. There are plenty of beginner and intermediate trails, including:

  • Bar M Loop: A smooth, scenic trail perfect for beginners and families

  • Moab Brands Trails: A network with loops of varying difficulty

  • Klondike Bluffs: Great for cross-country riders who want fewer crowds and plenty of scenery

Bike rentals and shuttle services are widely available in town. Whether you're riding for an hour or a full day, Moab's trails will challenge and inspire.

4. Climb and Canyoneer in the Desert

Moab’s red rock walls and narrow slot canyons offer world-class climbing and canyoneering. Experienced climbers can tackle desert towers like Castleton or Ancient Art, while guided trips offer a safe, accessible introduction to the sport.

Canyoneering combines hiking, rappelling, and scrambling through tight canyons carved by centuries of flash floods. Some routes require technical gear and experience, but there are beginner-friendly options that are perfect for a guided half-day adventure.

If you want to add ropes, heights, and a little bit of adrenaline to your Moab trip, this is an unforgettable way to do it.

5. Paddle the Colorado River

While the desert is dry, the Colorado River offers a refreshing change of pace. Rafting and paddleboarding on the river give you a cool, scenic perspective of the surrounding canyons.

  • Half-day rafting trips are available for beginners and families, often with calm water and a few fun rapids

  • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a great way to take in the red rock cliffs from the water while enjoying some sun and balance practice

  • Kayak rentals and tours are also available for those who want a more active paddle

Several outfitters in town offer rentals, shuttles, and guided trips for all experience levels.

6. Take a Scenic Drive

If you’re short on time or want a lower-intensity adventure, a scenic drive is a fantastic way to take in Moab’s beauty.

  • Dead Horse Point State Park: A paved road leads to one of the best overlooks in Utah, offering views of canyons carved by the Colorado River

  • Arches National Park Scenic Drive: See dozens of arches and rock formations from the comfort of your car, with plenty of short hikes and photo stops along the way

  • La Sal Mountain Loop Road: This longer drive takes you from the desert floor up into alpine forests, with breathtaking elevation changes and cooler temperatures

Scenic drives are a great way to explore Moab during the hottest parts of the day or as a way to unwind after a more intense outing.

7. Watch the Sunset or Stargaze

Moab’s skies are just as impressive as its landscape. With little light pollution and dramatic horizons, this area is perfect for sunset views and nighttime stargazing.

  • Sunset at Dead Horse Point or Arches: The rock formations light up in brilliant oranges and reds as the sun sets behind the canyons

  • Stargazing tours or night Jeep rides: Outlaw Adventure Tours offers night trips that take you away from the city lights and into the stars

  • Meteor showers and Milky Way views: Time your visit for peak stargazing conditions, like during the Perseids in August or the Geminids in December

Bring a blanket, a warm layer, and prepare to be amazed by how bright the sky can be in the middle of the desert.

8. Outdoor Tips for Visiting Moab

To enjoy Moab’s outdoor adventures safely and responsibly, keep these tips in mind:

  • Stay hydrated: Always bring more water than you think you’ll need

  • Dress in layers: Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to hot afternoons

  • Use sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are essential

  • Leave no trace: Pack out trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife

  • Book tours early: Especially in spring and fall, popular adventures fill up quickly

Ready for Your Moab Adventure?

No matter how you like to explore, Moab has an outdoor activity that will leave you breathless, inspired, and ready for more. Whether you're climbing, off-roading, hiking, paddling, or simply stargazing, the red rock landscape offers a kind of freedom you can't find anywhere else.

At Outlaw Adventure Tours, we're here to help you get the most out of your time in the wild. Our off-road tours, sunset rides, and stargazing adventures take you deeper into the desert and closer to the moments that matter.

Ready to plan your adventure? Book your Moab tour with Outlaw today and let's get outside.

REVIEWS FOR OUR MOAB JEEP TOURS!

Purple Jeep leads a line of off-roaders up a steep slickrock wash.

Crazy Fun!

We had a wonderful time and were amazed by the experience. We felt completely safe and had a fantastic experience. Ernie was the BEST!

Stephanie M. | TripAdvisor