Are you planning your first trip to Moab, Utah and not sure what you need to know?  Well then, today’s post is for you! Let us be your Moab travel guides. We will help you plan your first trip to Moab while avoiding the major pitfalls, many of which we learned the hard way.

A trip to Moab is one of the best vacations to take in America. However, with rugged terrain, a challenging desert climate and large crowds, some planning is required to help you make the most of your Moab adventure.

In today’s post, we will share 12 things to know when planning a trip to Moab, Utah, as a first time visitor.

1) Buy a national parks pass 

If you are taking a Utah road trip, chances are you’re planning to visit the “Utah Big 5” National Parks. If you aren’t, well why the heck aren’t you? Exploring the five national parks in Utah is one of the best reasons to take a trip to the state in the first place!  And if you’re planning to spend a weekend (or more) in Moab, there are two nearby national parks to explore. 

Depending on how many parks you’re visiting,  purchasing a US Parks Pass will likely save you money. Basically, a US Parks Pass covers entrance fees at more than 2,000 parks and recreation sites.  The current “America the Beautiful” annual pass costs $80 and admits the pass owner and 3 adults per visit. Most parks charge about $30 to visit, so the pass pays off in just three park visits. 

The national parks pass can be used at all United States national parks and monuments. No Moab itinerary is complete without visiting the area’s two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Outside of Moab, lie Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Zion which are some of the coolest parks in the country! Honestly, consider taking a little more time off for a full-on Utah national parks road trip.  Then, plan another US national parks trip or two this year to some of the best parks elsewhere in the country. After all, you want to get your money’s worth! 

2) Book ahead 

Moab is a super popular tourist destination and lodging is at a premium during high season. Peak travel season in Moab is from March until May and from September to October each year. During busy season, many popular hotels and national parks campsites book up months in advance.   

When planning an extended trip, or just a quick weekend in Moab, you will want to make reservations 3-6 months before you plan to visit.  The same goes for purchasing timed park tickets, hiking permits and/or excursion tours. Plan early to ensure you don’t miss out!

3) Plan for massive Moab tourist crowds 

Have I mentioned that Moab turns into a tourist nuthouse during spring and summer? The crowds are nearly impossible to avoid when travelling for a weekend in Moab during high season.  So, let’s talk about the best strategies to avoid the crowds.

First, consider visiting the most popular spots early in the morning or late in the evening. Utah parks typically experience an influx of visitors during the middle of the day from tour groups. As a result, it’s best to avoid the popular spots during mid-day if possible. Also, you will experience thinner crowds if you can swing a weekday getaway, rather than a weekend in Moab when the crowds at at their peak.

Next, consider skipping the busiest parks in favor of the less visited parks near Moab.  For example, Arches will always be one of the busiest of the Utah Big 5. On the other hand, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands are two of the less visited of the five national parks in Utah.

Lastly, just assume the parks will be crowded and leave yourself extra time to explore. 

4) Use extreme caution on Utah’s dirt roads 

When taking a Utah road trip, prepare for a LOT of dirt road driving. We road tripped from Wisconsin in our family minivan which was fine…until it wasn’t. Honestly, dirt road driving can be dizzying and confusing in the middle of nowhere with few landmarks. If you don’t pay attention, you’ll be off-roading in Moab, beyond the capabilities of your vehicle.

Be attentive to your location and the roughness of the terrain when in Utah. Truly, we cannot stress this enough. 

We failed to notice our GPS sent us off-roading up the dangerous, unpaved, one-lane Gemini Bridges road. In a minivan full of screaming kids. It’s a wonder we didn’t drive off a cliff! Our vehicle escaped unscathed, just barely.

To illustrate the point, we found this description of the road after narrowly surviving the drive:  

“The road is totally unpaved. The first mile or so is a steep, rocky one lane shelf road (very narrow) where you will need high clearance. You’ll be driving over large boulders and big rocks as you navigate the off camber switch backs praying that no one is coming the other way. Essentially, the trail is single-lane.  Also, you are hundreds of feet above the ground with no guardrail. It’s an intimidating high clearance road that only rugged vehicles should try to traverse. You should not attempt this without a serious vehicle that can handle off-roading.”  (https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/8243-gemini-bridges-road.html)

Whoops. We share this story because many of Utah’s roads are best suited to an off-road vehicle than what you’re driving.

First, make sure you do your research when driving in Utah. Know where you are going and don’t drive anywhere you aren’t comfortable. Secondly, avoid dirt roads when it’s raining. The roads often flood and become very hard to pass.

Off-roading is one of the best things to do in Moab. When it’s planned.

