Moab is the ultimate adventure travel destination with killer heat to boot. Here are the perfect summer activities to beat the heat in Moab.
Moab is oh so wonderful in countless ways. With two beautiful national parks, one equally impressive state park, and a multitude of epic adventure activities, this city is truly an adventure travellers paradise. But dangggg, that heat!
With temperatures reaching over 100 Fahrenheit pretty regularly in the summer, visiting Moab at this time can make for some real 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
With such high temperatures, it is important to break up your days with some heating relieving activities. It can be unwise to participate in activities that will expose you to this heat all day. This especially applies to more strenuous activities like hiking.
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 activities and spread them strategically throughout your itinerary. You can use these activities to break up your days so that you get a break from the heat, while still enjoying a day full of adventure.
PLUS these activities are super fun anyways and deserve a spot in your itinerary despite the need for heat precautions. My personal favourites were adventures number one, six and seven in the list below. But they are all epic!
So here it is folks, my complete list of the seven most awesome adventures that you can do to beat the summer heat in Moab.
The 7 BEST Adventures for Beating the Summer Heat in Moab
1. Cool Down in the Water with River Rafting
A portion of the Colorado River runs through Moab, providing opportunities for several different water-sport activities in the area. 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.
River rafting in Moab is a leisurely activity and does not require much physical strain. You will be moving in and out of the water throughout the whole excursion. It is also so much FUN!
When visiting Moab in July 2018, I was desperately looking for an activity to break up the physically strenuous hiking days. While my usual outdoor itineraries would focus on hiking all day long, I realized quickly this was not realistic in Moab’s heat. River rafting checked all the boxes for an exciting adventure and an opportunity to cool down.
I booked with the Moab Adventure Center and the tour was fantastic! The guides were super professional about our safety but also really fun and easy going. We played games in our boats as we floated down the river. We even had competitions with the other groups as well. I spent a ton of time in the water and actually floated through some rapids on my back. I cannot recommend this adventure enough!
Book Your Rafting Tour | https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-river-rafting
2. Watch the Sunset over Dead Horse Point
A great way to escape the heat and still get out and enjoy Moab’s stunning views, is by going out in the evening. As the sun starts to set and temperatures drop, this is a great time to get outdoors.
Visiting Dead Horse Point for sunset is the perfect activity to do just that! Dead Horse Point is a canyon that reaches 2000 feet above the Colorado River. It offers panoramic views of the geological masterpiece that is Canyonlands National Park. It is jaw-droppingly beautiful and only a short walk from the parking lot.
Many agree that sunset is the perfect time to visit Dead Horse Point. Picture the golden rays of the setting sun cast over the bright red canyon below. For the duration, the whole world around you is enveloped in a warm glow. It is truly a sight to see and a perfect non-strenuous activity to add to your Moab summer itinerary.
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 ride on a Jet Boat might be the perfect summer time activity for you. Rush up and down the Colorado River, jumping your way up 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 adventures for many days after this, that’s for sure.
Book Your Adventure | https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/jet-boat-thrill-ride
4. Explore Thousand Year Old Petroglyphs
Another great way to break up your days and get some relief from Moab’s summer heat, is to go on a search for Petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are images that have been sketched and carved into rock by groups of prehistoric people. Moab’s earliest petroglyphs date back to 3500 BC and depict a variety of 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 different 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 history and a fun-filled day exploring around Moab, this is a great summer activity.
Getting There | Access any of these three sites by searching their names in Google Maps
5. Paddle Board on the Colorado River
Another water activity that is excellent for beating the summer heat in Moab, is paddle boarding on the Colorado River. 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.
A perfect beat the heat adventure if you ask me!
You can book a tour with any of the tour agencies in the area, such as Moab Adventure Center, or rent the paddle boards and take them out on your own.
Book Your Adventure | https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-paddle-boarding
Rent a Paddle Board | https://paddlemoab.com/rental-and-a-ride/
6. Hike to a Desert Oasis Swimming Hole on the Mill Creek Trail
Another great way to escape the heat is to choose a shady hike that ends with a swimming hole to cool off in. The Mill Creek Trail provides exactly that!
The Mill Creek Trail is roughly 3 km there and back (1.8 miles). Huge portions of the trail are covered in shade and your efforts will be rewarded by a gorgeous swimming spot with a waterfall. You’ll hike amongst the trees and across small streams before coming to a spectacular oasis in the middle of the desert. The swimming hole has clear water, a running waterfall, and short cliff walls surrounding it that many will use to jump off into the water below.
This activity is a great compromise for those that prefer to spend their days hiking. It also feels like a small hidden paradise. You absolutely have to see it!
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
As temperatures drop with the setting sun, getting out in the evening can be a great way to enjoy what Moab’s great outdoors has to offer. Visiting either of the national parks on a clear night will provide an awe-inspiring galactic experience. Enjoy the views of Moab’s naturally breathtaking landscape, with a night sky filled with stars as the backdrop.
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 mighty dark at night. The lack of light pollution provides the perfect opportunity to view the stars in all their glory.
Whether you choose to bring your camera and capture stunning images, or simply want to take it all in yourself, star-gazing in Moab is a perfect summer time adventure.
Getting There | The entrance to each of these parks is well-marked and easy to find on Google Maps
Final Thoughts on Summer Activities in Moab
Moab’s crazy heat can be a huge deterrent for getting outside and enjoying all that this incredible place has to offer. It often leaves visitors feeling like they can’t enjoy full days of fun without experiencing heat stroke or other heat related illnesses.
But 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 adventures 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! With these seven beat the heat activities you are sure to have an amazing time.
Happy Adventuring!
Please comment below if you have anything else to add or want to get in touch!
Need help planning your trip to Moab?
Join my newsletter to get access to your FREE exclusive trip planner + more awesome adventure travel content by me!
No spam and you can unsubscribe any time.
Read More About Adventures in the US