Moab
Where Your Next Adventure Begins
Moab means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about red rock labyrinths and packed trailheads. But for many Utahns who return again and again, the real Moab begins where the pavement ends. It’s in the quiet trails just outside the parks, the spring-fed pools tucked into narrow canyons, and the long, exposed ridgelines that stretch toward the La Sals with not another soul in sight.
Locals and longtime visitors often skip the national parks entirely — not out of protest, but preference. Trails like Jeep Arch offer a rugged escape without a fee or crowd. The canyon below is often filled with shallow pools perfect for cooling off, and the path itself is varied enough to keep things interesting. Moonflower Canyon, just minutes from downtown, feels like a hidden oasis, shaded and cool even on hot days. Poison Spider starts near Wall Street, a well-known roadside climbing area just outside of town, and can be surprisingly quiet, especially midweek. These are the places people return to not because they’re secret, but because they’re steady — familiar routes in an ever-changing world.
For those looking to deepen the experience, Navtec Expeditions offers guided trips into Moab’s backcountry. Whether it’s canyoneering through tight sandstone slots, rafting the Colorado River, or navigating remote terrain in a rugged 4x4, Navtec doesn’t just lead tours — they share a philosophy: explore with care, listen to the land, and understand its layers. Their guides don’t overtalk, and they don’t oversell. That’s part of what makes their outings memorable.
Where you stay in Moab shapes the experience as much as what you do. Hoodoo Moab, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, offers upscale lodging with design that blends into the landscape rather than competing with it. It’s a space where guests can soak in views of the red cliffs while enjoying modern amenities — a refined basecamp for those who want comfort without losing their connection to the desert. For a more nostalgic, pared-down stay, the Rustic Inn Motel remains a Moab mainstay. Its central location, retro charm, and simplicity remind visitors why this town was beloved long before boutique hotels and high-end rentals arrived.
After a day on the trail — or the river, or the rock — it’s time to eat. Dewey’s Restaurant and Bar keeps things relaxed. The portions are generous, the drinks are strong, and the atmosphere is unpretentious. You’re just as likely to sit next to a dusty mountain biker as a couple fresh off a scenic flight. Conversations flow easily here, especially over burgers or the celebrated grilled meatloaf, and it’s a welcome exhale after hours spent under the desert sun.
Even with Moab’s growing popularity, a sense of mutual respect still shapes how people share the land. Hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road drivers may approach the terrain differently, but many of them share a common goal: to experience the desert without damaging it. The best among them follow the same quiet code — stay on trail, respect others, and leave no trace.
Moab has changed over the years. There are more hotels, more visitors, and more traffic during peak season. But there are also early mornings when the canyons are empty, still trails where dogs can run without distraction, and still diners where the staff remembers your name from last spring. For those who know where to look, the heart of the place is intact.
A Moab staycation doesn’t have to mean doing less. It means doing it differently. Avoiding the crowds. Supporting local businesses. Taking the road that doesn’t make the brochure. And finding — in the space between red cliffs and open sky — a version of Utah that feels just right.