5) Bring water and more water 

Moab is in the desert, where water is both critical and hard to come by.  In addition, there are long stretches of Utah with no stores, gas stations, or services of any kind.  You can’t rely on grabbing water (or a diet Coke…fml) at a gas station like you might expect.

When taking a Utah road trip, do not skimp on packing water in advance. Honestly, I recommend keeping gallons, yes GALLONS of water in your car.  

In addition, many of the best things to do in Moab are outside where it’s easy to become dehydrated quickly. Utah in summer is scorching hot. As a result, be sure to pack a reusable water bottle and/or a hydration pack when venturing out. When you think you’ve packed enough water, pack a little more. Just trust us.

6) Visit Utah’s “other” state parks and trails 

You may have heard that Utah is home to the Mighty 5 National Parks. The five Utah National Parks are: Arches, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. Because the parks are so popular, chances are when you visit, pretty much the whole world will be visiting too. Utah’s stunning landscape extends well beyond just the world-renown National Parks however where much of the beauty lies.  

Much of the best hiking in Moab lies in areas outside of Utah’s National Parks. A few of the other best places to visit in Moab include: Fisher Towers, and Dead Horse Point, Goosenecks and Goblin Valley State Parks. So do yourself a favor, and venture outside of the five national parks in Utah. The views are worth it and chances are, you’ll find a lot more peace there too.  

7) Pack extra clothes to stay comfortable in Utah’s gritty terrain

One thing I didn’t appreciate before my Utah road trip is how gritty the terrain actually is. Basically, the state is a sandy, rocky, dusty playground.  Simply put, after a day exploring the great outdoors, your clothes will be a mess. So prepare accordingly. 

In most cities, I can get away with re-wearing a pair of jeans at last twice, to cut down on packing. This isn’t something I’d recommend when visiting Moab.  Whenever you travel, Moab is likely to be hot, and leave you wishing for a change of clothes by the end of day one. Likely, you’ll look worse for the wear during a trip to Utah as compared to your typical vacation.  However, a few simple tips can save the day. 

First, unless you don’t mind looking dirty, I don’t recommend wearing much white when in Utah. I learned this one the hard way when my bright white hoodie came home clay-colored. So just leave the white for your next vacay.  

Second, pack more clothing than usual. The terrain will be rough on your clothes and you’re going to sweat a lot, especially if visiting Utah in summer. You won’t be able to re-wear clothes the way people do on most vacations.  

Next, consider staying somewhere with laundry services onsite. I rarely wash clothes while on vacay. Mostly because it’s annoying and I only want fun, and well…see my note above about re-wearing clothes. If you are planning a weekend in Moab or elsewhere in Utah, you may want to do some laundry.  

My tips are purely for your own hygiene, comfort and sanity’s sake. Truly, no one in Moab will judge you for looking a little gritty; it’s kind of the vibe.   

8) Don’t expect cell phone reception 

Mobile phone reception is horrendous in many parts of Utah. Save yourself the frustration and disappointment, and embrace the idea of being offline much of your trip. Sorry friends, but you need to prepare for having no cell phone service at all. Service is generally okay on the main drag and interstate, but outside of that, reception is spotty at best. There is little to no reception along Utah’s back roads and even in the Utah parks.  

While I loved being off the grid, we definitely underestimated how much we rely on our GPS. I strongly recommend purchasing an old school map, or downloading trail maps that you can access offline. AllTrailsPro and Google Maps have offline trail maps are awesome options to help ensure you survive without your phone.  Or if you’re fancy/hi-tech, there are satellite service providers.

9) Tell someone when hiking in Moab 

No Moab itinerary would be complete without enjoying some hiking. Far and away, hiking is one of the best things to do in Moab, Utah. The entire state is loaded with stunning paths to explore amid otherworldly scenery. Whether you are visiting for a couple weeks, or two or three days in Moab, you’ll want to prioritize some hikes. 

While many trails are well-marked, it’s easy to wander off course and get lost.  To ensure your safety, always let someone know when and where you are hiking in Moab, and bring plenty of water. With dangerous terrain and limited cell reception, it’s important that someone knows where to find you if needed.  

10) Plan for the rough terrain  

The jagged and unforgiving terrain of the Utah desert is unlike the landscapes many travelers are used to.  The terrain is so uneven, accidents and injuries are common. It’s important to be prepared when heading outdoors in Utah.

First, wear good stable shoes or hiking boots.  Uneven land makes it easy to roll ankles, so don’t head out without good footwear!

In addition, you should be prepared to handle potential injury. While injuries can happen anywhere, the terrain in Utah is pretty challenging to navigate. My husband was running in Fisher Towers when he fell and cut his legs badly without anything on hand to treat the injury. It’s important to treat any injuries quickly to prevent possible infection or other issues. Consider packing a first aid kit in your pack or car. You don’t need to be afraid of Utah, just prepared.  

