Moab Summer Activities + Travel Tips
Moab, Utah is a top vacation spot. This small town packs quite the punch when it comes to summer activities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Moab has something to offer everyone.
Check out the list of Moab summer activities: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, river rafting, and off-roading in Jeeps and ATVs.
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan your trip: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more!
Moab, Utah is located in Southeastern Utah close to Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
With miles upon miles of trails, you can explore the stunning landscape while getting your heart pumping.
Don’t forget to cool off at the Colorado River. From rafting to kayaking, the river is the perfect place to escape the heat of the summer sun.
With so many options, it’s no wonder why Moab is a top destination for summer fun.
Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for your summer trip! 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!
Moab, Utah in the Summer
The Moab weather and temperatures will be HOT!
Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!
- Moab in June: Highs 93 | Lows 60 degrees F
- Moab in July: Highs 100 | Lows 67 degrees F
- Moab in August: Highs 97 | Lows 66 degrees F
With the hot summer temperatures, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated:
Moab Summer Activities
Check out this fun list of Moab activities you can do in the summer.
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!
Summer Activities at Arches National Park
Arches Timed Entry tickets are required during the summer months. 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 5pm.
In the summer we suggest getting into the park early to enjoy the cooler temps with no crowds to see and photograph sunrise at Arches National Park!
Here’s a list of Arches National Park summer activities we recommend:
- Arches National Park Summer Hikes
- Arches National Park Scenic Drive
- Arches National Park with Kids
- Arches National Park Camping
- Arches National Park Tours
Summer Activities at Canyonlands National Park
To make the most of all the Canyonlands National Park summer activities, 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.
More Canyonlands National Park activities include:
- Canyonlands National Park Summer Hikes
- Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
- Canyonlands National Park Camping
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
Summer 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.
Photographers come from around the world to capture this landscape scene, especially at sunset.
You can explore the Dead Horse Point State Park hiking trails or biking trails. It’s a terrific place to camp as well. The yurts are a popular place to stay here!
The side trip this Utah State Park and the additional fee are worth the visit!
Summer Hiking in Moab
Many of the most popular hikes in Moab are found in the National and State Park boundaries. But there are many other Moab summer hikes 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 sure to wear the right clothing and pack the right gear for summer hiking in Moab:
- Day Hike Checklist
- What to Bring on a Hike
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Hiking Gear for Kids & Tips for Hiking with Kids
Summer Biking in Moab
Moab, Utah is a biker’s paradise! With its stunning red rock landscapes, wide open spaces and endless trails for all skill levels, Moab provides the perfect playground for mountain biking enthusiasts.
During the summer, Moab mountain biking is a popular activity so the trails will be crowded. Be sure limit riding to the cooler morning and late afternoon times of day!
Whether you’re a beginner looking to hone your skills or an experienced rider seeking some truly epic adventures, there are plenty of options in this desert oasis.
Summer Off-Roading in Moab
Moab, Utah is the off-roading mecca of the United States. With its stunning desert landscapes, red rock cliffs and canyons, Moab offers some of the most spectacular off-roading opportunities in the world.
Tours are one of 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.
Summer Scenic Drives in Moab
Check out all the beautiful drives you can enjoy in the Moab the area. During the summer a drive enjoying the AC is a great way to beat the heat!
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
Summer 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! In addition to the photo spots at Arches and Canyonlands below, we like Fisher Towers and Dead Horse Point at sunset!
- Sunrise at Arches National Park
- Sunset at Arches National Park
- Sunrise at Canyonlands
- Sunset at Canyonlands
We created a photography guide for the Moab area if you’re SERIOUS about taking photos here: 3 Day Itinerary & Photography Guide
Summer 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 summer, the Milky Way is visible:
- June – 10:30 pm to 3:30 am
- July – 10:30 pm to 3:45 am
- August – 9:30 pm to 1:30 am
Summer Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Rafting in Moab
Explore the Colorado River near Moab by canoe, kayak, paddle boards, or rafting! You can rent boating equipment at local outfitters in Moab.
Rafting the mighty Colorado River is a thrill and a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery around the Moab area in the summer.
You can take half-day, full-day or even multi-day rafting trips in Moab. This activity is perfect for families or groups of friends.
If you want to enjoy calm waters, there are sections of the river where you can paddleboard. There are many guided tours for stand up paddleboarding for beginners and seasoned paddlers as well.
Summer Camping in Moab
There are a variety of ways to camp in the Moab area during the summer months: 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
You’ll definitely want to make a reservation if you can!
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.
