Visiting Moab in the Spring
Located in southeast Utah, Moab offers a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
With the mild temperatures and sunny days, visiting Moab in the spring is an ideal time for hiking, biking, and exploring the many wonders of this Utah gem.
Use this Moab Utah vacation guide to plan your spring vacation: weather, activities, what to pack, and where to stay.
You’ll find so many things to do in Moab like hiking, biking, off-road jeep tours, and photography. There’s something for everyone in this amazing desert oasis!
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure or an adrenaline-filled excursion, Moab in the springtime has something for everyone.
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Spring Clothing for Hiking
Moab, Utah in early spring will still have cold mornings so layers are key.
- Clothing: Loose-fitting, light-colored, and wicking clothing
- Sunhat: Sun protection is a must
- Fleece jackets: A jacket is perfect for that morning layer when the temperatures are cool.
- Darn Tough hiking socks: Do not wear cotton socks. Darn Tough Socks are comfortable, breathe well, and prevent blisters!
- Waterproof hiking shoes: Spring rain is common so be sure your hiking shoes are waterproof. Be sure the shoes are sturdy with good tread and traction.
Spring Hiking Gear
Here’s the spring hiking gear we recommend for exploring the Moab area:
- Water: Carry and drink at least two liters of water. Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah, you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- First aid kit: No matter whether your hike is long or short, always pack a hiking first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has the essentials like plasters, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, etc.
- Headlamps: If you’ll be hiking in the morning or late afternoon, carry a headlamp so you’re prepared in case you need to hike in the dark.
- Snacks: Pack salty and easy to digest snack to replace electrolytes.
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!
Tips for Visiting Moab in the Spring
Moab, Utah is one of the most popular places to visit in Utah, especially in the spring.
The spring Moab weather is perfect to explore the national parks and surrounding areas! It will be cool to cold in the mornings and evenings, but it’s just right during the day when the sun in shining.
There is not much shade to be found around Moab so it’s nice to be outside on a sunny day when the air is cool! It makes hiking, biking and offroading so much more enjoyable!
And you’ll see waterfalls and desert flowers in the spring you won’t see any other time of year!
BUT Moab is a popular destination for spring break in Utah so expect crowds! The town, trails and points of interest will be packed with people.
And definitely avoid the weekend of the Moab Easter Jeep Safari unless you are going there to specifically attend this event. The small town will be very crowded which means higher prices for accommodations and long lines at the restaurants!
Moab Weather in the Spring
The spring months of March, April and May are almost perfect in Moab.
- Moab in March: high 64 / low 35 – 3 days rain
- Moab in April: high 73 / low 42 – 3 days rain
- Moab in May: high 83 / low 50 – 3 days rain
It’s always good to check the Moab weather forecast so you’re prepared for rain in the spring, and maybe even a dusting of snow in March. Usually if it snows, it doesn’t last long and quickly melts.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to at other times of the year, check out our article: best time to visit Moab.
Things to Do in Moab in the Spring
If you love the outdoors, then Moab should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Utah!
BUT it’s also a popular time to plan a Moab spring break vacation, so there will be crowds!
Here’s a fun list of Moab spring activities and ways to get to know the history and geology of the area.
National and State Parks Near Moab in the Spring
The two National Parks and one Utah State Park near Moab are must-see destinations! These guides can help you plan your trip! Our big tip: go early to avoid the crowds! Here’s what you can expect when visiting these parks in the spring:
Arches National Park in the Spring – spring is one of the best times to visit due to the moderate temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going the first two weeks of March. There may be lines to get into the park, especially on the weekends. And the points of interest will be packed with people.
Canyonlands National Park in the Spring – it’s a terrific time to visit, but it’s also a popular spring break month so be sure to enter the park early, leave when it gets crowded, then go back in the afternoon!
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!
Moab Hiking in the Spring
There is so much landscape to explore right around the city so add a Moab Utah hiking trail to your itinerary, in addition to the hikes you’ll find in the nearby National and State Parks.
Hiking in the spring is one of the best times for hiking. The sun is out and the temperatures are moderate.
Remember it’s important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen! Most of the trails in Moab are fully exposed to the sun.
Moab Biking in the Spring
Biking in Moab is one of the most popular things to do – and spring is the perfect opportunity to bike all day and not worry about getting too hot.
You will find the trails more crowded in the spring, especially on the weekend (try to avoid spring break and Easter!) Just be sure to be a little more patient and pay attention while riding.
Join a Moab bike tour to explore the amazing landscape in the area!
Moab Scenic Drives in the Spring
Moab, Utah is a scenic destination with many beautiful drives to enjoy the breathtaking views around 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!
Watch for signs and pullouts indicating petroglyphs. And look for the “Dinosaur Tracks” sign and turnout. A short hike takes you to a series of three-toed dinosaur tracks. You’ll be amazed at all the dinosaur tracks in Moab you can find.
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
Moab Photography in the Spring
While visiting Moab in the spring you will definitely want to pack your camera to take some of the most incredible pictures. Download our camera gear checklist!
The best times to photograph the areas around Moab are sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.
CHECK OUT our 3 day photography guide for Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point to capitalize on all the best places and times to take pictures in the Moab area! We share 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 Stargazing in the Spring
You want to reserve at least one night while visiting for stargazing. Leave the city of Moab and just look up and you will find a truly spectacular show in the sky.
Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse are all International Dark Sky Parks which makes them absolutely perfect for seeing thousands of stars in the sky. You might even get lucky and spot the Milky Way!
Here are the times when the Milky Way is visible in the spring during the new moon phase (no moon in the sky):
- March – 3:00 am to 5:45 am
- April – 1:00 am to 4:45 am
- May – 11:00 pm to 4:00 am
Moab Off-Roading in the Spring
Off-roading in Moab is one of the best adventures that you will go on! Grab your jeep or side by side car and hit one of the hundreds of trails in the area.
You can rent 4×4 rentals from many local companies, but if you are not used to off-roading, you can always join a tour and have a guided 4×4 adventure in Moab. We love using and recommend using Outlaw Jeep Tours.
Moab River Rafting in the Spring
If you feel like a real adventure and the water is not too cold in the spring then perhaps plan a river rafting adventure in the Colorado River.
You will find half-day, full-day, and even multi-day Moab rafting trips. This is a fun adventure to go on with your family or even a group of your friends.
Moab Camping in the Spring
There are a variety of ways to camp in the Moab area in the spring: RV Parks and Campgrounds, National Park Campgrounds, State Park Campgrounds, and BLM camping.
- Arches National Park Camping
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Dead Horse Point State Park Camping
- BLM Campgrounds in the Moab area
If camping is not your thing, here 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.
Things to Do Near Moab in the Spring
- Arches National Park Spring Activities
- Arches National Park Spring Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Spring Activities
- Utah National Parks in the Spring
- Utah Spring Activities
- Places to Visit in Utah in the Spring