11) Prepare for the Moab weather (read: lots of sun and no shade)  

If you plan to visit Utah in summer, prepare for brutally hot and punishing weather. Additionally, there is little to no shade to be found across much of the state. When the temps soar and the mid-day sun hits with no where to hide, the conditions can get downright dangerous. Researching the weather is always smart, but when visiting Utah in summer, it is absolutely essential.

Common sense and precaution goes a long way when outdoors in Utah. First, be sure to generously apply and reapply sunscreen. Also, strongly recommend wearing a sunhat and good sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.  Lastly, stay hydrated. Like way more than you think you need.  Like a lot more. 

In addition, consider packing layers and/or a light jacket as Utah weather can be unpredictable. It’s not unusual for the temps to fall dramatically at night. This is especially true if your Utah road trip will cover points at higher elevation.  The weather is most fast-changing at higher altitude.

12) Keep at least a half tank of gas at all times when taking a Utah road trip

When road-tripping around Moab and throughout Utah, especially for the first time, keep a watchful eye on your gas tank. There are freakishly long stretches of the state with no gas stations in sight. It often felt like hours of one “no services” sign after another. Honestly, you would be smart to err on the side of caution and top off at nearly every gas station you find in the remote parts of the state. And do not let your fuel dip under a half tank. You don’t want to deal with the anxiety of driving with less than a half-tank with no gas stations in sight.  

Where To Stay in Moab, Utah  

Hopefully we haven’t scared you from planning a weekend in Moab as it truly is a fantastic place to visit. Now that you are better prepared, let’s talk about the best lodging in Moab, Utah.

When taking a Moab vacation, I strongly recommend staying close to Main Street in downtown. Downtown Moab is pretty walkable and is packed with cute shops and restaurants to enjoy. Downtown has a variety of accommodations including budget motels, moderate hotels and luxury resorts for all, no matter your budget. Check out some of the best hotels in Moab, Utah below!  

Budget Accommodations 

• Expedition Lodge is our choice for the best Moab motel if you’re looking for cheap Moab lodging. Expedition Lodge is cuter than your average motel perfectly located on Main Street. Guests will enjoy the brightly updated retro digs along with free breakfast, game room, free seasonal pool and hot tub. Reasonably priced, family-friendly and one of the more unique places to stay in Moab, Utah.

Best Moderate Accommodations 

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Mariott Moab is a great moderate hotel choice offering killer views, free breakfast, wifi and free parking with onsite laundry, and fitness center. The hotel also has a fireplace, massive pool, splash pad and three hot tubs. So many great places to lounge while enjoying views of the Colorado River.  Also, it also gets our vote for where to stay when visiting Arches National Park as it’s located just outside of it. 
• The Gonzo Inn is a nice pick for reasonable accommodations in a boutique style condo hotel.  The inn is located within walking distance of downtown attractions yet so you can get the most of your weekend in Moab. Guests will enjoy modern-look rooms as well as an onsite café, heated outdoor pool, and bike storage. The Gonzo Inn is also a great choice for pet owners. Additionally, couples seeking a more romantic retreat can book rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for a more intimate retreat.  
• Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn offers affordable accommodations with a clean and updated look. The hotel is located in the heart of Moab, in close proximity to downtown restaurants and attractions. Guests will enjoy free breakfast and parking, a fitness center, outdoor pool, onsite laundry and bike rentals.  
• Comfort Suites Moab is a clean hotel offering budget accommodations with a great location on main street in Moab. In addition, the hotel offers free parking, wifi and parking for guests along with onsite fitness center. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub onsite. All the basics at a reasonable price for a hassle-free weekend in Moab.  

Best Luxury Accommodations 

• Moab Springs offers some of the best lodging in Moab Utah if you’re looking for scenic accommodations. The ranch is tucked away in the beautiful red cliffs of Moab with lovely grounds. Additionally, Moab Springs has a convenient location just off the main drag on the city’s north side. Guests will enjoy the beauty of the property including natural springs, bike trails and an outdoor pool and hot tub. Also, the property offers both bungalows and townhouses for guests.  
• Red Cliffs Lodge is a favorite Moab luxury choice offering stunning lodging right along the Colorado River. The lodge is located just 15 miles from Arches National Park and is home to Castle Creek Winery. Additionally, it also houses the Western Film Museum and horse stables for the animal lovers. Guests can enjoy rooms with creek and river views along with free wifi, pool, gym and tennis courts in addition to a seasonal onsite restaurant and bar. Honestly, Red Cliffs is one of the most cool places to stay in Moab.