Planning a trip to Moab? You’re in for something special.
After spending time exploring this adventure-packed corner of Utah, we’ve put together the perfect 3-day itinerary that blends iconic landscapes and adrenaline-filled tours, plus a bit of much-needed downtime to soak it all in! Moab is all about big scenery and getting outdoors, whether that’s cruising through Arches and tackling off-road trails, or catching sunset over the canyons.
This itinerary is ideal for first-timers who want a mix of guided experiences and the freedom to explore at their own pace. So grab your hiking shoes, fill up the tank, and get ready for three unforgettable days in Moab!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Moab was this Hell’s Revenge UTV tour. You’ll drive across iconic slickrock, following a guide over steep climbs and terrain like Devil’s Backbone. Go at sunset if you can—the glowing red rock views make this wild ride even more unforgettable.
Itinerary Overview
First things first – we definitely recommend renting a car in Moab! It’s pretty spread out, so having your own wheels makes life a lot easier and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We used Discover Cars to compare providers and find a reliable rental vehicle, and as usual, we found a great deal!
Now, this itinerary involves a mixture of guided activities and self-exploration. There are some fun adventures, but we’ve also built in time for you to relax and just take in the scenery.
Day 1: Kick things off with an adventurous 4×4 tour through Arches National Park, followed by a relaxing afternoon and evening.
Day 2: Head out on a scenic drive through Canyonlands National Park, then gear up for an unforgettable sunset off-roading experience.
Day 3: Choose between whitewater rafting, canyoneering, or ziplining, before ending your trip with one of the best sunset spots in the area.
Day 1
Breakfast – Jailhouse Café
This café is right down the road from the meeting point for this morning’s tour, literally a 1-minute drive away, so it couldn’t be more convenient! Since today kicks off with a pretty adventurous experience, it’s worth fueling up properly with a hearty breakfast and a good coffee.
It opens at 7 am, so aim to get here close to opening to stay on schedule and avoid any wait. It’s a popular spot, and once you’re fed and caffeinated, you’ll be more than ready for the day ahead.
Morning – Take a 4×4 adventure through Arches National Park
To kick off your first day in Moab, we’re heading straight into one of the most iconic places in Utah: Arches National Park! But instead of just driving the main road and stopping at the busiest viewpoints, this 4×4 adventure takes you deeper into the park and out to some of the harder-to-reach spots.
The tour runs from about 8 am until around 1 pm, and the meeting point is right in downtown Moab. From there, you’ll head into Arches in a 4WD vehicle and leave the paved roads behind. Expect rugged back roads, red rock views, and a much more adventurous way to see the park than just exploring on your own.
One of the big highlights is Tower Arch, which is magnificent. If you were to hike there independently, it would be a much longer trek, but on this tour, your guide gets you close enough that it’s only about a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) walk. You’ll also get to see spots like Marching Men and Eye of the Whale, plus fossilized dinosaur tracks, which is such a cool bonus!
We love this tour, because it lets you experience the wilder side of Arches without worrying about getting lost or navigating rough terrain yourself. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and make the whole experience feel safe, even when the road gets bumpy. Just scroll through thousands of 5-star reviews here, and you’ll see it’s a tried-and-true favorite for a reason!
Lunch – Moab Food Truck Park
This spot is just down the road from where your morning tour wraps up, so it’s an easy and convenient choice for lunch. Food truck parks are always a bit of fun, and this one has a great mix of options, so it’s ideal if you’re traveling with a group and everyone wants something different.
When we stopped here, everyone was able to find something they were into. I went for the Fresh2Go fish tacos, which came with two crispy baked fillets, fresh pico, and tartar sauce on a bed of lettuce. Oh, and a side of crispy shoestring fries – yum! This is definitely a spot we’d come back to just to try more trucks out.
Afternoon – Moab Giant’s Park
After lunch, head over to Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, which is about a 15-minute drive from downtown. It’s a fun way to switch things up after a morning in the national park and gives you something a little different from the usual Moab scenery!
Plan to spend around 2–3 hours here exploring the outdoor trail, where you’ll walk among life-sized dinosaur models set against the red rock landscape. There’s also a museum and interactive exhibits that give a bit more context about the region’s prehistoric past, which is actually a big part of what makes this area so unique.
This is a chilled-out stop that doesn’t require much energy, so it’s a nice change of pace after a busy morning. Just keep an eye on the time – it closes at 6 pm, so aim to arrive by 3 pm at the latest, but keep in mind the park is closed on Wednesdays.
