Visiting Moab in April
Located in southeast Utah, the lovely town of Moab is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of exciting outdoor activities. Visiting Moab in April is amazing because the temperatures are perfect to enjoy outdoor activities.
Spring in Moab is the ideal season to bask in the beauty of the eye-catching red rock landscapes, have fun with thrilling outdoor activities, and explore the one-of-a-kind cultural spots!
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan an April trip: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more! Some of the Moab spring activities include hiking, biking, photography, and scenic drives!
The April weather is amazing, but expect crowds because Moab at spring break is a popular destination in Utah. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting Moab during the month of April.
Having the right clothing and gear for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be there is our number one tip. Grab your free Moab, Utah packing list by clicking the image below!
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Clothing for Outdoor Spring Activities in Moab
Moab in April will still have cold mornings so layers are key.
- Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, and wicking clothing
- Sunhat: Sun protection is a must
- Fleece jackets: A jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool.
- Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
- Waterproof hiking shoes: Spring rain is common so be sure your hiking shoes are waterproof. Be sure the shoes are sturdy with good tread and traction.
Spring Hiking Gear for Moab
Here’s the spring hiking gear we recommend for exploring the Moab area:
- Water: Carry and drink at least two liters of water. Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah, you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.
- Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
- Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snack to replace electrolytes.
A Photo Tour of Moab, Utah
Take a visual tour through the Moab, Utah area to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Tips for Visiting Moab in April
Moab is a popular destination for spring break in Utah so expect crowds! The town, trails and points of interest will be packed with people.
And definitely avoid the weekend of the Moab Easter Jeep Safari unless you are going there to specifically attend this event. The small town will be very crowded which means higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants!
If you plan to visit Moab with kids, there a number of fun things to do like hiking, biking, stargazing, and more. Plus, it’s a terrific area to see petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks in the rocks!
Moab Weather in April
The Moab spring weather in April is pretty much perfect with highs near 73 and lows near 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the month of April there’s an average of 3 days of rain so it’s always good to have waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, and fleece jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
The weather in April is perfect to explore the national parks and surrounding areas! It will be cool in the mornings and evenings, but it’s just right during the day when the sun in shining.
And you’ll see waterfalls and desert flowers in the spring you won’t see any other time of year!
Things to Do in Moab in April
Moab is tucked away in the eastern side of Utah and is famous for its breathtaking views. The area is known for its striking red rocks that create a picture-perfect scene.
This list of Moab spring activities is specifically for the Month of April. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors and get to know the history and geology of the area.
Moab Dinosaurs and Petroglyphs in April
The Moab Giants Museum is a MUST for anyone who loves dinosaurs! April isn’t too hot yet so it’s enjoyable to be outside walking along a trail of life-sized dinosaurs!
There are also lots of places to see dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs in Moab too!
Utah National and State Parks Near Moab in April
You can’t visit Moab without exploring the National Parks and Utah State Parks in the area. These guides can help you plan your trip when visiting in April:
Arches National Park in April – Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and biking. Photographers will capture amazing sunrise and sunset photos. Others will experience the park on scenic drives, camping, or stargazing.
NOTE: Arches is one of the nine US National Parks requiring reservations. You must have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from April 1 to October 31. You can enter Arches National Park before 7am and after 4pm without an advance reservation.
Canyonlands National Park in April – There is no entry ticket required, but it will get crowded so plan to visit in the morning or late afternoon! Enjoy hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography to explore the unique landscape of towering mesas and deep river canyons!
Dead Horse Point State Park – This state park is famous for its breathtaking scenes of the Colorado River and the towering cliffs and deep ravines around it. It’s a beautiful place that looks even more amazing at sunset – definitely worth visiting!
Hiking in April Near Moab
Moab hiking in the spring is the best! You can’t beat April for the moderate temperatures and weather! Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the area!
If you are looking for some of the best hiking you definitely want to explore the trails in the National and State Parks near Moab where you will find trails for all hiking levels.
It’s important that your day hike checklist includes water, sunscreen and chapstick! Most of the trails in Moab are fully exposed to the sun, which is perfect for April hiking since it’s not “too hot” yet!
Biking in April Around Moab
Biking in Moab has become a big deal. There are so many amazing biking trails around Moab, Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. The Moab landscape is filled with “petrified” sand dunes and slick rock that have become famous for bike rides.
April is a great time to enjoy the Moab mountain bike trails because you can be out all day and not worrying about getting too hot! BUT that also means more people will be on the trails so be prepared to share the trails.
We recommend you book a Moab biking tour – there are a variety of tours for all ages and levels. You can also rent bikes in Moab.
