Visiting Moab in October
We love visiting Moab in October because the weather is amazing! It’s the perfect time of year to see the stunning red rock canyons and winding rivers.
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan an October vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more! This scenic desert town located in southeast Utah is a playground for those who love to explore nature’s beauty.
Known for its iconic red rock landscapes and stunning national parks, Moab turns into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise in October.
There’s something for everyone in Moab to 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 October!
Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for planning an October vacation! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.
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 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.
Moab Weather in October
Moab weather in October usually means highs 74 and lows 41 degrees Fahrenheit. There could be a rain storm any time during the month, but for the most part expect sun, blue skies, and moderate temperatures!
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, landscape photography, offroading, scenic drives, and more!
Here’s a list of activities to do in October, as well as kid-friendly things to do in Moab!
National and State Parks Near Moab in October
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:
Arches National Park in October – 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 October – 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 – 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 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 of 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 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!
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 Scenic Drives in October
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.
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 Tours in October
Here’s a list of fun Moab tours that are available in October. You can explore all the amazing sights the area has to offer and 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 in October
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Moab Camping in October: 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!
