Must-Do Things in Moab: 48 Hours of Desert Fun

I’ve gotten a number of questions over the years about one of my favorite places, Moab, UT. I’ve been 4 times now and I’ll most likely be making another stop this summer on my way to Denver – for me, it’s just a magical place. So, say I only have 48 hours to fill…what are my favorite must do things in Moab? My kids will back me up on this list, and hope you find some joy and value from it too.

Must Do Things in Moab

In general, Moab is HOT in the summer. It’s the desert. Me, I’m all about doing hikes for sunrise and sunset anyway, a river float or a pool afternoon with a nap is a better choice than trying to hike in 110 degrees, but each to their own. Some will look at this list and say, “Wait, you forgot this…and this…and what about…” My disclaimer is that this list is not all-inclusive. It’s opinion. Mine. And the following must do things in Moab are an absolutely outstanding way to fill 48 hours. This is experience talkin’, people.

AllTrails– First off, if you’re a hiker, your first tip is to pay the $30 for the pro version of AllTrails so you can download the maps and not rely on a signal while youre hiking new routes. Great insurance when trying to stay on an ambiguous trail like the ones in Utah over slick rock. It’s easy to end up in the wrong place- This app actually sends you text alerts when you are off the trail.

Expedition Lodge, Moab– we stayed at this little refurbished 1960s? motel on the main drag and it was fantastic. They’ve done a really nice job with the updates, it was clean, and there were queen size bunkbeds in the room for the kids. Breakfast every morning and a fun waterslide at the pool. The only downside was that the walls and ceiling were a little thin so get yourself a room on the second floor if you can.

Corona and Bowtie Arches– i’m starting with this hike because it’s my absolute favorite so far. It’s the second most popular arch hike in Moab and it’s not in Arches National Park so it is free. And FAR less people. It’s only 2.4 miles round-trip with an amazing postcard view payoff at Corona Arch. It’s a moderate hike with some interesting features (it’s not great for the out of shape, elderly, or pets that you cant pick up and carry briefly). Go for sunrise or sunset. I’ve done sunset twice and it’s good to start at the trailhead at about 7 – 730 PM. It gets dark quickly after sunset around 845 so bring headlamps if you also stick around to see the stars, also highly recommended. From the trail head there is a short steep incline to the train tracks which you will cross to continue the path. Don’t turn right and follow the train tracks except to grab a great selfie, that is not the route. There are green splotches of spray paint that show you the way through the majority of the hike. Pro Tip- Make sure you go past the arch to get the view from the other side.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park– Delicate Arch is the arch that is featured on the Utah license plate, and the most popular hike in Arches. Many people like to do this hike (3.2 mi round trip) at sunset and I recommend that if you don’t care about having lots of people around. My preference, by far, is to do this hike for sunrise. To do this you will need to be at the trailhead AT 5 AM to be at the arch by sunrise at 6 AM. Dont be late. Trust me, it is worth it. You will need headlamps for the first 20 to 30 minutes of the hike, and you will be one of the first to grab a great vantage point for sunrise. My daughter counted 350 people on their way up to the arch as we were descending at 7am. When we left the park at 7:45, they had already stopped cars from entering Arches National Park as it was already completely full. 😳 That’s the reality of the national parks right now. So get there early and reap the rewards. Your pro tip here is to climb up on one of the left side vantage points so you can see the view and the sunrise to the left and the arch to the right.

Dead Horse Point State Park– this is a state park on the way to Canyonlands that is 30 minutes from Moab. Make it a must see at sunrise or sunset, Ive done both. Incomprehensible depth and beauty, like the Grand Canyon. Ill never not go to Moab without spending at least one sunset here. It’s where I took this beauty, which now adorns my wall at home:

Colorado River Tube Float– So this was our absolute favorite thing we did all week. The company is “Canyonlands by Night and Day”. You can choose different distances for the same price but we found 2 1/2 hours to be perfect. The company called us to reschedule the day before when they discovered the winds would be too high, they were very professional about that knowing that it would not be enjoyable. Get the extra tube for your cooler, float and relax among those gorgeous red rock walls. Bring your drinks, snacks, iphone in a waterproof bag, a waterproof bluetooth speaker to play your fav canyon playlist (download your music beforehand , you wont have a data signal!) and lots of sunscreen. It is a fantastic, chill float.

Mill Creek Trail– because our river tubing got rescheduled I had to scramble and find something for us to do in the afternoon one day and I found this waterfall hike. I can’t recommend it enough… It’s only a 1.8 mile round trip, and at the end is a fantastic waterfall and pool. You will pass one meager waterfall on your way to the great one. This is one of those hikes that starts out very average and ends epic. Wear water shoes and a swimsuit!!

The Quesadilla Truck– I can’t end this post without mentioning the quesadilla truck. One of the highest rated restaurants in Moab on TripAdvisor is Quesadilla Mobilla, for a reason. Do it. I recommend the Dirt Bag with beef. Seriously, trust me.