Visiting Moab in November
Planning a trip to Moab in November is a great idea for two reasons. First, the weather in Moab is delightfully mild in November making it perfect to enjoy outdoor activities.
Second, the tourism traffic is considerably less, providing a more relaxed experience visiting this adventure town in southeastern Utah without the crowds!
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan a November vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
Known for its iconic red rock landscapes and stunning national parks, there are plenty of things to do in Moab in November if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, photography, and more!
We live only a few hours away from Moab so we’ve had the opportunity to visit many times. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of November!
Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for planning a November vacation! 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 November
November is a wonderful time to enjoy Moab adventures like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography. Due to the moderate weather, you can enjoy the outdoors all day long!
The town begins to shift to the offseason and isn’t as crowded as the other times of year when visiting Moab, except when there are weekend events happening. Enjoy the Moab Folk Festival that usually happens the first part of November. And there’s usually one weekend in November to enjoy the Moab Artwalk.
Moab Weather in November
In November, the Moab weather is moderate with highs 58 and lows 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is possible any time during the month, but most days will be sunny and dry!
You’ll want to pack layers for the cold mornings! And any time of year it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
LAYERS: We recommend at the minimum a fleece jacket, gloves, and winter hat for the cold mornings and evenings. Waterproof hiking shoes are good too!
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 sunscreen and carry lip balm and hydrating lotion to apply as needed, especially if you’re not used to a dry environment!
Things to Do in Moab in November
Moab is one of the popular places to visit in Utah for outdoor activities like hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, offroading, biking, scenic drives, photography, and more!
Here’s a list of activities to do in November, as well as kid-friendly things to do in Moab!
National and State Parks Near Moab in November
Explore the two National Parks and one State Park in the Moab area. In November you can enjoy scenic drives or hiking trails at any time of day!
Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to these destinations in November:
Arches National Park in November – The Arches National Park scenic drive is a must-do activity. It includes two spur roads and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. You’ll add more time if you plan to stop and take photos or hike any of the trails along the route.
Canyonlands National Park in November – It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the hiking, biking, and offroading trails! Island in the Sky has amazing sunrise photo spots like Mesa Arch and Grand View Point!
Dead Horse Point State Park – This location is 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
The Moab Giants Museum is a MUST for anyone who loves dinosaurs! In November you’ll enjoy being 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 Hiking Trails in November
November is an awesome time of year to explore the Moab fall hiking trails. 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 at sunset!
And of course you can’t beat the trails in the National and State Parks:
- Arches National Park Hikes
- Canyonlands Hikes
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hikes
Biking in Moab in November
You’ll find paved biking trails in and around the city that are easy and fun for everyone.
The Moab mountain biking trails are well known and so amazing!! With a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, and surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes, it offers a thrilling and unique biking experience.
Beginners might start on the Bar-M Loop Trail with its gentle terrain, while adrenaline seekers can take on the challenging Slickrock Bike Trail, famous worldwide for its steep inclines and tricky descents.
Remember, no matter your skill level, safety comes first – so ensure you have the right gear and sufficient water before you start pedaling in this exhilarating mountain biking hotspot.
You can rent bikes in town and even join a Moab bike tour if you aren’t sure what trails to tackle!
Moab Area Photography in November
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!
In November you won’t need to get up “as early” or stay out “as late” for sunrise and sunset like you do during the summer months which is nice!
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 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 November
When visiting Moab, you must take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP! In November the Milky Way is no longer visible in the northern hemisphere, but the endless sky of stars is jaw-dropping!
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 November
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 Moab in November
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. You can also book a guided 4WD tour in Moab where you sit back and let the driver navigate the trails!
Moab Tours in November
Here’s a list of fun Moab tours that are available in November. 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
Moab Camping and Lodging in November
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Moab Camping in November: 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.
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!
