After spending 4 days in Moab myself, I have compiled the perfect itinerary to experience all the best things to do in Moab.
Moab is a captivating town in Southeastern Utah, USA, renowned for its striking red rock landscapes and incredible outdoor adventure scene. This small but mighty town has two national parks and one equally impressive state park with a plethora of hiking and natural landmarks. Situated near the meeting point of the Colorado and Green Rivers, there are also some fantastic rafting and outdoor activities. Moab really is a gateway to some of the best adventures in the American Southwest.
In this complete itinerary and guide, I’ll share the BEST way to spend 4 days in Moab. From exploring the iconic arches and otherworldly landscape of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park to experiencing off-road adventures and water activities, you’ll find the most popular things to see and do in Moab.
The Ultimate Itinerary to Spend 4 Days in Moab, Utah
Day 1 of 4 Days in Moab – Towering Arches and Red Desert Hiking
Grab Specialty Donuts for the Road from Doughbird
Start your first day in Moab by picking up donuts to eat while exploring Arches National Park. Doughbird is located on Main Street in Moab and is famous for its incredible and unique donut flavours. It’s a must when visiting Moab.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is renowned for its impressive collection of bright orange sandstone arches and towering “fins.” The park is home to more than 2,000 unique arch formations, making it one of the USA’s most iconic landscapes. There are numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, an informative visitor center to explain the geological features, and a scenic drive.
I highly recommend choosing a few hikes you’d like to do to see some arches and stopping at scenic lookout points along the scenic drive to get between them. Here are the details on the best viewpoints along the scenic drive and the best hikes in the park.
The Arches National Park Scenic Drive
The scenic drive is 58 km (36 miles) round trip and is the main road winding through the park. Along with the hiking trails, there are numerous lookout points that you should stop at.
- The Visitor Center – Located just inside the entrance to the park, the visitor center is a great place to stop and grab maps and information on the park. They also have some indoor and outdoor exhibits to give you a little geological context for the rock formations you are about to see.
- La Sal Mountains Viewpoint – Here you’ll find views over the second-highest mountain range in Utah with red spires shooting up before them in the foreground.
- Balanced Rock – A large rock seemingly balanced atop a red rock spire, Balanced Rock is one of the most popular rock formations to see in Arches National Park. There is a short 0.5 km (0.3 mile) walk to get to the viewpoint but you can also see it from the road.
- Courthouse Towers Viewpoint – This incredible lookout point offers views of the towering sandstone walls that reach straight up into the sky with spires all around them.
- Fiery Furnace Viewpoint – You’ll find views of spires and fins jutting out of the landscape in clusters with mountains in the distance.
The Best Hikes to Complete in Arches National Park
There are both easy and moderate hikes available in Arches National Park, and I highly recommend doing a few of them. I personally opted for one slightly longer hike and then 3 really short ones. I did the Delicate Arch hike in the morning starting at 7 am and then completed the Windows Loop, the Double Arch, and finally the Landscape Arch. The best hikes to choose from include:
Delicate Arch Hike
Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 – 3 hours
The Delicate Arch hike brings you to one of the most famous arches in the entire park. It is also the best hike, traversing through the stark desert landscape, along ledges carved out of the red cliffs, and atop rounded boulders. Upon reaching Delicate Arch, you’ll get to take pictures of yourself standing beneath the park’s largest free-standing arch.
As the most popular hike in the park, I highly recommend getting an early start to escape the crowds. It’s also important to start early to escape the heat if you’re there near the summer months. If you hike during busy times during the day, you are likely to encounter a long line of people waiting to take their pictures in the arch.
Windows Loop
Distance: 1.6 km (1 mile)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 30 – 60 mins
The Windows Loop trail takes you to the iconic North Window and South Window arches, forming a stunning natural frame against the desert landscape together. The short hike also brings you to a viewpoint of the Turret arch. The hike is incredibly easy with minimal elevation gain and takes only a short 30 – 60 minutes including breaks.
Double Arch Viewpoint and Trail
Distance: 1 km (0.6miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 30 minutes
Located in the Windows section of the park, the Double Arch is another impressive rock formation you can stand beneath. It is the tallest set of arches in the park, with two arches meeting in a single point. You can view the arches from the parking lot or walk the 15-minute trail to the base of the arches for the best views.
Landscape Arch Trail
Distance: 3.1 km (1.9 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 hour
Landscape Arch is another completely unique red rock arch that towers above the Devil’s Garden section of the park. Devil’s Garden is characterized by its large concentration of “fins,” which are large pieces of narrow rock walls that eventually erode away into arches. Lanscape Arch is considered the “crown jewel” of this section of the park. It is the longest arch in North America, stretching 93 metres (306 feet) wide with the thinnest section of rock only 1.8 metres (6 feet) wide.
The landscape arch is considered an easy trail. It brings you through the impressive fin formations before arriving at the base of the arch. If you want to go on a longer hike in this section, this hike can be extended to include the Double O Arch.
