Things to do in Moab, Utah (UT): The Best Day Trips from

July 5, 2021 Carley Gatson

Moab attracts all types of outdoor adventurers. Mountain biking is huge here—experts claim it has some of the best trails in the world—as are rock-climbing and hiking. And the setting, with its gorgeous red rocks, can't be beat.
Restaurants in Moab

1. Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding: Splish and Splash Tour

354 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA Paddle Moab
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Our most popular trip.  This one is good for all abilities with a 4 guests to 1 guide ratio, it’s like a personal guide showing you all the tips and tricks for running rivers. As you will encounter four sets of waves and a bunch of fun river features to play on.  This is a fun section guaranteed to get you wet.  Challenging and fun for beginners as well as seasoned paddlers. You will learn river safety, have an on-land stand up paddle lesson, followed by a practice session on the water. Once everyone is comfortable, the unforgettable experience of SUPing down the Colorado River will begin.

Inclusions: Snacks, Professional licensed guide, Transportation to and from river, All Stand Up Paddleboarding equipment

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to and from Paddle Moab shop

Reviewed By Jillian1307

Paddle Moab was great from start to finish. Stash (?) patiently answered all of my questions over the phone. Rowan was a competent, calm, and conversational guide and her knowledge of local history enhanced the trip. It was simple to change our tour day with a phone message and Paddle Moab responded quickly with a confirmation voicemail and email. Our ride down the river was mostly calm with a few small rapids - it was early May. The scenery was lovely, and we saw herons, goats, and one young deer. I highly recommend Rowan, Alex (the guide for the kayakers with us), and Paddle Moab. I will definitely use this company again if I have the opportunity to return to Moab.

2. Sunrise photography in Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park

Moab Information Center, 25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532, USA Rock Light Photo Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We will visit at least two world class locations for photography in Utah's Canyonlands. I have traveled extensively in search of amazing photographic locations, and it is hard to beat Dead Horse Point and the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. I will show you great locations, and make suggestions on composition and subject matter. I can even help you with your camera settings if you are a beginner. Options to extend the tour to a full day (to include Arches National Park). Note: There is a 2 person minimum for all 1/2 day tours. If you wish to book and you are solo, contact me with your availability and I will attempt to pair you with others.

Inclusions: Cold water and snack bars

Exclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Admission to Canyonlands National Park - bring your park pass!

Reviewed By Linda J

It was such a pleasure to spend a few days with Colin in Moab. He knew all the best places to go and the right time to be there. I also appreciated that he was very flexible with the shooting locations. At the last minute we had to bring our dog with us so Collin arranged for photo shoots at some areas outside of the national parks where we could bring the dog. I would highly recommend this trip. If you are wanting to up your photography skills, Collin is definitely the one to help.

3. Day of Photography in Moab, Arches & Canyonlands

Moab Information Center, 25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532, USA Rock Light Photo Tours
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

We will visit at least two world class locations for photography in Utah's Canyonlands in the morning (sunrise), as well as several great spots in iconic Arches National Park in the afternoon (sunset). I have traveled extensively in search of amazing photographic locations, and it is hard to beat Arches, Dead Horse Point and the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. I will show you great locations, and make suggestions on composition and subject matter. I can even help you with your camera settings if you are a beginner. We will take a break for lunch (not included) during the middle of the day when the light is not as good.

Inclusions: Cold water and snack bars

Exclusions: Admission to National Parks - bring your park pass!, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Reviewed By GrandTour793414

Our favorite part of the tour was Colin taking us to less popular but still stunning parts of Arches Park. My advice is bring layers for nighttime. It was a bit chilly.

