Moab Unleashed: 3 Days of Epic Adventures in Utah’s Red Rock Wonderland

Moab, Utah, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning red rock landscapes, breathtaking overlooks, and endless opportunities for adventure. Our recent three-day trip took us through some of the area’s most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations.

Day 1: Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point State Park

We kicked off our adventure with an early morning sunrise hike to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Watching the first rays of light illuminate the arch and cast a golden glow over the canyons below was nothing short of magical. Afterward, we took in the breathtaking views at Green River Overlook and Grand View Overlook, each offering expansive, jaw-dropping scenery of the park’s rugged terrain.

Next, we took on a more challenging hike to Aztec Butte, which rewarded us with panoramic views and a glimpse into the ancient granaries left behind by Ancestral Puebloans. On our way out of the park, we made a quick stop at Shafer Trail Overlook, a must-see viewpoint showcasing the dizzying switchbacks of this famous backcountry road.

From there, we drove to Dead Horse Point State Park, known for its iconic high-desert landscapes. At the trailhead, we rented bikes from Big Horn Mountain Biking and rode out to Big Chief Overlook, an incredible spot with sweeping views of the Colorado River winding through the canyons. We then biked down to the visitor center before making our way back, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

Before wrapping up the day, we embarked on a short but scenic hike around Dead Horse Point, soaking in one last round of breathtaking vistas before heading back to Moab for the night. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at Zax, followed by a sweet treat at Moab's Gelataria, the perfect way to unwind after a day full of adventure.

Day 2: Arches National Park & Stargazing

After a packed first day, we allowed ourselves a slower start, grabbing coffee at Moab Coffee Roasters before heading into Arches National Park. Our first stop was The Windows Section, where we hiked to both North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and the breathtaking Double Arch.

We then made our way to Panorama Point, where we enjoyed a cold lunch while soaking in sweeping desert views. Our next stops included the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, an area filled with maze-like sandstone formations, and the Devils Garden area, home to some of the park’s most impressive rock formations.

No trip to Arches is complete without visiting Delicate Arch, so we saved this iconic hike for last. The climb was challenging but absolutely worth it—the view of the arch standing against the backdrop of endless red rock canyons was unforgettable.

Back in Moab, we treated ourselves to a scenic sunset dinner at The Sunset Grille, where we enjoyed stunning views of the surrounding landscape as the sun dipped below the horizon. But the adventure wasn’t over yet! After dinner, we drove back into Arches to The Windows Section, where we embarked on a nighttime hike to witness the park’s incredible dark skies. With minimal light pollution, the stargazing and opportunities for night photography were simply out of this world.

Day 3: Dinosaurs & Scenic Drives

We started the final day of our trip with a delicious breakfast at Doughbird, known for its fresh pastries and coffee. After fueling up, we headed to Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum, a must-visit for both kids and adults. We explored the fascinating exhibits, watched the thrilling T. rex 3D movie, and experienced the immersive 5D Paleoaquarium, which brought prehistoric sea creatures to life in an incredible virtual setting.

To round out our adventure, we took a scenic drive along Highway 128, one of the most picturesque routes in the region. With towering red rock cliffs, sweeping river views, and hidden gems along the way, it was the perfect way to soak in Moab’s beauty one last time before heading home.

Moab’s combination of adventure, scenery, and unique experiences makes it an unforgettable destination. Whether hiking through national parks, biking along scenic trails, or discovering ancient fossils, this trip had it all!