Practical Tips & Hacks: Moab

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart planning can stretch your travel budget in Moab.

Discount Cards & Passes

America the Beautiful – The National Parks Pass
Utah State Park Annual Pass for state parks
Purchase annual passes at USGS Store or park entrances
Pays for itself with three or more park visits

Free Activities

Hiking trails outside parks (Corona Arch, Fisher Towers)
Scenic drives like Potash Road or La Sal Mountain Loop Road
Excellent dark sky areas for stargazing, including Arches NP
Accessible fossilized dinosaur footprints at tracksites

Accommodation & Dining

Camping (BLM sites, National Park campgrounds)
Vacation rentals (cost-effective for groups, with kitchens)
Check local establishments for daily specials or happy hour deals
Many establishments discount appetizers or drinks at specific times

Transportation

Share car rental and fuel costs with group members
Walking or cycling in Moab town for free transit
A healthy way to see local destinations
Self-driving is the main method for park access

Efficient Planning

Effective planning maximizes your time exploring Moab's attractions and activities.

Park Entry & Reservations

Purchase America the Beautiful Pass or individual park passes online
Secure timed entry for Arches during peak season (April 1 - October 31, 2024)
Arrive at park gates before 7 AM for shorter lines and parking
Pre-book popular tours (rafting, canyoneering, jeep tours)

Timing Your Visit

Early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon (sunset) for fewer crowds
Avoid mid-day (10 AM - 4 PM) in summer due to intense heat
Mid-day during peak season brings large crowds and parking difficulties
Plan activities for optimal conditions and crowd levels

Navigation & Booking

Plan park visits to reduce driving back and forth, sequence stops
Accommodation booking well in advance, especially peak season
Rental car reservation in advance for availability and rates
Devils Garden Campground (Arches NP) sells out instantly; reserve 6 months ahead

General Tips

Download offline maps; cell service is unreliable in parks
Carry ample water and snacks for all hikes and excursions
Wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and long trails
Observe Leave No Trace principles in this sensitive desert setting

Local Insights

Common Tourist Mistakes

Underestimating the sun and heat; drink ample water
Ignoring flash flood warnings; avoid washes if rain is forecast
Not packing enough water/food for excursions
Not booking accommodations or tours in advance

Cultural Respect & Norms

Adhere to Leave No Trace principles strictly
Respect private property; do not trespass
The 'early bird' approach works for popular sites
Be friendly; locals appreciate respectful visitors

Solo Travel Safety

Inform someone of your itinerary, especially for backcountry hikes
Carry a Personal locator beacon or Satellite messenger for remote areas
Stick to popular, well-trafficked trails if hiking alone
Join group tours to connect with other travelers

Family & Group Tips

Choose shorter, engaging trails for children
Dress children in sun-protective clothing and Wide-brimmed hats
Carry extra water for all family members due to desert heat
Vacation rentals or larger vehicles suit groups well

Traveler-Specific Guidance

Tailor your plans to the needs and dynamics of your travel party.

Group Logistics

Vacation rentals ideal for groups with shared living spaces
Rent a larger vehicle or multiple vehicles for groups and gear
Book group tours well in advance; some operators discount group rates
Make dining reservations for larger groups during peak season

Kid-Friendly Activities

Kid-friendly jeep tours for adventure
Flatwater rafting on the Colorado River
Swimming at Ken's Lake for a cool break
Visiting dinosaur tracksites for engaging exploration

Accessibility Considerations

Refer to Section 11.4 for detailed accessibility information
Specific details on accessible trails and facilities there
Information on visitor services for diverse needs
Guidance for various traveler requirements

Additional Tips

Conserve water, a precious resource in the desert environment
Take photos from designated viewpoints, avoiding sensitive areas
Follow pet regulations strictly in parks and on trails
Embrace a flexible mindset for potential changes to plans

Streamlined Packing

Utilize travel organization products like those from Eagle Creek for easier packing and access.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning aids you in maximizing your time exploring Moab's attractions and activities.

Pre-Book Entry

Secure timed entry for Arches National Park and popular tours well in advance of your trip.

Smart Routes

Plan your park visits to minimize driving back and forth, making your exploration more direct.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Essential Bookings

Flights to Grand Junction (GJT) or Salt Lake City (SLC)
Accommodation (hotels or vacation rentals) during peak season
Rental car reservation, especially for specific types or peak times

Park & Tour Bookings

Arches National Park Timed Entry (required seasonally)
Devils Garden Campground (Arches NP) reservations
Popular guided tours (rafting, canyoneering, jeep tours)

Transportation Note

Self-driving is the main efficient method of transportation within and around Moab. Express transportation alternatives are not typically available.

Practical Tips & Hacks