Moab Spring Activities + Travel Tips

There are a variety of Moab spring activities to do when you visit: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and off-roading in Jeeps and ATVs.

Located in southeast Utah, visiting Moab in the spring you’ll enjoy a unique combination of breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan your trip: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more! Because Moab is located in Southeastern Utah close to Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park, you’ll have a number of options to enjoy outdoor activities!

The spring weather is amazing, but expect crowds because Moab at spring break is a popular destination in Utah. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting Moab during the spring months of March, April, and May.

Having the right clothing and gear for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be there is our number one tip. Grab your free Moab, Utah packing list by clicking the image below!

Moab packing lists for spring summer fall and winter

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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!

Moab, Utah in the Spring

Spring is a peak time to visit since the Moab weather and temperatures are more mild this time of year. Keep in mind the town, parks and trails will all be busy so be prepared for crowds.

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

Moab in early spring will still have cold mornings so layers are key. Here’s the spring hiking gear we recommend for exploring the Moab area

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.
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.

FIND HIKING GEAR AT AMAZON

FIND HIKING GEAR AT REI

Moab Spring Activities

Check out this fun list of Moab Activities you can do in the spring: hiking, biking, photography, and scenic drives to name a few!

If you’re traveling with kids, there are many kid-friendly things to do in Moab like hiking, biking, junior ranger programs, and discovering dinosaurs!

Delicate Arch in the winter — Delicate Arch at Arches National Park

Spring Activities at Arches National Park

You can’t beat the weather when visiting Arches National Park in the spring to explore the park filled with arches, spires, fins and balanced rocks!

April 1 through October 31 Arches will require a timed entry National Park reservation to enter the park from 7 am to 4 pm. You can still visit Arches even if you don’t have a ticket! Just plan to get into the park before 6 am or after 5 pm. Going at those times will help you avoid the crowds, and it’s a great time for Arches National Park photography!

Here’s a list of the Arches National Park spring activities we recommend:

Mesa-Arch-at-sunrsie-by-Photo-Jeepers — Mesa Arch at sunrise at Canyonlands

Spring Activities at Canyonlands National Park

When you visit Canyonlands National Park in the spring, we recommend you spend one day at Island in the Sky and one day at Needles.

There are fun things to do at Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles like hiking, backpacking, driving 4×4 roads and photographing the unique sandstone rock formations.

Check out these fun Canyonlands National Park spring activities we enjoy:

Spring Activities at Dead Horse Point State Park

Located near the entrance to Canyonlands Island in the sky, Dead Horse Point State Park is an iconic location to see the panoramic vistas and the bend in the Colorado River.

Because it’s a Utah State Park, the National Park pass is not valid here. But the State Park fee to enter this park is worth it to see this view you can’t see at Island in the Sky!

Photographers come from around the world to capture Dead Horse Point State Park photos of this view. Aim to shoot during the golden hours — just after sunrise or just before sunset. The soft, warm lighting during these hours brings out the vivid colors and intricate textures of the landscape, creating stunning contrasts.

You can also explore the Dead Horse Point State Park hiking trails or biking trails. Another fun activity is camping or glamping in yurts!

Corona Arch Hike in Moab Utah — Corona Arch

Spring Hiking in Moab

Many of the best Moab spring hikes are found in the National and State Park boundaries. But there are many other hikes in the Moab area to explore.

The entire Moab area is one big playground, especially for hiking. It’s a terrific way to see and photograph this scenic area filled with sandstone arches, pinnacles, petroglyphs and even dinosaur prints!

Be prepared for trails to be muddy, snowy or icy if a storm rolls through in March or even April. You may even need traction devices. We recommend you check in with the Moab BLM office before heading out on any hike to get the latest trail conditions.

father and two sons mountain biking in Moab — Mountain biking in Moab

Spring Biking in Moab

During the spring, Moab mountain biking is a popular activity so the trails will be crowded.

There are a variety of trails for any experience level, from beginners looking for a scenic ride through beautiful canyons and mesa tops, to seasoned bikers looking for the ultimate challenge.

