10 Best Day Trips from Moab – Scenic Drives near Moab

Moab, Utah, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, adventure, and geological wonders. Moab is famous for its proximity to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks; numerous incredible destinations are within a day’s drive. So, in this blog, read about the ten best day trips from Moab (things to do around Moab), which are beautiful scenic drives near Moab, too.

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Day Trips from Moab – Moab Scenic Drives – Things to do near Moab

From surreal desert landscapes to lush alpine forests, here are the best day trips from Moab (things to do around Moab) that promise unforgettable views, exciting activities, and scenic routes that will take your breath away.

Overnight Stay Options in Moab

• Moab Springs Ranch.
• Red Cliffs Lodge.
• Archway Inn.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab.
• Big Horn Lodge.
• The Gonzo Inn.

Dead Horse Point State Park

🕒 Distance from Moab: 40 minutes (32 miles) via US-191 N and UT-313 W

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Panoramic views of the Colorado River and dramatic desert cliffs

Things to Do:

• Hiking: Walk along the Dead Horse Point Rim Trail for sweeping canyon views. The 5-mile trail is easy and provides several breathtaking lookout points.
• Biking: Ride the Intrepid Trail System, a network of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
• Photography: The iconic horseshoe bend of the Colorado River is a picture-perfect moment, especially at sunset.

Scenic Route & Stops:

Drive along UT-313, a scenic byway that cuts through red rock landscapes. You’ll spot desert mesas, towering cliffs, and expansive canyons along the way.

Useful Tips:

• Visit in the morning or evening to avoid the desert heat.
• Bring binoculars to spot wildlife like ravens and lizards.
• The park entry fee is around $20 per vehicle.

Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District)

🕒 Distance from Moab: 40 minutes (32 miles) via US-191 N and UT-313 W

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Stunning canyons, cliffs, and vast desert landscapes

Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park:

• Visit Mesa Arch: This natural rock arch is a must-see, especially at sunrise when it glows orange.
• Hiking: Take the short Grand View Point Trail for awe-inspiring canyon views.
• Scenic Drive: Drive along the Scenic Byway 313, stopping at Green River Overlook and Shafer Trail Viewpoint.

Scenic Route & Stops:

The drive follows UT-313, a scenic byway that offers views of vast desert plateaus and winding canyons. Dead Horse Point State Park is on the same route so you can visit both places on the same trip.

Useful Tips:

• Bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Expect a $30 entry fee (valid for 7 days, also grants access to Arches National Park).

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La Sal Mountains

🕒 Distance from Moab: 1 hour (35 miles) via La Sal Loop Road

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Cool mountain air, alpine forests, and lush meadows

Things to Do:

• Scenic Drive: Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a 60-mile scenic loop that offers views of Moab’s red rock desert juxtaposed with alpine forests.
• Hiking: Explore trails like Warner Lake Trail, which leads to a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by tall pines.
• Wildlife Watching: Spot deer, elk, and colorful wildflowers in the summer.

Scenic Route & Stops:

The La Sal Mountain Loop Road is a twisty, scenic route that rises into the mountains, offering sweeping views of Moab’s red rocks below.

Useful Tips:

• Drive through this loop in the summer and fall (some parts may be closed in winter).
• Pack layers, as temperatures can be much cooler than Moab.

Fisher Towers

🕒 Distance from Moab: 30 minutes (23 miles) via UT-128 E

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Unique, towering red rock spires that resemble castles

Things to Do:

• Hiking: The Fisher Towers Trail is a 4.4-mile round-trip hike with views of towering rock formations.
• Photography: The iconic Titan Tower is a popular spot for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Rock Climbing: For experienced climbers, this is a world-famous rock climbing destination.

Scenic Route & Stops:

Take UT-128, a scenic route along the Colorado River with red cliffs towering above. Stop at scenic pullouts for photo opportunities.

Useful Tips:

• Wear sturdy hiking boots, as parts of the trail are rocky and uneven.
• Summer can get hot, so hike early in the morning.

Goblin Valley State Park

🕒 Distance from Moab: 1 hour 40 minutes (97 miles) via I-70 W and UT-24 S

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Unusual sandstone hoodoos that resemble goblins

Things to Do:

• Exploring the Hoodoos: Walk through valleys of strange rock formations that look like stone “goblins.”
• Photography: Capture the eerie landscape, especially when the rocks glow red at sunset.
• Camping: Stay overnight at the park’s campground to experience the clear night skies.

Scenic Route & Stops:

Drive along I-70 W to UT-24 S, where you’ll see sprawling desert vistas and colorful rock formations.

Useful Tips:

• The entry fee is around $20 per vehicle.
• Wear sun protection, as there is little shade.

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Capitol Reef National Park

🕒 Distance from Moab: 2.5 hours (146 miles) via I-70 W and UT-24 W

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Beautiful red rock cliffs, natural arches, and historic sites

Things to Do:

• Hiking: Take the scenic Hickman Bridge Trail to a natural stone bridge.
• Scenic Drive: Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, a 7-mile road with multiple pullouts for photo opportunities.
• Visit Fruita Historic District: Learn about the pioneer settlement and pick fresh fruit from orchards in summer.

Scenic Route & Stops:

Follow I-70 W and then UT-24 W, where you’ll enjoy the views of dramatic rock formations and desert landscapes.

Useful Tips:

• Bring food and water, as services in the park are limited.
• The entry fee is around $20 per vehicle.

