Visiting Moab in February
Moab, Utah is known for its iconic red rock landscapes and stunning national parks. There are plenty of things to do in Moab in February if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, photography, and more!
Winter is one of our favorite times to enjoy Moab adventures! We enjoy our trips to Moab in the winter when there are fewer visitors and lodging rates are lower.
Use this Moab Utah Vacation Guide to plan a trip in February: weather, activities, what to pack, where to stay and more! February is the off-season so you avoid the crowds and the hot temperatures of the other seasons.
We live close enough to Moab that we can visit at various times throughout year so we have lots of ideas and tips to share for visiting in the winter. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of February.
Our number one tip is to dress for the temperatures and weather for the time you’ll be visiting! Use our Moab, Utah packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for your February vacation! 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 February
One of the best places to visit in Utah for budget travel is Moab. The off season rates make it much more affordable than the other times of the year.
Moab during the busy season gets a bit crowded. There may be traffic getting into the town, long waits at restaurants and lines to get into the nearby national parks.
In the winter town slows down a bit. The stores and eateries are still open, but you can let yourself enjoy the town without worrying about the crowds!
What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Moab?
Winter may NOT be the best time to visit Moab for YOU. It’s important to know what to expect when visiting Moab in February.
Spring and fall are great times to visit Moab when the temperatures are perfect for long days of hiking, mountain biking and most outdoor activities.
But the winter will offer fewer crowds if you can be flexible if a winter storm rolls through.
Moab Weather in February
The Moab weather in February is still cold and can be unpredictable if a storm rolls through. The average highs are near 50 degrees with the lows in the mid 20s. Remember that Moab is about 4,000 feet above sea level so it does get cold in the winter, even if the sun is out.
After a snow storm, the Arches and Canyonlands roads might be closed for plowing for a few hours. Keep in mind that the roads, parking lots, and pullouts in the parks can still be icy, especially in shaded areas.
You can see current weather conditions at Arches or Canyonlands with updated photographs of trail conditions at the visitor center.
Dress in layers when visiting Moab in January. Take warm winter clothing so you’ll actually want to get out of the car and enjoy the outdoor activities! Your hiking boots should be warm and waterproof. No one wants soggy feet!
LAYERS: We recommend at the minimum a fleece jacket, gloves, and winter hat for the cold mornings and evenings. Waterproof hiking shoes are good too!
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.
Does Moab Get Snow?
Snow storms can happen in February in Moab. When it does snow, it’s not usually large amounts. When a storm rolls through, the area can get a dusting of snow, or even a few inches. The landscape is beautiful in the snow!
Do the Roads Close in Moab?
The Arches and Canyonlands park roads might be closed after a snowfall for several hours for plowing. For road conditions, check the Utah Road Weather Forecast or call 1-866-511-UTAH (8824).
Things to Do in Moab in February
In February you can enjoy a variety of Moab winter activities like hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, offroading, biking, scenic drives, photography, and more!
Moab Dinosaurs and Petroglyphs in February
The Moab Giants Museum is a MUST for anyone who loves dinosaurs! February is a great time to 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
- Moab Museum
- Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
- Amazing Petroglyphs in Moab
- Dinosaur Sites Near Moab
National and State Parks in February Near Moab
One of our favorite things to do in Moab is visiting the National Parks and the Utah State Parks by Moab. These guides can help you plan your visit to these parks in February:
Arches National Park in February – The Arches National Park scenic drive is a must-do activity. It includes two spur roads and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. You’ll add more time if you plan to stop and take photos or hike any of the trails along the route.
Canyonlands National Park in February – Services are limited or closed at Island in the Sky or Needles. Remember that both areas of the park are remote locations so always be prepared with water, food and proper clothing so you can be self-reliant. Island in the Sky has amazing sunrise photo spots like Mesa Arch and Grand View Point!
Dead Horse Point State Park – This location is known for its stunning views of the Colorado River, dramatic vertical cliffs, canyons, and vista views. We highly recommend this location at sunset!
Hiking Trails in February Near Moab
The Moab winter hikes are the best way to explore the area. And you definitely want to include the trails in the National and State Parks near Moab where you will find trails for all hiking levels.
February is a terrific time to when the sun is out. It’s quite different from summer when you’re sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion.
Remember it’s still important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen in the winter!
Most of the trails in Moab are fully exposed to the sun, which is perfect for your visit in February. Keep in mind you may encounter ice, snow and mud in shady areas of the trails because February is still cold and the wet areas may not dry out.
You may need traction devices on some trails. Check with the Moab Information Center or the park visitor’s centers for the most current trail conditions.
Our favorite day hikes in Moab are:
And of course you can’t beat the winter hikes in the National and State Parks:
- Arches National Park Winter Hikes
- Canyonlands National Park Winter Hikes
- Dead Horse Point State Park Hiking Trails
Biking Trails Near Moab in February
With so many outdoor activities to do there, Moab is considered the adventure capital of the US!
February is a great time to enjoy the Moab mountain bike trails, even if there’s been a recent snow storm. The Moab landscape is filled with “petrified” sand dunes and slick rock that have become famous for bike rides.
During the summer the parking lots are full and the trails are lined with riders, but not in February! You could have the lot and trail to yourself, or there may only be a handful of other bikers!
Multiple bike shops stay open in the winter to rent gear, tune a bike, or recommend a trail.
Photography in February Around Moab
Snow may not be the best for hiking or jeeping, but it makes for amazing photos! We love to photograph the landscape of red rocks with the contrast of the the white snow.
Be prepared for all types of winter photography at Arches, Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point due to weather. You can still capture amazing photos with rain, snow and fog.
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.
- 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
CHECK OUT our 3 day photography guide for Arches National Park 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!
And since February will be cold in the morning and evening, we like to use photographer gloves and keep rechargeable hand warmers in our coat pockets.
Stargazing in February Near Moab
Definitely take one evening to get away from the Moab city lights, go outside and LOOK UP!
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.
In February, if you’ve got a clear sky, you can try to capture a photo of the Milky Way!
Moab Off-Roading in February
Off-roading in Moab in the winter can be enjoyed by jeep, side-by-side or other such vehicles. In February we recommend you wear, or at least have packed in your vehicle, warm clothing and waterproof boots.
If you opt to do a guided tour, the jeeps are heated, but you’ll want to dress in layers so you can get out and explore the scenic stops along the way.
Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals, but for inexperienced drivers, it’s best to join a tour or have a guide ride along with you to navigate and teach.
Moab Tours in February
Here’s a list of fun Moab tours that are available in February. Booking a tour helps you explore all the amazing sights the area has to offer to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Moab tours during the winter months could be limited when conditions aren’t safe to do the activity due to weather.
- Private Full-Day Moab Tour and Hike Combo
- 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 Camping in February
There are a variety of ways to enjoy Moab winter camping: 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
If camping is not your thing, here are many types of accommodations to choose from in Moab: budget-friendly hotels to higher-priced resorts.
