Visiting Moab in August
Planning a vacation to Moab in August you’ll see stunning scenery and enjoy outdoor activities that make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. From river rafting to mountain biking to rock climbing and more, there’s something for everyone in Moab!
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan an August vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
August is a HOT time of year to visit, but there are ways to avoid the heat and crowds you’ll find during the summer at Moab.
If you enjoy outdoor activities and stunning landscapes, add Moab, Utah to your bucket list of places to visit!
Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in the summer (UV protection, hydration, salty snacks)! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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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!
Visiting Moab in August
August will be HOT, but you can still enjoy outdoor Moab adventures. There’s not much shade in the Moab area so you’ll want to plan all your outdoor activities in the mornings when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t blazing.
Moab in the summer is a busy time and it WILL be crowded. You’ll find higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants! The national parks, state parks, overlooks, hiking trails and points of interest will also be packed with people.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to visit Moab at other times of the year, check out our article: Best time to visit Moab.
Moab Weather in August
Moab weather and temperatures in August are highs around 100 and lows around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to stay hydrated and use sun protection!
WATER: Moab is a high desert area so you should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you – hydration packs or carry refillable bottles in your backpack.
FOOD: Pack and eat healthy snacks because there may be NO services on the trails or scenic drives.
SUN PROTECTION: Wear a sunhat and use sunscreen . Carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed.
Things To Do in Moab in August
Moab is one of the popular places to visit in Utah for hiking, biking, climbing, river rafting and more!
Here’s a list of activities to do in August, as well as kid-friendly things to do in Moab!
National and State Parks Near Moab in August
Explore the two National Parks and one State Park in the Moab area. In August we recommend you enjoy the AC on scenic drives.
Hit the hiking trails in the cooler times of the day! Here are some guides to help you plan your visit to these destinations in August:
Arches National Park in August – you’ll need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket to enter the park during the busy daytime hours. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a timed entry ticket. Just plan to enter the park before 6 a.m. One benefit to getting in the park early is you can see and photograph the sunrise at Arches National Park!
Canyonlands National Park in August – plan your hikes in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. The scenic drive is great during the day when you can enjoy the AC!
Dead Horse Point State Park – known for its stunning views of the Colorado River, dramatic vertical cliffs, canyons, and vista views. We highly recommend this location at sunset!
Dinosaurs and Petroglyphs in Moab
If you love dinosaurs, check out the Moab Giants Museum! In August you’ll want to visit early when it’s not too hot because you’ll 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!
- Moab Giants Museum
- Dinosaur Sites Near Moab
- Moab Museum
- Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
- Amazing Petroglyphs in Moab
Moab Hikes in August
You can enjoy Moab summer hikes, but definitely plan to hit the trails in the morning when the temperatures are cooler and not as crowded. Remember to stay hydrated and wear a sunhat and sunscreen!
Our favorite day hikes in Moab are: Corona Arch Trail, Dellenbaugh Tunnell Trail, and Fisher Towers!
And of course you can’t beat the trails in the National and State Parks:
- Arches National Park Summer Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Summer Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Biking in August in Moab
Moab biking trails are well known so most of the year you’ll need to share the trails. In August we recommend you get out early to enjoy the cooler weather and avoid the crowds!
Join a Moab bike tour or rent bikes in town!
Moab River Rafting, Paddleboarding and Kayaking in August
August is a great time for river rafting and kayaking in Moab! You’ll find all types of Moab rafting trips to float along the Colorado River.
Try a Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour in the calmer waters of the Colorado River close to Moab. There are local companies that rent kayaks and paddleboards.
Moab Tours in August
With experienced guides on Moab tours, you can explore all the amazing sights the area has to offer and make sure you don’t miss anything.
Here are a few of our favorite tours in Moab:
- Private Full-Day Moab Tour and Hike Combo
- Moab’s Best Kept Secret: Cool Summer Creek Hike
- 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
Moab Photography in August
Moab is also a bucket list destination for photographers. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to photograph the areas around Moab because the light at this time creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that’s so beautiful!
Use our Guide to Moab photography that lists the best sunrise and sunset locations in the area. 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!
We’ve also created an Arches and Canyonlands Photography Guide detailing the best photo spots in these parks and our favorite 3 day itinerary some of our favorite ‘lesser known’ places to take pictures in Moab!
Moab Stargazing in August
When visiting Moab, you must take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP! In August you can see or photograph the Milky Way from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am!
Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point are internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing because of the remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies!
Moab Scenic Drives in August
Here are a few of the beautiful drives you can enjoy in the Moab 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!
Arches National Park Scenic Drive – the full 43-mile scenic drive, including the spur roads, takes 2 to 3 hours. Add more time if you plan to walk around and take photos or do any hiking at any of the stops.
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.
Off-roading in August in Moab
If you’re up for an adventure, plan to explore the off-road trails in Moab! Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals for you to tackle the trails on your own.
If you’re an inexperienced driver, we recommend you book a tour or have a guide ride along with you to navigate and teach. We have used and recommend Outlaw Jeep Tours.
There are also Moab 4×4 guided tours where you sit back and let the driver navigate the trails!
Moab Camping in August
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Moab Camping in August: 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
If camping is not your thing, here are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts.
You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks in Moab:
Utah Bucket List
Check out our Utah Bucket List that includes ideas for things to see, do and taste all around the state! Grab the free download by clicking the graphic below!