Dinner – Trailhead Public House and Eatery
You’ve had a big day of adventuring, so you can either head back to your hotel to freshen up or just roll straight into dinner and keep things casual. Moab is a laid-back and outdoorsy kind of place, so there’s no need to dress up here!
Trailhead Public House is a great spot to refuel with hearty, satisfying food. The menu has a bit of everything, from bison burgers to comfort food classics. If you’re unsure what to order, the Arches Reuben is a standout. It’s stacked with juicy, tender meat, and just the right amount of sauerkraut! It also comes with crispy sweet potato waffle fries, so you’ll feel very full afterward.
It’s a relaxed, no-fuss place to wind down after a full day and enjoy a proper meal before calling it a night.
Dessert – La Michoacana Artisan
We’ve got a separate stop for dessert tonight! We don’t usually do that, but La Michoacana Artisan is a legendary ice cream shop, so you can’t miss it.
Rather than your typical Häagen-Dazs, this Mexican-style dessert shop serves handmade ice cream and paletas (ice pops), and they use real fruit and cream to do it. Trust me, you really can taste the difference! We ended up coming back here so many times when we visited Moab.
Not only is the quality absolutely exceptional, but La Michocana also serves up some really inventive flavors. They change all the time, but some of the best ones we saw included horchata and Gansito. And on a warm evening, the fresh lime popsicles are very hard to beat.
Day 2
Breakfast – Red Rock Bakery and Cafe
We’re heading out of town this morning, so stop by Red Rock Bakery and Cafe for a quick breakfast before you hit the road. It opens at 6:30 am, which is ideal because today is all about getting into Canyonlands early and making the most of those cooler morning hours.
This is a great spot for a no-fuss breakfast, and we recommend grabbing one of their bagel breakfast sandwiches before you go. It’s quick and filling, which is exactly the kind of thing you want before a big morning of exploring. Make sure to grab a coffee too because you’ll need that caffeine fix!
Morning – Drive through Canyonlands National Park
This morning, we’re heading to Canyonlands National Park! The park is split into three districts, but Island in the Sky is the easiest one to reach from Moab, and it’s the most popular, so that’s where we’re focusing our time today.
The Island in the Sky Scenic Drive is a 34-mile route that takes you across the mesa and past some truly incredible viewpoints. I recommend stopping at the Visitor Center before you head off, just to grab a map and chat with the rangers, which will give you a better idea of current conditions. Then, you can take your time driving through the park and enjoy a few short hikes along the way.
This is one of those mornings that’s best explored at your own pace, so don’t rush it. Pack some snacks and plenty of water, then head out and enjoy the journey. Here are the stops I recommend adding to your route:
- Mesa Arch – This is one of the most famous spots in Canyonlands, and luckily, it’s super easy to reach. The hike is only 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) round-trip, and it leads to a beautiful arch framing the canyon views beyond.
- Upheaval Dome – This is one of the park’s most unique landscapes, and there are a couple of short trails here if you want to stretch your legs. Scientists still debate exactly how it formed, which definitely adds an air of mystery!
- Green River Overlook – This is a quick and easy stop with huge views over the Green River and the canyons below. It’s a great place to pause for a few photos.
- Candlestick Tower Overlook – Another quick stop, but definitely worth pulling over for. The rock formations here are classic Canyonlands, and it won’t take long to check them out.
- Grand View Point – This is the end of the scenic drive and one of the best views in the entire park. You can just admire the iconic view from the overlook, or take it a step further and walk the Grand View Point Trail, which is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) round-trip. It’s technically easy with very little elevation, so it’s doable for most travelers.
We suggest allowing anywhere from 3–6 hours in Canyonlands, depending on how many hikes you want to do. That’s the beauty of driving yourself, though. You can make this morning as relaxed or as active as you’d like!
Lunch – Desert and Tropics Health Bar
After a morning in Canyonlands, head back into Moab and grab lunch at Desert and Tropics Health Bar. By this point, you’ll probably be ready for something fresh and light, especially if you’ve spent the morning hiking and drinking warm water from your backpack.
This is a great spot for smoothies, bowls, wraps, and other healthy options. But don’t worry, it’s still substantial and filling enough after a busy morning! Personally, I loved the fresh orange juice after all the hiking, and the cup even came with fresh flowers stuck to the side, which was such a sweet little touch.