Moab is known for the world famous Slickrock Bike Trail. It’s a challenging 9.6 mile trail that’s highly technical and considered by many to be the ultimate mountain biking experience.

BOOK A MOAB BIKE TOUR

Spring Off-Roading in Moab

During the spring the weather in Moab stays pretty mild and sunny. The Moab Easter Jeep Safari happens in the spring so the town and off-road trails will be busy! But it’s a terrific event if you have a Jeep!

Tours are the best way to see the scenery and enjoy the thrill of off-roading, especially if you’re intimidated by the vehicles and terrain.

But if you’re feeling a little on the adventurous side, book a Drive Along Tour where you get behind the wheel of a Jeep, and under the watchful eye of an experienced guide, follow their vehicle along the trail.

We have used and recommend Outlaw Jeep Tours for the Drive Along Tour.

Find a MOAB OFF-ROADING TOUR

golden hour light at Moab along the Colorado River by Photo Jeepers — Colorado River along the Potash Road

Spring Scenic Drives in Moab

Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway – enjoy great views of the Colorado River, ancient rock art, and dinosaur tracks. We recommend you begin the drive in the late afternoon so you can see the glowing color on the red sandstone cliffs as the sun sets. The scenic byway is a 34-mile round-trip drive to Jug Handle Arch and back to Moab. Plan two hours for the trip with stops to take photos.

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!

Here are a few more scenic drives near Needles:

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.

photographing Arches National Park — Photographing Arches National Park

Spring Photography in Moab

You definitely want to pack your camera to take pictures of the stunning Moab landscape. Download our camera gear checklist!

Moab photography is best at sunrise and sunset because the reflected light on the red rocks is so vibrant! We’ve put together a list of our favorite photo spots in the Moab area that also include location in Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point.

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

We highly recommend this photography guide if you’re SERIOUS about taking photos in Moab: 3 Day Itinerary & Photography Guide!

starry sky through the North Window — Starry sky through the North Window at Arches

Spring Stargazing in Moab

Stargazing is a MUST-DO activity while you’re in Moab. It’s home to many Dark Sky locations like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Dead Horse Point.

All three locations are all internationally recognized as the best places for viewing stars and photographing the Milky Way due to their remote locations, altitude, and clear skies.

The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” encourages visiting these National Parks in Utah at night and simply LOOK UP!

During the spring, the Milky Way is visible:

March – 3:00 am to 5:45 am
April – 1:00 am to 4:45 am
May – 11:00 pm to 4:00 am

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.

kayaking along the Colorado River — Kayaking along the Colorado River

Spring Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Rafting in Moab

Explore the Colorado River near Moab by canoe, kayak, paddle boards, or rafting! In early spring you’ll also find sections for whitewater river rafting! You can rent boating equipment at local outfitters in Moab.

Guided Canyonlands river rafting trips: local outfitters in Moab offer half-day to week-long guided trips with several nights of camping.

Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour: another fun way to enjoy the Colorado River!

Canyonlands river permit: required for all private river trips through the park. You may reserve overnight permits up to four months before the following seasons and reservations close two days prior to a launch date. Day use permits are available year round.

FIND A MOAB RAFTING TOUR

Spring Guided Tours in Moab

Here’s a list of fun Moab tours that are available during the spring months. Booking a tour helps you explore all the amazing sights the area has to offer to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Moab Dinosaurs and Petroglyphs in the Spring

The Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum is a cool attraction for kids and adults! Explore the outdoor trail and walk along 100 life-sized dinosaurs. They have dinosaur egg wagons to transport the kids. How cool is that!?

There are also lots of places to see dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs in Moab too!

Spring Camping in Moab

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.

Lodging in the Spring Near Moab

If camping is not your thing, here are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts.

Moab maps and travel guides

Utah Bucket List

Don’t miss out on exploring the breathtaking landscapes and unique culinary experiences Utah has to offer! Add some of these Utah Bucket List things to see, do, and taste to your itinerary when visiting Moab this spring!