Under Canvas Moab is conveniently located just 7-miles from the entrance to Arches National Park. While Arches National Park is a top attraction in the area and offers outdoor adventures in one of the country’s most stunning landscapes, there are so many more incredible places in the surrounding area you won’t want to miss. If you aren’t able to get a reservation to Arches National Park, there is still plenty to do and see. Add these eight activities to your itinerary to make the most of your Moab adventure.
Visit Canyonlands National Park
Decked with canyons, arches, and mesas carved by the Colorado River, Canyonlands offers stunning natural scenes. The Green River Overlook on the west rim of “the Island” in the Sky Mesa will allow you to see for hundreds of miles. For a challenging hike, explore The Joint Trail in Canyonlands’ Needle District, a 4-mile trek through a tight crack in the rock formations, much like a slot canyon with views of Chesler Park’s colorful terrain on either end. Start or end your day with a short, easy hike to Mesa Arch to see the landscape illuminated by the sun’s warm glow.
Hike Dead Horse Point State Park
Soak in dramatic views of the high desert including the Colorado River and Canyonlands from Dead Horse Point Overlook, one of the area’s main attractions. The hike is very easy, just 200-feet one-way. Sunrise and sunset are the perfect times to witness the full majesty of the canyon as the sun lights up the red and rust-colored cliffs. There are several hiking trails to explore ranging from easy to moderate in this state park. With far fewer visitors than the neighboring national parks, you can enjoy the trails and picturesque overlooks with fewer crowds. Just 23-miles from Under Canvas Moab, you are in for a truly memorable experience.
Take a Scenic Drive to Wilson Arch
Located along US-191, Wilson Arch is one of the easiest arches to visit. You can get from your car to the arch in just a few minutes! The magnificent sandstone arch stands 91-feet long and 46-feet tall and offers 360-views of the surrounding landscape. Since the arch is on BLM land it is free to visit and you can even bring your pup along.
See Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Tracks Museum
Let your imagination run wild as you step back in time millions of years to when the dinosaurs called Utah home. Walk where they roamed along the Dinosaur Tracks Trail at the Moab Dinosaur Museum. Here, you can dig for fossils, meet life-size giants, and enjoy the prehistoric aquarium, interactive museum, dinosaur playground, dinosaur trail, and more.
Mountain Bike the Slickrock Trail
The Slickrock Trail is world-famous for being one of the best bike rides in America and one of Moab’s best mountain bike trails. You’ll feel a rush of excitement cruising the 11-miles of petrified dunes and roller-coaster-like hills. There are several mountain bike rentals in Moab along with guided tours. You can book your mountain biking adventure with our Adventure Concierge to pair with your stay at Under Canvas Moab.
Go Colorado River Rafting
Careening down the currents of the Colorado River will guarantee an unforgettable experience. It’s a top activity in Moab for the panoramic views you’ll see as you wind along the mighty river. Choose a relaxing cruise or class 3 rapids for an exciting adventure. You can find a lot of Moab river rafting tours for either a half-day or full day of fun, and some even include lunch.
Relax at Ken’s Lake with Stand Up Paddleboarding
For the perfect hot weather retreat, spend the day at Ken’s Lake just 10-miles south of Moab. The clear, shallow water surrounded by the La Sal Mountain peaks and scenic red rocks make this a favorite spot for boating, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and fishing. You can rent watersports equipment like boards, water trampolines, and kayaks at the lake to enjoy during your visit. While in Ken’s Lake, you may want to explore nearby Faux Falls. The stream that cascades down the red rock is cooler than the lake’s temperature and the wading pool below makes for another great spot to take a refreshing dip.
Ride the Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Trail
Kick up the dust on some of the best slickrock trails in the nation on an off-road adventure. The 6.5-mile Hell’s Revenge Trail is made for 4×4 vehicles or ATVs only. We recommend booking a guided tour that typically takes 2-3 hours to explore the petrified dunes. If you’re an experienced off-road driver, you can rent a Jeep or bring your 4×4 vehicle and off-road yourself. You’ll see spectacular scenery along the way with plenty of laughter as you cruise over untamed terrain.
For more information on things to do in Moab or to book your adventure, our Adventure Concierge team is available to help you plan the perfect outdoor experience during your stay at Under Canvas Moab.