Monument Valley

🕒 Distance from Moab: 2.5 hours (150 miles) via US-191 S

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Iconic red rock formations seen in classic Western films

Things to Do:

• Drive the Valley Loop Road: A 17-mile loop past famous buttes and mesas.
• Navajo Guided Tours: Learn about Navajo culture and history.
• Photography: Sunrise and sunset are magical times that capture iconic rock formations.

Scenic Route & Stops:

The drive along US-191 S takes you through red rock canyons and vast desert plains.

Useful Tips:

• The entry fee is around $8 per person.
• The loop road is rough, so use a high-clearance vehicle.

Natural Bridges National Monument

🕒 Distance from Moab: 2.5 hours (130 miles) via US-191 S and UT-95 S

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: See three massive natural stone bridges up close

Things to Do:

• Hiking: Hike to Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo Bridges.
• Night Sky Viewing: It’s an International Dark Sky Park, so bring your telescope.

Scenic Route & Stops:

Drive through US-191 S and UT-95 S, where scenic pullouts offer views of canyons and mesas.

Useful Tips:

• The entry fee is around $20 per vehicle.
• Hiking trails can be steep, so wear proper footwear.

The Needles District (Canyonlands National Park)

🕒 Distance from Moab: 1.5 hours (75 miles) via US-191 S and UT-211 W

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Unique, colorful sandstone spires (called “Needles”) and stunning desert solitude

The Needles District is one of the most remarkable sections of Canyonlands National Park. Unlike the “Island in the Sky” district, Needles feels more secluded and offers a more immersive experience with its sandstone towers, narrow canyons, and desert trails. This area is known for its adventurous hikes, dramatic desert landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Moab.

Things to Do in the Needles District

• Hike the Chesler Park Loop Trail – This is one of the most iconic hikes in the park. You’ll walk through colorful desert spires, narrow slot canyons, and panoramic views of the iconic Needles formations. Distance: 11 miles round-trip

Pro Tip: It’s a long hike, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and a good pair of hiking boots. Start early in the day to avoid the heat.

• Hike the Slickrock Foot Trail – This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a shorter, less strenuous hike. The views from the top of the slickrock provide sweeping panoramas of the Needles formations and the surrounding desert. Distance: 2.4-mile loop

Pro Tip: Look out for wildlife, including lizards, desert birds, and even mule deer.

• Drive the Needles Scenic Drive – If hiking isn’t your thing, take the scenic drive along UT-211 through the park. It offers jaw-dropping views of red rock cliffs, mesas, and the Needles formations.

Pro Tip: Stop at the Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook for a quirky photo opportunity of this natural rock formation that looks like a shoe!

• Visit Newspaper Rock (on the way to the Needles District). This ancient rock panel is etched with petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. The symbols tell the story of ancient Native American life in the region.

Pro Tip: This is a quick stop with easy access, so take a moment to appreciate the ancient art.

Scenic Route & Stops

• Take US-191 S and then UT-211 W toward the Needles District.
• Along the way, you’ll see desert plateaus, juniper forests, and massive red rock cliffs.
• Scenic Stop: Pull at Newspaper Rock to see the petroglyphs before heading into the park.
• The drive on UT-211 is breathtaking, with sweeping views of desert canyons and rock towers.

Useful Tips

• Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days and includes entry to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks).
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal due to cooler temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot.
• What to Pack: Water, sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and hiking boots are essential.
• Other Tips: No food or gas services are inside the park, so stock up in Moab before you head out.

Hovenweep National Monument

🕒 Distance from Moab: 2 hours (90 miles) via US-191 S

🌄 Why It’s Worth It: Ancient Puebloan ruins perched on cliff edges with stunning desert views

If you’re fascinated by Native American history and want to experience something unique, then Hovenweep National Monument is a must-visit. This peaceful, lesser-known site preserves the remains of Ancestral Puebloan villages that date back over 800 years. The stone towers, cliff dwellings, and kivas offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancient people who once inhabited this land.

Things to Do in Hovenweep National Monument

• Visit the Six Village Sites – The monument is home to six ancient Puebloan village sites, but the most popular one is the Square Tower Group, where you’ll find well-preserved stone towers perched atop canyon rims.

Pro Tip: Take your time exploring the ruins and watch for pottery shards or stone tools left behind by the ancient inhabitants (but do not remove them).

• Hike the Square Tower Loop Trail – This easy trail loops around the canyon and takes you past several ruins, including the Hovenweep Castle, Twin Towers, and Horseshoe Tower. Distance: 2 miles round-trip

Pro Tip: Sunrise or sunset is the best time to hike as the ruins glow golden in the sunlight.

• Stargazing—Hovenweep is a designated International Dark Sky Park, so you’ll have a spectacular view of the Milky Way at night.

Pro Tip: Stay overnight in the nearby campground or bring a telescope to experience one of the clearest night skies in the Southwest.

Scenic Route & Stops

• Drive along US-191 S toward Bluff, then head west to the monument.
• Scenic Stops: Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the desert plateau. Look out for towering red mesas and stretches of desert wilderness.

Useful Tips

• Entry Fee: Free, but donations are appreciated.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures for hiking. Summer can be very hot.
• What to Pack: Sunscreen, water, and good hiking shoes. Remember your camera for the ancient ruins and desert landscapes.
• Other Tips: Visit early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the intense midday heat. The visitor center has restrooms, maps, and exhibits on Puebloan history.

These day trips from Moab or things to do near Moab showcase Utah’s diverse beauty, from desert towers to alpine meadows. Hit these scenic drives from Moab to experience unique nature’s wonders. So save this detailed guide on things to do around Moab with all useful tips.

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