Photography in April Near Moab
Moab provides amazing landscapes to photograph. The best times to photograph the Moab area is during the sunrise and sunset hours. The sun on the red rocks is vibrant and a spectacular sight.
- Best sunrise photo spots in Moab – Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Turret Arch, Delicate Arch, La Sal Viewpoint
- Best sunset photo spots in Moab – Fisher Towers, Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Dead Horse Point
Remember that if you want pictures at the most popular sites without people getting in the way, early morning is the best time to be out taking pictures.
Download our camera gear checklist so you don’t forget any equipment at home!
CHECK OUT our 3 day photography guide for Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point to capitalize on all the best places and times to take pictures in the Moab area! We share some of our favorite ‘lesser known’ places to take pictures in Moab!
Stargazing in April Near Moab
Definitely take one night to leave the city of Moab and just look up! You will find a truly spectacular show in the sky.
Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point are all International Dark Sky Parks which makes them absolutely perfect for seeing thousands of stars in the sky.
The Moab area is one of the best places in Utah to photograph the Milky Way! Astrophotographers from around the world visit Moab so you won’t be alone in the park at night. In April the milky way is visible from 1:00 am to 4:45 am.
Be sure to use a headlamp with a red light to navigate in the dark. The red light minimizes the disruption of night vision and allows you and other photographers around you to see their surroundings while preserving the sensitivity of their eyes to low-light conditions.
Off-Roading in April Around Moab
Many times the Moab Jeep Safari will take place in April. As the name suggests, it’s always scheduled around Easter each year. It’s a busy time in town and on the off-roading trails. If you’re not participating in this event, you should probably avoid this week!
There are ATV and 4×4 rentals from many local companies, but if you are not used to off-roading, you can always join a tour and have a guided 4×4 Moab adventure. We love using and recommend using Outlaw Jeep Tours.
Scenic Drives in April Near Moab
Moab, Utah is a scenic destination with many beautiful drives to enjoy the breathtaking views around the area.
Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway – the 34-mile round-trip drive is a terrific half-day excursion from the Moab area to see great views of the Colorado River, ancient rock art, and dinosaur tracks. Potash Road or the Lower Colorado Scenic Byway runs along the Colorado River and ends at the border of Canyonlands National Park. We recommend this drive in the late afternoon when the red rocks glow and reflect in the river!
Canyonlands Island in the Sky Scenic Drive – you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready to capture the beauty you’ll see at all 10 overlooks along this drive!
Located near Needles Canyonlands you’ll find two stunning places to see views of Needles, Island in the Sky, Dead Horse Point, and the Moab area!
- Scenic Drive to Needles Overlook
- Scenic Drive to Anticline Overlook
We recommend the Arches & Canyonlands GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the-scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
River Rafting in April in Moab
The Colorado and Green Rivers can be explored with canoes, kayaks, rafts, and shallow-water boats. In April you’ll also find sections for whitewater river rafting!
Guided Canyonlands river rafting trips: local outfitters in Moab offer half-day to week-long guided trips with several nights of camping.
Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour: another fun way to enjoy the Colorado River!
Canyonlands river permit: required for all private river trips through the park. You may reserve overnight permits up to four months before the following seasons and reservations close two days prior to a launch date. Day use permits are available year round.
Moab Tours in April
Here’s a list of fun Moab tours that are available during the month of April. Booking a tour helps you explore all the amazing sights the area has to offer to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Private Full-Day Moab Tour and Hike Combo
- Private Half-Day Canyoneering Tour in Moab
- Moab Half-Day Rock Climbing
- Day Photography in Arches, Canyonlands, & Moab
- Moab Back Roads, History, and Winery E-Bike Tour
- Hell’s Revenge UTV 4X4 Off-Roading Tour from Moab
Camping in April Near Moab
There are a variety of ways to camp in the Moab area in April: RV Parks and Campgrounds, National Park Campgrounds, State Park Campgrounds, and BLM camping.
- RV Parks in Moab
- Arches National Park Camping
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Dead Horse Point State Park Camping
Lodging in April Near Moab
If camping is not your thing, here are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts.
Utah Bucket List
Don’t miss out on exploring the breathtaking landscapes and unique culinary experiences Utah has to offer! Whether it’s hiking the rugged terrains of Zion National Park, marveling at the natural splendor of Bryce Canyon, or indulging in the renowned local delicacies – there’s something for everyone in our specially curated Utah Bucket List.
To make your vacation planning easier, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that covers must-see sights, must-do activities, and must-taste foods across the state. Simply click on the graphic below to get your free download and start planning your next adventure!