Afternoon – Relax or explore downtown
After a busy morning in Canyonlands, you can spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel, which is a great option if you’ve got a pool. Honestly, a pool break in Moab is never a bad idea, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months!
Or, if you’re still up for a bit of exploring, enjoy a chilled afternoon wandering around downtown Moab. Moab Brewery is worth checking out if you fancy a local beer, and Lema’s Kokopelli Gallery and Moab Made are both great stops if you like local art and handmade gifts. There are plenty of boutique shops around town, too, so if you’re in a shopping mood, you’re in luck. Just keep things pretty relaxed this afternoon, though, because tonight’s adventure is a big one!
Dinner – Your choice!
You’ll need to have dinner a bit early tonight, as the evening tour usually takes off around 6 pm, depending on the time of year. So this isn’t the night for a long, leisurely meal, but luckily, there are some great options around for a quick bite.
If you’re looking for something super casual, check out Tacos y Birria Mi Preferida. It’s a well-loved local food truck that does the best tacos in town! Or if you prefer a sit-down meal instead, Fiesta Mexicana is a colorful and authentic restaurant that does delicious tacos and fajitas, and huge combo plates.
Evening – Experience Moab’s famous Hell’s Revenge trail on a self-drive UTV adventure
Tonight, we’re taking on one of Moab’s most famous adventures: Hell’s Revenge! This slickrock trail is legendary, and the name alone lets you know that you’re in for a pretty wild ride.
We recommend booking the sunset slot at 6:15 pm if it’s available. If that one is sold out, you can take the morning tour instead and just shift the rest of today’s itinerary a bit later. But if you can make the sunset slot work, it’s definitely worth it because the views are unreal when the red rocks start glowing!
This is a self-drive UTV tour, so you’ll actually get behind the wheel and follow your guide along the trail. Don’t worry, though, you’re not just being thrown into the deep end. The tour starts with a safety briefing, and your guide leads the way the whole time, showing you exactly what to do as you tackle the steep climbs and sandy turns.
The route takes you over Moab’s famous slickrock terrain, past spots like Devil’s Backbone, Echo Canyon, and viewpoints over the Colorado River. It’s definitely thrilling, so you can expect a mix of fear and laughter along the way.
And don’t worry: if you don’t feel confident driving, you can ride as a passenger instead, so everyone can still be part of the fun. Either way, it’s an epic way to end your second day here! And if you still need convincing—check out THOUSANDS of five-star reviews here to see why this tour ranks among the best in Moab.
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Day 3
Morning – Choose your own adventure
Moab is known as an outdoor adventure hub, so spend your final morning diving into the scene properly! There are tons of ways to get outside here, but for this itinerary, I’d pick one of the three options below depending on your travel style and how adventurous you’re feeling.
Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River
If you want something fun and scenic, this whitewater rafting adventure on the Colorado River is a fantastic choice. This half-day rafting tour starts at 8:30 am in downtown Moab and wraps up around 1 pm, so it fits really nicely into today’s itinerary.
This is a family-friendly float rather than an intense, hold-on-for-your-life kind of rafting trip, which makes it a great option if you want some adventure without going too extreme! You’ll get to drift through gorgeous red rock scenery and see Moab from a totally different perspective as you enjoy time on the water. It’s especially nice during the warmer months when the river feels like the best possible place to be.
Canyoneering
Moab is world-renowned for canyoning, so if you’re up for something adventurous, now’s the perfect time to snap on a harness and hit the rocks. Just not literally!
This half-day tour usually runs from 8 am until around noon, and pickup is included, which makes the whole thing really easy. You’ll head out with a guide to explore Moab’s canyons on foot, scrambling over rocks and rappelling down sandstone walls along the way.
It sounds intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but that’s the beauty of going with a guide! Plus, it’s a private tour, so you’ll have their undivided support and attention the whole time.
This is the option I’d choose if you want a proper adventure and something that feels very “Moab”. It’s such a memorable way to spend your last morning here!
Ziplining
Ziplining is another fun option, especially if you want something adventurous but not quite as hands-on as canyoneering. This zipline tour usually has a 10 am start time and departs from downtown Moab, so you don’t have to rush too much in the morning. Depending on availability, you may also be able to book it for the afternoon instead.
The tour takes you up above Moab’s red rock landscape, where you’ll fly along a series of ziplines with amazing desert views around you. It’s a great choice if you want a bit of adrenaline without needing to hike for hours or get too technical. Plus, since it starts a little later than the other options, it works well if you want a bit of a lie-in this morning after last night’s crazy adventure!
