Moab in summer packs some serious heat. After discovering these activities to relieve the heat on my own trip to Moab, here is a complete list of the best things to do in Moab when it’s hot.
Moab has two beautiful national parks, one equally impressive state park, and so many epic adventure activities. But dangggg, it’s hot!
With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit pretty regularly in the summer, visiting Moab at this time can make for some really sweaty adventures. It can also bring up some pretty serious health hazards if the proper precautions are not taken to protect yourself.
Read Related Post | 9 Essential Tips for Visiting Moab in the Summer
So is it possible to still have a summer trip to Moab that is jam-packed full of activities?
Of course! All you need to do is choose some equally fantastic heat-relieving Moab activities and spread them strategically throughout your itinerary. My favourite things to do in Moab when it’s hot were adventures number one, six, and seven in the list below.
The 7 BEST Things to Do in Moab When It’s Hot (Beat the Heat)
1. Cool Down in the Water with River Rafting
A portion of the Colorado River runs through Moab. With stretches of calm and slightly rapid waters, rafting is a popular activity along the river and is a great way to get some relief from the intense Moab heat.
The river rafting tour consists of a leisurely float, some mild rapids (you can actually float through them on your back), and lots of views of red cliffs and spires around you. You’ll be getting in and out of the water to cool down and the guides organize fun rafting games to compete against the other boats.
I cannot recommend this Moab activity enough!
Book the Best: River Rafting Tour in Moab
2. Watch the Sunset Over Dead Horse Point
A great thing to do in Moab when it’s hot is enjoy the sunset. The heat of Moab’s summer days will be much lower at this point and the golden hour of a setting sun does wonders to the red and orange landscape.
Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the best places to see the sunset in Moab. The canyon reaches 2000 feet tall above the Colorado River. At the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the geological masterpiece that is Canyonlands National Park in the distance. It is jaw-droppingly beautiful and only a short walk from the parking lot.
Check what time the sun sets for the day and plan to be there at least half an hour early to catch the entire show.
Getting There | Moab is roughly 51.5 km (or 32 miles) from Moab and takes about 45 minutes to drive there. Dead Horse Point State Park’s location is easily accessible on Google Maps.
3. Cool Off in the Mist on a Jet Boat Ride
If you like to add a little thrill to your adventures, taking a Jet Boat ride might be the perfect thing to do in Moab when it’s hot. Rush up and down the Colorado River, jumping through the rapids in a high-speed boat. Adrenaline rush guaranteed!
With the mist from the cool river spraying into the boat, you are sure to be nice and cool despite the blazing desert sun. With almost no physical activity required, a jet boat ride is a great summer activity to break up your day and still have an awesome time. You will be talking about this Moab activity for many days after this, that’s for sure.
Book Your Moab Activities: Thrilling 1-Hour Jet Boat on the Colorado River
4. Explore Thousand-Year-Old Petroglyphs
Another great thing to do in Moab when it’s hot is to search for Petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are images that were sketched and carved into rock by groups of prehistoric people. Moab’s earliest petroglyphs date back to 3500 BC and depict numerous scenes that are open to interpretation.
There are a variety of sites throughout Moab where petroglyphs can be found. Spend part of the day driving between a few of the sites in an A/C vehicle, enjoying the chance to stay cool and rested. Access to these fascinating historical images does not require any major walking, with most of them even found right by the side of the road.
An interesting look into Moab’s history and a fun-filled day exploring around the city, this is a great summer activity.
How to See Petroglyphs in Moab:
Three of the most popular Petroglyph sites in Moab can be found by searching their names on Google Maps. Here are the best ones:
You May Also Like: The Ultimate Trip Itinerary for 4 Days in Moab, Utah
5. Paddle Board on the Colorado River
Another water activity, paddleboarding on the Colorado River is another great thing to do in Moab when it’s hot. The river has large sections that are quite calm and allow for more leisurely water sports, like paddle boarding.
Similar to river rafting, paddle boarding won’t be very strenuous and allows the opportunity to cool off in the river water. You will also get to enjoy views of impressive red towers and pinnacles along the edge of the river.
You can book a tour to explore the river by paddleboard or rent your own in the shops in Moab. If you choose to rent paddleboards, keep in mind that you’ll need to transfer them to the river on your own.
Book Your Moab Activities | Flat Water Paddleboard Adventure in Moab
Rent a Paddle Board | Paddle Moab
6. Hike to a Desert Oasis Swimming Hole on the Mill Creek Trail
The Mill Creek Trail is another excellent thing to do in Moab when it’s hot. The short and shady hike leads to a desert oasis that you can swim in to cool off.
Trail Length: 3 km there and back (1.8 miles).
You’ll hike under trees and across small streams before arriving at the swimming hole. It has really clear water, a running waterfall, and short cliff walls surrounding it that many use to jump off into the water.
Getting There | Search for The Mill Creek North Fork Trailhead on Google Maps
7. Go Star-Gazing in One of Moab’s Dark Sky Parks
Visiting either of the national parks on a clear night will provide an awe-inspiring galactic experience. You’ll see some incredible natural beauty and the temperatures will be a lot lower with no blaring sun rays.
Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park are both considered International Dark Sky Parks. In addition, Canyonlands National Park is known as a Gold-Tier Dark Sky Park. Which basically means these parks get really dark at night. The lack of light pollution provides the perfect opportunity to view the stars in all their glory.
You can book an awesome night-sky photography tour in Arches National Park. The guides will bring you to the Windows section of the park and help you adjust your camera settings to take the most epic photos of the stars over the arches. The tours are great for every level of photographer.
Book the Best: Private Night-Time Photo Hiking Tour in Arches National Park
Plan Your Trip to Utah – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply down the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola.
🚘 Book Your Car Rental in Utah
The best website to book rental cars in the USA is AutoEurope USA. They scan all the most popular car rental agencies in the USA and find the best prices for the best vehicles for you.
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
Hostelworld is the best place to book hostels, whether you are staying in a dorm or a private room. They offer great environments to meet people and many will also offer activities. If you prefer hotels, Booking.com is great for finding the cheapest rates.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Utah is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Moab When It’s Hot
With the right activities that help you cool down, you can still have an adventure-filled trip to Moab. Even in the middle of summer. By choosing Moab activities such as river rafting, shady hiking to a brilliant water hole, and star-gazing, you can still make all your Moab travel goals a reality.
Happy Adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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