Visiting Moab In The Fall

Use our handy vacation guide for visiting Moab in the Fall. It includes everything you need to know to plan a fall trip to Moab: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!

Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan a Fall vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!

things to do a Moab Utah in the fall

Fall is a popular time to enjoy all the outdoor things to do in Moab. Be prepared for the town, trails and attractions to be crowded.

The fall temperatures in Moab do start to cool off from the summer highs of 100. Keep reading for our tips and recommended activities to enjoy Moab in the fall!

Moab packing lists for spring summer fall and winter
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What To Pack for a Trip to Moab

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.

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 THE FALL

If you love outdoor activities like hiking, biking and landscape photography, then Moab should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Utah!

Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoor Moab adventures! The mornings and evenings are cool and the daytime highs don’t get too hot.

The moderate Moab weather and temperatures in the fall makes it a popular destination so it WILL be crowded. You’ll find higher prices for accommodations, long lines at the restaurants and the surrounding trails and points of interest 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 THE FALL

The fall months of September, October and November in Moab start to cool off and are perfect for outdoor activities! You’ll want a fleece jacket for the colder mornings and evenings.

WATER: You should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you during all hiking activities. We use hydration packs and carry refillable water bottles in our camera backpack.

SNACKS: Pack and eat plenty of healthy snacks and food. There may be NO services on the trails you’ll hike or the drives you take. 

SUN PROTECTION: Wear a sunhat and use sunscreen. Moab’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin. You’ll want to carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed when you’re out exploring the trails. 

Landscape Arch at Arches National Park

THINGS TO DO IN MOAB IN THE FALL

Below you’ll find our recommended fall activities when visiting Moab. Check out this list of kid-friendly things to do in Moab if you’ll be traveling with kids!

Moab History and Geology

If you enjoy history and geology, the Moab area has petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks and geological formations. Moab Giants Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves dinosaurs!

National and State Parks in the Fall Near Moab

There are two National Parks and one State Park near Moab that you must take time to explore: scenic drives, hiking and camping. Check out these resources for visiting this Utah National Parks in the fall:

rafting the colorado river near moab

Fall River Rafting, Paddleboarding and Kayaking in Moab

River rafting and kayaking are great fall activities to enjoy in Moab! You’ll find half-day, full-day and multi-day 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.

Fall Hiking in Moab

The Moab Utah hiking trails take you to amazing landscape views! We highly recommend these trails:

And you can’t beat the hikes you find in the National and State Parks:

father and two sons mountain biking in Moab

Fall Biking in Moab

The biking trails around Moab are very popular, and fall is a busy time of year so be prepared to share the trails. Get out early to avoid the crowds.

Rent your bike in town or join a guided Moab bike tour to explore the amazing landscape in the area!

Fall Photography in Moab

Fall photography can be hampered by smoky skies if there are any wildfires in California. But that smoky haze can make for some interesting effects!

The best times for Moab photography are sunrise and sunset because the reflected light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks. Be sure to download our camera gear checklist!

CHECK OUT our Arches and Canyonlands Photography Guide! We share 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!

take jaw-dropping photos at Arches & Canyonlands

Moab Stargazing in the Fall

You can’t beat stargazing in Moab. We recommend you take one evening to go outside and LOOK UP!

Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point are some of the best places in Moab for stargazing. They are internationally recognized due to their remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.

Fall is a good time to photograph the Milky Way because it’s visible right after sunset!

jeeping around moab utah

Off-roading in Moab in the Fall

Moab off-roading can’t be beat! Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals for you to tackle the trails on your own. But for inexperienced drivers, 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 all types of tours offered where you can sit back and enjoy a 4×4 Moab guided adventure!

Potash Road Scenic Drive

The Potash Road is a scenic drive that’s 34 miles roundtrip and will take about 2 hours. You’ll see beautiful views of the Colorado River, ancient rock petroglyphs, and even dinosaur tracks. 

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 maps and travel guides

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Moab Utah Tours and Resources

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