Visiting Moab in September
If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, visiting Moab in September is the perfect way to do it. With its stunning red rock canyons and winding rivers, this scenic desert town is a playground for those who love to explore nature’s beauty.
Moab in the fall is one of the best times to visit this unique destination as temperatures are mild enough for comfortable exploration during the day while still offering cooler evenings with plenty of stars twinkling overhead.
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan a September vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more! The September weather is amazing, but expect crowds because Moab is a popular fall destination in Utah.
We are lucky to live close to Moab so we are able to visit often and at various times of the year. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting Moab during the month of September.
Having the right clothing and gear for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be there is our number one tip. Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in September! 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 September
There’s not much shade in the Moab area so you’ll want to do your Moab adventures like hiking and biking in the mornings when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t blazing.
Moab in the fall 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 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!
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 September
The fall weather in Moab is amazing! In September the highs around 88 and lows around 54 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 September
Moab is one of the popular places to visit in Utah for hiking, biking, climbing, river rafting and more!
This list of Moab fall activities is specifically for the month of September. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors and get to know the history and geology of the area.
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.
National and State Parks Near Moab in September
Explore the two National Parks and one State Park in the Moab area. In September we recommend you enjoy the AC on scenic drives during the hottest part of the day.
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 September:
Arches National Park in September – 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 September – plan your hikes in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. Island in the Sky has amazing sunrise photo spots!
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 in September
The Moab Giants Museum is a MUST for anyone who loves dinosaurs! In September you’ll still 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 September
You’ll enjoy a variety of Moab fall hiking trails! In September plan to hike 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 Fall Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Fall Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Biking in Moab in September
Moab biking trails are well known so most of the year you’ll need to share the trails. September is a busy time of year so we recommend you get out early to enjoy the cooler weather and avoid the crowds!
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.
Moab River Rafting, Paddleboarding and Kayaking in September
September is still a good time for river rafting and kayaking in Moab! You’ll find all types of Moab rafting trips to float along the Colorado River.
You can also do stand-up paddleboarding in the calmer waters of the Colorado River close to Moab. There are local companies that rent kayaks and paddleboards.
Moab Tours in September
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 Area Photography in September
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!
- 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!
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!
Download our camera gear checklist so you don’t forget any equipment at home!
Moab Stargazing in September
When visiting Moab, you must take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP! In September you can see or photograph the Milky Way from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm!
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.
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.
Moab Scenic Drives in September
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 September
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 Moab 4WD guided tour where you sit back and let the driver navigate the trails!
Moab Camping in September
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Moab Camping in September: 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
Moab Lodging in September
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
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!
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!