4. Flatwater Fun: Moab Stand Up Paddleboarding

354 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA Paddle Moab
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

Experience a half-day of fun by Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Colorado River. This is a flat water trip that will surrounded you with peace, tranquility and towering red rocks. This is a low adventure trip paddling down a 5-mile flat section of river.  On your reserved day and trip time, you are picked up by our guides and together will head to the Colorado River located just a few miles north of Moab.  Our guides are certified professionals and will teach you about stand up paddling and the beautiful Moab area.  This is a relaxing float with no whitewater so it is a perfect choice for those looking for a calm relaxing river float.

Inclusions: Snacks, Professional licensed guide, Transportation to and from river

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to and from Paddle Moab shop

Reviewed By Jillian1307

Paddle Moab was great from start to finish. Stash (?) patiently answered all of my questions over the phone. Rowan was a competent, calm, and conversational guide and her knowledge of local history enhanced the trip. It was simple to change our tour day with a phone message and Paddle Moab responded quickly with a confirmation voicemail and email. Our ride down the river was mostly calm with a few small rapids - it was early May. The scenery was lovely, and we saw herons, goats, and one young deer. I highly recommend Rowan, Alex (the guide for the kayakers with us), and Paddle Moab. I will definitely use this company again if I have the opportunity to return to Moab.

5. Pick Your Park: Private Day Tour From Salt Lake City

Desert Solitude
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

All tours are custom tailored to each group. Group size is up to 6 guests. Our guides are personable, knowledgeable, friendly and offer a high level of service.

Inclusions: A healthy picnic style lunch is provided., Snacks, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Dinner, Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By chuckp882

What a phenomenal experience we had with Neil of Desert Solitude. Neil customized a wonderful excursion for our party of ten people. With four adults and six boys (ages 8-16), Neil had to work hard to ensure everyone had a great time, and we sure did. We visited Arches and Canyonland National Parks all in one day. Our group was made up of skilled hikers/runners to busted up knee and bad achilles kind of hikers (me). Neil claimed from the onset that he prided himself on being flexible, and this was no lie. I took more moderate hikes while the rest of the group did the more challenging ones. Everyone was satisfied. Neil has an easy, affable, and informative charm about him that makes each person feel at ease. My 14-year-old son referred to Neil as a "G.O.A.T." This is high praise from a teenage boy. We will most assuredly use Neil again when we return to Utah. Wish we could give him 6-stars!

6. Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4x4

Navtec Expeditions, 321 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA NAVTEC Expeditions - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 131 reviews

Explore the awe-inspiring landscape of Chesler Park, located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This full-day tour by 4-wheel drive (4WD) visits remote sections of the pristine wilderness. Your expert guide drives over some of Utah's most rugged off-road tracks to highlights such as Elephant Hill, Devil's Kitchen, Devil's Lane and SOB Hill. Take an optional 3-mile (4.8-km) hike on the incredible Joint Trail to experience even more of this national park’s breathtaking beauty up close.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Transport by 4x4 vehicle, Ice water and lemonade, Buffet-style lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Park entrance fees ($10 USD per person and $25 per family)

Reviewed By 238darrylf

Incredible knowledge of the back roads and features. So much fun. Rick was a great tour guide and driver. He really went the extra mile to provide an excellent off-road and feature-laden excursion.

7. Moab Full-Day Rafting Tour in Westwater Canyon

Adrift Adventures, 378 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA Adrift Adventures
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4.9 based on 35 reviews

Splash your way down the Colorado River through the rapids of Westwater Canyon, where in addition to rugged desert scenery, there’s the chance you could spot wildlife from soaring bald eagles to river otters and beavers. Over the course of a day, hold on tight as your guide helps navigate the Class III and Class IV whitewater, where rapids have names like Sock-It-To-Me, Funnel Falls and Skull. This trip provides an adrenaline rush amidst walls of red rock canyons, and is great for the traveler who loves a challenge and a bit of desert adventure.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Lunch, Snacks, Beverages (water & lemonade), Driver/guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By MeanderingBrooke

This trip was amazing! We had a group of 14 with 8 kids and the guides we're amazing! We had Laura and Kelly as guides. Great with the kids and informative as well. Totally recommend!! And would use them again in a heartbeat!!

8. Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail by 4WD

Navtec Expeditions, 321 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA NAVTEC Expeditions - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 109 reviews

Go deep into Canyonlands National Park on a full-day tour by 4-wheel drive (4WD) that travels the famous White Rim Road. Experience the landscape up close on short optional hikes that lead to hidden passages, secret canyons and caves. Your route includes Island in the Sky, Gooseneck overlook, Musselman Arch, Lathrop Canyon and the Shafer Trail leading to the Colorado River. With an expert guide to show you the treasures of the White Rim Road, experience an unforgettable day in the Canyonlands.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Transport by 4x4 vehicle, Ice water and lemonade, Buffet-style lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Park entrance fees ($10 USD per person and $25 per family)

Reviewed By 238darrylf

Incredible knowledge of the back roads and features. So much fun. Rick was a great tour guide and driver. He really went the extra mile to provide an excellent off-road and feature-laden excursion.

9. Fisher Towers Rafting Full-Day Trip from Moab

Navtec Expeditions, 321 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA NAVTEC Expeditions - Day Tours
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4.8 based on 36 reviews

Experience the beauty of a rafting trip along the Colorado River near Fisher Towers, a short drive from Moab. Seemingly untouched by civilization, the landscape of stunning red rock canyons cut by the Colorado River provides awe-inspiring vistas throughout the day. Between thrilling bouncy rapids, you can swim, take photos and listen as your guide shares informative commentary about the ecology, wildlife and human history of the region.  This full-day trip starts by rafting upstream from Moab near stunning Fisher Towers and cover a 14-mile (22-km) section of the Colorado River. A combination of stunning canyon scenery and splashy white water makes for a fun day and photographer’s dream. Between rapids, drift lazily between soaring canyon walls and marvel at the red rock landscape along the river. At lunchtime, your guides serve a buffet-style picnic during a stop on a riverside beach.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Quality buffet-style lunch, All required rafting equipment, Coast Guard-approved life jackets, river bags and camera box to place your items in while rafting, Ground transportation from departure location to the river put-in and return, Water and lemonade

Exclusions: Soft drinks (you are welcome to bring your own), Gratuities

Reviewed By 238darrylf

Incredible knowledge of the back roads and features. So much fun. Rick was a great tour guide and driver. He really went the extra mile to provide an excellent off-road and feature-laden excursion.

10. Arches National Park 4x4 Adventure from Moab

Navtec Expeditions, 321 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA NAVTEC Expeditions - Day Tours
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4.8 based on 615 reviews

Hop into a Toyota Land Cruiser with your expert guide and head north from Moab to the backcountry entrance of Arches National Park and avoid the crowds. Our first stop is to see dinosaur footprints. For millions of years this area was teeming with dinosaurs. We pass Balanced Rock, one of the most iconic features of the Park, standing a staggering 128 feet. Landscape look familiar? Indiana Jones, and Thelma and Louise have scenes shot here. The 4X4 trail into the backcounty climbs a short but steep rock wall passing sandstone fins, towering pinnacles and tall spires known as the Marching Men. We stop at Tower Arch for an optional hike. As you travel along the track, hear informative commentary about the geology, wildlife and history of the park. We make another stop at Eye of the Whale for an optional hike to a seldom visited slick rock playground named Herdina Park. After exploring the backcountry we exit past the three gossips and Park Avenue before your guide returns you to Moab.

Inclusions: National Park Tour by Four Wheel Drive Vehicle, Pick-up from your motel or campground, if needed, Ice water & lemonade, Licensed experienced local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Park entrance fees, Car or booster seats for children

Reviewed By 238darrylf

Incredible knowledge of the back roads and features. So much fun. Rick was a great tour guide and driver. He really went the extra mile to provide an excellent off-road and feature-laden excursion.

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