The Double O Arch Trail
Distance: 6.6 km (4.1 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 2 hours
The Double O Arch is also located in Devil’s Garden. It is steep and requires scrambling in some sections, but brings you up and along fins to some of the most incredible views in the park. You’ll hike along ledges with steep drop-offs, pass 5 different arches, and arrive at a viewpoint over the majestic Double O Arch.
Day 2 of 4 Days in Moab – Water Rafting and a Stunning Sunset in Dead Horse Point State Park
For your second day in Moab, join a water rafting tour on the Colorado River. This is one of the best activities to do in Moab, especially if you’re visiting close to the summer months. The rafting tours bring you to the Fishers Tower region, just outside of Moab, where you can see spires soaring up into the sky and massive canyons. The landscape is filled with Moab’s characteristic red-hue and you’ll feel like you are out in the middle of the remote desert.
The rafting tour is not a true “white water” tour, as the only rapids are incredibly minimal, to the point where you can float through them on your back. The tour is incredible for enjoying great views, playing fun raft games initiated by the guides, jumping in and out of the river to cool off, and floating lazy river style. This experience turned out to be a highlight of my time in Moab.
I highly recommend this rafting tour here. You’ll meet your tour on the main street in downtown Moab and everything will be taken care of from there.
Check Out: Fishers Tower Rafting Adventure From Moab
Hunting for Ancient Rock Art
After an amazing half day in the water, go on an adventure to find ancient petroglyphs carved into the red rock up to 4000 years ago. There are a few key spots in and around Moab to find ancient rock art. They are:
The Birthing Scene Petroglyph:
The Birthing Scene is one of the most significant petroglyphs in Utah. The carvings are on a large boulder, spread out along the entire perimeter of it. The boulder features carvings of animals and human-like figures, the most notable being a woman giving birth to a baby. Located down a remote dirt road 6 miles from downtown Moab, the Birthing Scene is easy to navigate to using Google Maps. There is no hiking required to get to the massive boulder, it is just off of Kane Springs Road.
Moonflower Canyon Petroglyphs:
The Moonflower Canyon petroglyphs are on the same road as the Birthing Scene and are worth a stop on your way back towards Moab. They feature numerous human and animal carvings, with an informative sign to give you the details behind the carvings.
Courthouse Wash Pictographs:
While not technically Petroglyphs, which are carvings into the rock, Courthouse Wash and its pictographs (ancient paintings) are an absolute must-see in Moab. The site is filled with ancient paintings of humans, shields, animals, and other abstract shapes. They are believed to be from between 5,000 – 750 BC. There is a short uphill walk to get to the main panel, about 500 metres each way. There are also some petroglyph carvings on some of the rocks and boulders around the base of the main panel.
Deadhorse State Park for Sunset
51.5 km (32 miles) from Moab, Dead Horse State Park is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views 2,000 feet above the massive canyon and Colorado River below. The park is particularly famous as a world-class sunset spot, where the golden rays from the setting sun bathe the entire red landscape in a fairytale-like glow. The best place to view the sunset is from the Dead Horse Point Overlook which is a short walk from the parking lot and is quite easy to find. There is a network of scenic trails, such as the popular Rim Trail, offering various other viewpoints. I highly recommend visiting an hour or so before sunset so you can enjoy the golden hour hues and have time to take in the landscape before the main event.
Day 3 of 4 Days in Moab – Explore Craters and Mesas in Canyonlands National Park
The third day in Moab calls for a visit to the third major park in the area, Canyonlands National Park. 48 km (30 miles) southwest of Moab, Canyonlands is distinguished for its diverse landscape of massive canyons, mesas (flat-topped mountains), and towering rock formations carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. It offers some of the most striking scenery in the American Southwest. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers. The two districts that most visitors can explore are the Island in the Sky and The Needles.
The Island in the Sky, Canyonlands
The Island in the Sky district is considered the best introduction to the Canyonlands. It has some of the best and most accessible viewpoints and numerous easy and short trails. It is located high atop one of the mesas in the park, so you’ll be exploring viewpoints that overlook thousands of feet down into the canyons, hence the name island in the sky. Some of its best-known points of interest include:
- Mesa Arch Trail – a short and easy trail that brings you to one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. You’ll see the Mesa Arch with a massive canyon and its cliffs and spires below in the background. The trail is less than a km, only 0.5 miles long.
- White Rim Overlook – a stunning 3 km (1.8 miles) trail that brings you to a lookout point over the White Rim. The stunning mesa has a white outline along its curves and ridges, which gives it its name.
- Grand View Trail – a paved walking trail that brings you 3km (1.8 miles) out and back to a viewpoint over the White Rim, the Needles, and the Maze.
- Green River Overlook – a famous sunset spot, this roadside lookout point provides a high-up view over the Green River and its surrounding canyons below.
