Visiting Moab in October
We love visiting Moab in October because the weather is amazing! You’ll find everything you need to know: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan an October vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
There are plenty of things to do in Moab, Utah if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, photography, and more!
October is still a busy time of year in Moab so you’ll still need to navigate the crowds. Keep reading for all our tips to help you see why you should visit Moab, Utah in October.
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What To Pack for a Trip to Moab
- Hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- WATER: Hydration packs or carry refillable water bottles in your backpack.
- Healthy snacks – there may be NO services on the trails you’ll hike or drive.
- Lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin.
- Summer – High temperatures, unrelenting sunlight, and low humidity. To keep cool, wear light colored, loose fitting UV protection clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a sunhat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.
- Winter – Pack winter clothing to stay dry and warm.
- Fleece jacket
- Buff headbands
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- First aid kit
- DOWNLOAD – Camera gear checklist
Where to Stay in Moab
There 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.
VISITING MOAB IN OCTOBER
Moab in the fall is a busy time and it WILL be crowded. You’ll want to do your Moab adventures like hiking and biking in the mornings when the trails aren’t so crowded.
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.
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!
MOAB WEATHER IN OCTOBER
October temperatures in Moab: highs 74 and lows 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to stay hydrated and still use sun protection in October:
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 OCTOBER
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 October:
National and State Parks Near Moab
Explore the two National Parks and one State Park in the Moab area. In October the temperatures are just about perfect! Enjoy scenic drives or hiking trails at any time of day! Here are some guides to help you plan your visit to these destinations in October:
Dinosaurs and Petroglyphs in Moab
The Moab Giants Museum is a MUST for anyone who loves dinosaurs! In October 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 Hikes in October
October is an awesome time of year to explore the Moab Utah hiking trails. Remember to stay hydrated and wear a sunhat and sunscreen!
Our favorite day hikes in Moab are:
And of course you can’t beat the trails in the National and State Parks:
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Canyonlands Hikes
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Biking in Moab in October
Moab biking trails are well known so most of the year you’ll need to share the trails. October is still a busy time of year so we recommend you get out early to avoid the crowds! You can rent bikes in town and even join a Moab bike tour!
Moab Area Photography in October
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 October you won’t need to get up “as early” or stay out “as late” as you do during the summer months which is nice!
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!
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!
Moab’s Potash Road Scenic Drive
If you’re looking for beautiful views of the Colorado River, ancient rock petroglyphs, and dinosaur tracks, then drive the Potash Road!
It’s a 34 mile roundtrip drive along the Colorado River. Plan about 2 hours for the drive and stops to take pictures. We like going in the late afternoon so the canyon walls will glow with that deep orange color and reflect into the Colorado River.
Moab Stargazing in October
When visiting Moab, you must take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP! In October you can see or photograph the Milky Way right after sunset!
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.
Off-roading in Moab in October
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 Utah Tours and Resources
