Moab

Three Ways to Experience Moab This Fall

By Richard Markosian | Photo by Ryanne Andrews

FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN MY PLEASURE TO RETURN TO MOAB AS A REGULAR VISITOR AND CORRESPONDENT FOR UTAH STORIES. Over those years, I’ve floated the Colorado River with some of Moab’s premier rafting outfitters, kicked up red dust on legendary four-wheel-drive trails, explored petrified sand dunes and towering slickrock, and, most importantly, gotten to know many of the people who make this remarkable town one of Utah’s greatest destinations.

Moab has become my home away from home. Every visit reminds me why millions of people travel halfway around the world to experience southeastern Utah. Following the tremendous success of Utah’s “Mighty 5” tourism campaign, visitors from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and across the United States have discovered what Utahns have known for generations: Moab is one of the world’s premier outdoor adventure destinations.

While summer brings the biggest crowds, I believe fall is one of the very best times to visit. The temperatures become comfortable, the trails are more enjoyable, and the pace of the town relaxes just enough to appreciate everything Moab has to offer. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for your tenth adventure, there truly is something for everyone.

I’ve found that most visitors fall into one of three categories, and each type of traveler can have an unforgettable Moab experience.

The first is the scenic explorer. These are travelers who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks without necessarily seeking high-adrenaline adventure. If that sounds like you, I recommend staying somewhere close to Main Street such as Moab Rustic Inn where you can walk to restaurants, galleries, and shops after a day of sightseeing. 

Start your mornings with pastries from Bonjour Bakery Café and enjoy dinner at Moab Brewery. Spend your days visiting iconic landmarks such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch before taking a scenic drive through Canyonlands National Park. 

If you’d like to venture beyond the pavement, consider booking a guided tour with Moab Scenic Adventures or a two- or three-day rafting trip with Sheri Griffith River Expeditions. Their experienced guides and outstanding hospitality make for an unforgettable introduction to canyon country.

The second type of visitor wants a little more excitement. Maybe you’re younger, traveling with adventurous friends, or simply looking for experiences that combine spectacular scenery with a healthy dose of adrenaline. For those travelers, I highly recommend booking a Hell’s Revenge tour with Dave Hellman of Xtreme 4x4 Tours. 

I recently spent a day filming the experience, and it was one of the most exhilarating off-road adventures I’ve ever had. Climbing seemingly impossible slickrock fins before descending nearly vertical sandstone slopes is unlike anything you’ll experience anywhere else in the country.

If you’re still looking for more excitement, Raven’s Rim Adventure Tours offers an incredible zipline experience high above the Colorado River. It’s perfect for families with older children and adults who enjoy adventure while taking in some of the most spectacular views in Grand County. Also, consider a canyoneering trip or rafting trip with Navtec Adventures, whose guides and trips are incredible.

Finally, there are those who want the full Moab immersion — the visitors who come for several days and want to experience everything the canyon country has to offer. For them, nothing compares to a multi-day rafting expedition. 

Sheri Griffith River Expeditions offers unforgettable trips through Cataract Canyon and the Gates of Lodore. These adventures combine world-class whitewater, towering canyon walls, unforgettable campsites, and some of the darkest night skies you’ll ever experience. There may be no better way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Colorado Plateau than from the river itself.

What has always impressed me most about Moab isn’t just its incredible scenery. It’s the people. Behind every successful tour company, restaurant, outfitter, and hotel are local families who have spent decades sharing this extraordinary landscape with visitors from around the world. Their passion for the area is contagious, and it helps explain why so many first-time visitors become lifelong fans.

Whether your perfect vacation involves photographing arches at sunrise, conquering Hell’s Revenge in a custom-built off-road buggy, or spending several days floating through some of America’s most spectacular canyons, Moab delivers experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

After 13 years of returning again and again, I still discover something new every time I visit. That’s the magic of Moab. No matter how many times you’ve been, there’s always another trail to explore, another canyon to discover, and another adventure waiting just around the bend.