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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Southwest, USA

Nearby Destinations

Several accessible locations offer different experiences within day-trip distance of Moab. Goblin Valley State Park (approx. 1.5 hours north) presents an unique landscape with "hoodoos" resembling goblins, formed by soft sandstone erosion. It is a whimsical park, ideal for exploration.

Green River, UT (approx. 45-60 minutes north), a small town on the Green River, features the unusual Crystal Geyser, a cold-water geyser, and various river access points.

Transportation & Travel Tips

  • All these destinations are best accessed by private vehicle or rental car. Public transportation is unavailable.
  • Independent travel offers maximum flexibility for exploration.
  • Organized tours are less common for these specific destinations from Moab.
  • Consider booking day trips and experiences via GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Explore more of Utah's diverse natural beauty with these excursions from Moab.

Parks & Reserves

Discover the unique ecosystems of surrounding protected areas.

Locations

  • Canyonlands National Park (Needles District, 2-2.5 hours south): Colorful sandstone spires and a labyrinth of canyons.
  • Capitol Reef National Park (2.5-3 hours west): Features the Waterpocket Fold, historic orchards, and scenic drives.
  • Manti-La Sal National Forest (La Sal Mountains, 45-60 minutes east): Alpine environments, hiking, and cooler temperatures.

Scenic Landscapes

Enjoy breathtaking drives and natural viewpoints.

Prominent Drives

  • Potash Road (Highway 279): Scenic drive along the Colorado River with petroglyphs and climbing areas.
  • La Sal Mountain Loop Road: Paved drive through mountains, offering panoramic desert views.
  • Fall Foliage: La Sal Mountains display beautiful aspen and oak colors in late September/early October.

Seasonal Highlights

Autumn Views

  • La Sal Mountains boast beautiful aspen and oak fall colors (late Sept - early Oct).
  • Crisp air and hues are perfect for scenic drives and photography.
  • Crowds during popular fall weekends.
  • Reduced operating hours for some seasonal businesses.

Monsoon Season

  • Dramatic thunderstorms and temporary waterfalls (July-September).
  • Unique photographic opportunities with dramatic skies.
  • Potential for flash floods in canyons and washes.
  • High humidity and afternoon heat.

Suggested Timeframes

  • Goblin Valley:Half-day trip (3-4 hours)
  • Green River:2-3 hours for brief visits
  • Monticello/Abajos:Full day for extensive mountain exploration
  • Needles District:Long day trip or overnight for in-depth exploration
  • Capitol Reef:Very long day trip or overnight stay
  • La Sal Mountains:Half to full day for scenic drives and hikes
  • Potash Road:2-3 hours for a leisurely drive and stops
  • La Sal Loop Road:2-4 hours for the scenic drive

Planning Your Day Trip

Always carry ample water and snacks. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out, especially for remote areas. Inform someone of your plans.

Cultural Excursions

Discover ancient history and rural life on day trips from Moab.

Newspaper Rock

A large rock panel covered with ancient petroglyphs, easily accessible from the road, depicting messages from early inhabitants.

Edge of the Cedars

A preserved Ancestral Puebloan village and museum in Blanding, offering a understanding of ancient cultures.

Castle Valley

A scenic rural community nestled among towering red rock formations, offering quiet drives and unique views.

Historical Exploration

Explore the rich history of the region through ancient art and preserved sites.

Experiences

  • Observe detailed petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock, a rock art panel.
  • Visit Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum for Ancestral Puebloan artifacts.
  • Discover early pioneer structures at Wolfe Ranch in Arches National Park.

Rural Charms

Experience the serene beauty of Moab's rural surroundings.

Places to See

  • Drive through Castle Valley for stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Enjoy the contrasting agricultural landscapes around Monticello.
  • Seek out local produce stands in Green River during melon season.

Travel Distances

Newspaper Rock:1 hour south
Edge of the Cedars:1.5 hours south
Castle Valley:30 minutes northeast
Monticello:1 hour south
Green River:45-60 minutes north
Wolfe Ranch (Arches):Inside Arches National Park

Cultural Preservation

  • Respect archaeological sites and do not touch rock art.
  • Observe ancient ruins from a respectful distance.
  • Removing artifacts or defacing sites is strictly illegal.
  • Help preserve these irreplaceable historical treasures.
  • Learn from the past while exploring the present.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, combine Moab with a broader exploration of the American Southwest.

Regional Loops

Extend your journey to discover more of the spectacular Southwest.

Suggested Additions

  • Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks: Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks.
  • Southwest Road Trip: Combine Moab with destinations in Colorado or Arizona.
  • Rocky Mountains: Explore alpine scenery and mountain towns in Colorado.

Transportation Insights

Maximizing flexibility for your extended regional adventure.

Travel Modes

  • Rental car: The ideal choice for exploring diverse landscapes and making spontaneous stops.
  • Consider one-way rentals for seamless travel between regions.
  • Public transport options between these remote areas are limited.

Moab to Southwest Parks Loop

A classic route showing Southern Utah's varied natural wonders.

Itinerary Flow

  • Begin your journey in Moab, enjoying its unique desert environment.
  • Travel west to Capitol Reef National Park for historic orchards and geology.
  • Continue to Bryce Canyon's amphitheater of hoodoos.
  • Conclude at Zion National Park's stunning canyon and towering cliffs.

Moab to Colorado Mountains

A contrasting journey from red rock desert to lush alpine peaks.

Route Highlights

  • Drive east from Moab to Grand Junction, Colorado.
  • Head south to charming mountain towns like Ouray and Telluride.
  • Proceed to Durango and Mesa Verde National Park for ancient cliff dwellings.
  • Experience the transition from desert to majestic mountains.

Activities for Longer Stays

With more time, dive into the region's unique offerings.

Backcountry Adventures

Explore multi-day backpacking or canyoneering with experienced guides and permits.

Specialized Courses

Enroll in climbing or advanced canyoneering courses for skill building.

Regional Exploration

Venture into surrounding BLM lands for lesser-known trails and solitude.

Extended Travel Logistics

Always reserve rental cars and accommodations well in advance for popular regions. Factor in driving times, as distances between destinations can be considerable. Enjoy the freedom of a road trip.