Lunch – 98 Center Moab
After your morning adventure, head to 98 Center Moab for lunch. We love Vietnamese food because it’s delicious and not too heavy, so you can refuel after lunch without making yourself feel all sleepy and sluggish for the afternoon. I love the pho here, as it’s super flavorful and authentic, but they also have really yummy banh mi and cold noodle salads.
Just note that 98 Center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if your third day falls on either of those days, you’ll need to swap in another lunch spot. Sabaku Sushi is right next door, and it’s open on Tuesdays, or the food truck part is a 7-minute walk or 3-minute drive away and has tons of yummy options, 7 days a week!
Afternoon/evening – Dead Horse Point State Park
If you’ve got some energy left, head to Dead Horse Point State Park for the afternoon and evening. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Moab, and it’s really impressive, but you don’t need to put a huge effort into exploring it. In short, it’s exactly what you need after a very active morning!
For an easy option, you can walk the Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail. It’s only 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometers), and it’s a paved and accessible path that leads from the visitor center to the main viewpoint. This is where you’ll get those iconic views of the Colorado River curving through the canyon below, so it’s low effort, high reward.
If you want a proper chance to stretch your legs, the Big Horn Overlook Trail is a great choice. It’s a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) out-and-back trail that’s fairly flat and gives you beautiful canyon and rock formation views with fewer people around.
Or, for something longer, you can combine the East and West Rim Loop trails for around 5 miles (8 kilometers) of hiking. It’s still pretty flat and moderate, but you’ll be following the canyon rim the whole way, so the views are constant. We loved it!
Try to stay here for sunset if you can, because this is when Dead Horse Point really shows off. Dead Horse Point Overlook is the best spot for sunset views, so make your way there before the sun starts to drop and enjoy one final Moab wow moment. We’ve saved the best for last!
Dinner – Proper Brewing & Burger Co
On your way back into downtown Moab from Dead Horse Point, stop at Proper Brewing & Burger Co. for dinner. It’s open until 9 pm, so you won’t need to rush back after sunset.
This is the perfect kind of meal after a really active day. They’ve got big, satisfying burgers, plenty of beer, and poutine if you want something extra hearty. With all of the activity today, you will have worked up a big appetite, so this kind of food should really hit the spot!
Where to Stay in Moab
Now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Moab has a great mix of options, whether you’re after a more upscale base, something comfortable and affordable, or just a simple spot to crash after a long day outdoors. Here are a few of our top picks for every budget; just be sure to book early, especially in peak season!
Hoodoo Moab – $$$
Right in the heart of downtown, Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton is one of the best upscale stays in Moab. This 4-star hotel blends modern design with Western touches and features a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, and on-site restaurant—perfect after a day of adventuring.
Guests love the spacious, spotless rooms and unbeatable location just steps from Main Street, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and Arches National Park. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, it’s an ideal base. Rooms typically range from $200–$700 USD per night. Check prices and book this high-end stay here.
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab – $$
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab is a solid mid-range option just off Main Street, offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area. It’s only about a 15-minute drive to Arches National Park, making early starts super easy.
Rooms are spacious with handy extras like a mini fridge and microwave, while the hotel includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, which is always a win in Moab. Guests also love the outdoor pool and hot tub for relaxing after a day of hiking or off-roading. Rooms generally go for about $120–$300 USD per night, depending on the season. Find the best deals on Booking.com.
Red Stone Inn – $
Red Stone Inn is a no-frills stay that keeps things simple while putting you right in the middle of Moab. Tucked just off Main Street, it’s an easy walk to restaurants and shops, which makes grabbing dinner or coffee super convenient.
The rooms are straightforward but practical, with thoughtful touches like a mini fridge and microwave that come in handy after long days exploring. There’s also a small pool, hot tub, and even a BBQ area if you feel like keeping things low-key. Rooms typically range from $50–$180 USD per night. See if there’s availability for your travel dates here!
Want more great places to choose from? Check out all the listings for Moab here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
Moab is one of those places that completely lives up to the hype—and then some. After following this itinerary, you’ll experience a little bit of everything, from iconic national parks to heart-pumping adventures and those quiet moments soaking in the desert views. It’s the kind of trip that feels full without ever feeling rushed.
Before you go, check out all of our USA blogs here for more expert travel tips, where-to-stay guides, and unforgettable experiences. Or keep planning with a few more of our favorite reads below!
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