The Needles, Canyonlands
The Needles District is in the Southeastern part of Canyonlands National Park and is known for its striking landscape of colourful spires and intricate rock patterns. This portion of the park is right at ground level, so if you want to get immersed right into the landscape, this is the district for you. The Needles gets its name from the needle-like spires that dominate the terrain, making it quite distinct from the rest of the park. There is a diverse range of hiking trails and backcountry adventures in this part of the Canyonlands for more experienced hikers who love a little more rugged charm. The best points of interest in the Needles include:
- Chesler Park Loop – This popular 17 km (11 mile) trail takes you through the rocky landscape to hike amongst the bulbous-shaped needles poking up into the sky. You’ll wander atop rocky surfaces, between massive red walls, and in and around the famous needles. The hike takes about 5 – 7 hours.
- Druid Arch Trail – A challenging but rewarding hike, this 16.7 km (10.4 mile) hike brings you on the first portion of the Chesler Park trail and then along Elephant Canyon to reach the massive Druid Arch. The arch stands 150 feet tall and is truly a sight to behold.
- The Needles Overlook – This incredible viewpoint stands 486 metres (1,600 feet) above the Needles District with panoramic views of the best sandstone formations in the park.
Dinner at Moab Brewery
After a full day of exploring Canyonlands National Park, head to the Moab Brewery for your evening meal. This place has great pub food, good vibes, and of course, fantastic beer. Located right in downtown Moab, it is the perfect place to experience the vibes this small town has to offer.
Day 4 of 4 Days in Moab – A Thrilling 4×4 Adventure, Desert Oasis, and Certified Dark Sky Park
Coffee from Moab Coffee Roasters
Grab a morning coffee before your final day of adventures, because you’ll want to be alert for what’s coming up. Moab Coffee Roasters is one of the best coffee shops in Moab. They have a quaint and cozy shop and roast their own high-quality organic coffee beans in-house.
4×4 Adventure Tour of Hell’s Revenge
For your last day in Moab, head out on a 4×4 tour of Hell’s Revenge. Your adventure brings you on the incredible Hell’s Revenge trail, full of incredible ridges and “roller coaster” terrain. You’ll drive through narrow canyons, stop at fossilized dinosaur tracks near Lion’s back, and admire sandstone cliffs above you in Echo Canyon and Abyss Canyon. You’ll even get a chance to stop at a vista overlooking the La Sal Mountains. These tours include an experienced guide to show you the ropes and keep you safe.
Check Out: Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Off-Roading Adventure From Moab
Swim in a Desert Oasis on the Mill Creek Trail
Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 – 3 hours (including time to relax at the falls).
After returning from your half-day of thrilling adventure in Moab’s desert terrain, head out on a short hike to the stunning oasis on the Mill Creek Trail. The trail brings you amongst short desert trees, across creeks, and along towering cliffs to a stunning little pool of water with a waterfall. You can swim in this grotto and I’ve even seen people cliff jump off the rocks above. I didn’t try that because the water is quite shallow. The water is clean and refreshing and the perfect way to relax after your morning of adrenaline.
Admire the Milky Way From a Dark Sky Reserve
One of the slightly lesser-known activities to do in Moab is to go stargazing. All three parks in the area are registered as Dark Sky Parks, meaning they fall under a threshold of light pollution that makes them particularly incredible for viewing the night sky. I recommend heading back into Arches National Park once it gets completely dark outside to admire the beautiful dotted sky above the red rock formations. The sky here gets so dark that it is even possible to see the Milky Way on a clear night.
If you want to get a little bit more out of the experience, there are tours available. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who can highlight the points of interest in the sky and teach you about the stars and universe above. Some tours even offer a photography specialty, where the guides will teach you and set up your camera settings to capture the most incredible photos of the stars and Milky Way.
Check Out: Private Astro Photo Hiking Tour in Arches National Park
How Many Days to Spend in Moab
Moab could easily fill an entire week’s worth of activities, however, I recommend at least 3 – 4 days. With 3 days you can experience some of the highlights of the best places to see in Moab. 4 days provide the ability to see the best places in a little more depth and explore some hidden gems.
When to Travel to Moab
The best time to visit Moab, Utah is sometime between March-May and September-October. The weather at these times of year is comfortably warm not reaching past highs of 30 degrees Celcius (86 Fahrenheit) on average. These months are considered peak season, so you’ll want to book accommodation far in advance. All of your activities should be booked in advance too.
I personally visited in the summer, specifically in late July. I’m not going to lie, the heat was INTENSE. It is still completely doable to visit Moab in the summer, however, your itinerary will have to reflect the intense temperatures to ensure you stay healthy and comfortable. We tried camping and quickly upgraded to an air-conditioned cabin after our first night. If you are planning to visit in the summer, here are my tips:
9 Essential Tips for Visiting Moab in the Summer
7 Ultimate Activities to Beat the Heat in Moab this Summer
Final Thoughts on the Ultimate 4 Days in Moab, Utah
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.
To wrap up your ultimate 4 days in Moab, Utah, this itinerary packs in a diverse mix of all the best places and activities to get the most out of your trip. From the striking arches in Arches National Park and the Canyon vistas in Canyonlands to the thrilling 4x4s and rafting, Moab is a playground for outdoor lovers. Each day of your trip will provide a completely unique experience.
* 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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