Moab Travel Guide

Jan 20
5 min read

Just a quick 4-hour road trip from our home in Boulder, Moab has become one of Simon and my most frequently visited destinations. From rock climbing and slickrock mountain biking to dog-friendly hikes and camping near a hidden waterfall, here’s everything you need to know about exploring Moab—our way.

Why Moab?

Moab is easy to access and (somehow) still feels under-the-radar. In my opinion, it’s one of the few places left with true dispersed camping and vast, untouched rolling canyons. The desert here is shaped by nomads and locals alike.

The nomads are often seasonal workers who spend summers guiding whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and ATV tours. Many of them migrate to Park City in the winter to work as ski instructors. Over the years, we’ve made close friends through this tight-knit, weather-chasing community—it’s fascinating to watch people truly design their lives around adventure.

Beyond the community, Moab is an affordable place to camp, hike, and explore. And quite honestly? It’s home to my favorite pottery shop. As much as I love Santa Fe, a $50 coffee mug there turns into a $20 locally made, equally beautiful one in Moab—and that alone deserves recognition.

Where to hike in Moab:

Corona & Bowtie Arch Trail (2.4 mi): This is a really great easy/moderate hike that helps avoid the crowds that the Arches National Park normally has. It has a little scramble section that made it more difficult to do with our dog, but it is very manageable for a fun desert hike!
Grandstaff Trail (4.5 mi): This is my favorite (moderate) hike in Moab! It takes you through water crossings and boulders before ending at the Glory Arch where you can watch people repelling down from the top. Our dog loved exploring these trails, but we did go Memorial Day Weekend, so it was hot! We always bring extra water and a spray bottle for our dog's paws to keep them cool (gloves aren't any option for him), but we did see some dog owner's struggling to help their dogs. Always be mindful of how the sand and desert ground can be pretty harsh on their paws in hotter temps!
Cowboy Jacuzzis via Mill Creek (3.8 mi): Another easy/moderate hike that is dog-friendly! This one is also weather dependent (especially with a dog for what I just previously mentioned), as I wouldn't recommend going in mid-summer (July-early August) as the "jacuzzis" will likely have dried out.

No permits are required for any of these hikes. Start early to beat both the heat and the parking chaos.

Excursions & Outdoor Adventures:

Pre-dog era, we leaned into some slightly crazier adventures…

White Water Rafting: An absolute must. The Colorado River runs straight through Moab and offers everything from beginner-friendly floats to more advanced rapids. Our go-to spot Is Red River Adventures, where we also go for rock climbing (more on that next).
Rock Climbing: Moab is considered the mecca of rock climbing. From bouldering to crack climbing to traditional multi-pitch routes, the options are endless. We’ve spent time climbing in Ice Cream Parlor, a great beginner area for early morning partner climbs. Again, Red River Adventures, offers incredible half day and full day trips that we have enjoyed thoroughly.
Canyoneering: Not for the claustrophobic—but incredibly unique. If you need inspiration (or a warning), read Nowhere for Very Long by Brianna Madia. Fair warning: it might convince you to buy a vintage van and move to Moab permanently. Red River Adventures also offers canyoneering expeditions for you to feel more safe with a guide along Bow and Arrow Canyon or Midevil Chamber (the canyoneering path to get to Morning Glory Arch).
Mountain Biking:Living in Boulder, at least half our friends are avid mountain bikers, and Moab always delivers. I’ll say this again: it gets hot, fast. Start early, pack more water than you think you need, and take breaks.
- Dead Horse Point (13.7 mi): a moderate/difficult slick rock trail that is relatively smooth, but can find some more difficult sections to choose to do. This one is perfect for Simon and me, because he likes to choose the more difficult path, while I. can happily ride right next to him on the easy path!
- Klondike Bluffs (13.2 mi): a more difficult trail with higher grade climbs and some faster paced descents! I joke this is my AAAA moment of asthma attack & anxiety attack, but it is a ton of fun and I would recommend to avid riders!
Off-Roading: All you need is 4-wheel drive. In the evenings, we often drive aimlessly just to enjoy the AC and delay a 90° night in a tent. Here are AllTrail's top 10 for off-roading in Moab.

Where to eat in Moab

Since we usually camp, most meals are cooked on our stove—but these are non-negotiable stops:

Coffee at Moab Garage Co. The best coffee in town with a charming indoor/outdoor space—right next to my favorite pottery shop.
A drink at Moab Brewery. Dog-friendly and perfect for trying local beers. I always grab a six-pack of lager for Simon to bring home.
Moab also has a food trailer park, which is a fun change if you want a break from camp cooking.

Where to shop in Moab

Moab Made My favorite pottery shop—hands down. From olive oil dispensers and mugs to stunning local art, everything is reasonably priced and thoughtfully made.
On the other side of Moab Garage Co, is Lema's Kokopelli Gallery, this shop features beautiful Native American jewelry and handcrafted art.

Where to camp in Moab

I can’t believe I’m sharing this—but Ken’s Lake is our favorite hidden gem. We’ve camped here the last 3–4 trips, and when we’re lucky, we snag a site with views of a small waterfall you can walk to.

There’s a trail straight to the lake, a rope swing on the quieter side, and a beach area for day visitors. Oakley swims every morning and spends the afternoons making dog friends while we relax with a small yeti cooler full of sandwiches and Surfsides, watching the sunset.

This is hands-down my favorite part of Moab.

What to pack for Moab

Moab is hot and dry—here’s what I never forget:

Sunscreen (I have been loving this stick! It feels like a gua sha moment)
Bug spray
Bandana (for sweat or soaking in water to cool your neck)
Tevas or water-shoe sandals
Hiking boots
Hiking pants (sun protection)
Loose, airy shorts
Sun shirt / long sleeve
Baseball cap
Tank tops & sports bras
Bathing suit
Overalls or a camp dress (again, loose and airy!)
Extra jug of water
Electrolytes (we are from Boulder, so Skratch is a go to, but we also love Thorne's electrolyte packets)
Spray bottle (for Oakley's paws)
We also love our camp loveseat —the cover doubles as a dog bed, which Oakley needs since the desert ground gets hot.