One Day in Moab Itinerary: How to See Moab in a Day
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Have you been looking for the best one day in Moab itinerary? I’ve got you covered!
Moab is a stunning destination for outdoor lovers, offering endless opportunities for exploration. From the awe-inspiring sandstone arches of Arches National Park to the majestic canyons of Canyonlands National Park, Moab has something for everyone.
I’ve visited Moab multiple times and have been to all the national and state parks in the area. It was an easy weekend trip for me from Denver, and it was the perfect way to get outdoors and experience a different landscape than Colorado has to offer.
No matter how you choose to spend your day in Moab, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience full of breathtaking scenery and amazing adventures! Here’s how I recommend spending one day in Moab.
1 Day Moab Itinerary: At a Glance
If you’re in a hurry, no worries! I’ve traveled last minute before, too. Here’s a bulleted list of the recommended itinerary for a day.
- Sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
- See the views at Dead Horse Point
- Have lunch at Moab’s Food Truck Park
- Explore Arches National Park
- See the sunset & stargaze at Panorama Point or Balanced Rock in Arches
- Have dinner at Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop
🤩 Want to explore Moab with a guide? This morning rafting tour is a great option!
Moab in a Day Itinerary: Canyonlands, Arches, & More!
See the sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
Starting your day off with an unforgettable sunrise in Canyonlands is a must for any traveler! Make sure to pack breakfast or grab something quick from your hotel before you make the drive.
Give yourself plenty of time – at least 30-45 minutes – before sunrise so you can hike up to Mesa Arch and find the perfect spot to watch the sun come up over the landscape. And don’t forget: bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
With so much beauty around, there’s no shortage of incredible views to take in while you get ready for an amazing day ahead.
Note that this is a very popular spot for sunrise, and the busyness of the arch will change depending on the time of year.
Read More: Best Things to do in Canyonlands National Park 🌄
Take in the view at Dead Horse Point
Dead Horse Point State Park is an absolute must-see for any traveler after exploring Canyonlands. This incredible park will take your breath away as soon as you park up and start the short walk to the viewpoint.
The must-see spot here is Dead Horse Point. There’s a river that winds through the canyons here, creating a truly fascinating landscape. It’s definitely one of the most photographed places in Utah, too.
By visiting earlier in the morning, you’ll be able to miss out on the crowds later in the day.
🚗 Don’t forget to book your Utah rental car! Click here to check rates. 🚗
Have Lunch at Moab’s Food Truck Park
After exploring both Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands, it’s time to go back and have lunch in Moab. There are many restaurants to choose from!
If you’re looking for lunch in Moab, the Food Truck Park is an excellent choice. Not only can you get a variety of delicious food, but the atmosphere is great too. With so many different options to choose from, it’s perfect for a group of travelers.
Plus, the vibrant colors and smells of all the different foods make it an engaging and uniquely enjoyable experience. The most popular food truck here is Quesadilla Mobilla, which serves up the tastiest burritos.
Read More: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Moab 🍕
Explore Arches National Park
Visiting Arches National Park is a unique experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. The stunning red rock formations and vistas make it a must-see destination for travelers.
However, due to the popularity of the park, you’ll have to get a reservation for a timed entry, depending on the time of year.
Once you’re in, take some time to hike up to Delicate Arch (the arch famously seen on Utah license plates) – seeing it in person is truly breathtaking!
Just be sure to pack plenty of snacks because there’s nowhere to grab food once you’re inside the park gates.
Read More: Best Things to do in Arches National Park 🥾
See the sunset and stargaze at Panorama Point or Balanced Rock
Your day is not done yet, so spend the evening in Arches to see the sunset and stargaze. There are two of the best spots that you can go to watch the sunset and stargaze: Panorama Point and Balanced Rock.
At Panorama Point, one can find a sweeping 360-degree view of the park, perfect for watching the sun as it sets below the horizon.
At Balanced Rock, travelers will have an unforgettable experience of watching the stars twinkle above them against a backdrop of incredible red rock formations.
Regardless of which spot you choose to watch the sunset and stargaze in Arches National Park, it’s sure to be a magical experience that you’ll never forget. Be sure to bring a camera!
Read More: Where to See the Sunset in Arches National Park 🌌
Have dinner at Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop
Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop is the perfect place to end a night of traveling and exploring in Moab. It’s one of the top spots for Mexican cuisine in town, full of delicious dishes that will make your mouth water.
Not to mention, it’s open until 2 a.m. most nights, so no matter how late you explore Arches National Park, you can still enjoy all the flavors Giliberto’s has to offer! It’s the perfect way to cap off an exciting adventure in Moab.
Best Time to Visit Moab
While you can visit Moab any time of the year, fall is the best.
October in Moab is a great time to visit for both experienced travelers and those who are new to the area. Accommodation rates are typically lower in October, meaning that you can enjoy the beauty of Moab without breaking the bank.
The weather at this time of year is generally sunny and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking.
Plus, with fewer visitors than during peak season months, you get to experience Moab’s natural wonders with an added sense of peace and quiet.
Where to Stay in Moab
There are many great places to stay in Moab, from cabins to bed and breakfasts. Here are a few of our top picks.
Read More: Where to Stay Near Arches National Park 🏨
Element Moab offers guests a unique and sleek experience with modern amenities tucked away in a massive Slickrock amphitheater. This is where we always stay on our trips to Moab.
🤩 Book a stay at Element Moab!
Aarchway Inn provides travelers with a range of rooms from one King bed to studio apartments that accommodate up to 6 people. It’s the perfect lodging choice for those looking for comfortable accommodations near Arches National Park.
🤩 Book a stay at Aarchway Inn here!
Hoodoo Moab allows guests the option of suites with a separate living area or single rooms, all offering 1-king and 2-queen variants. Mini fridges are available in all rooms. However, full kitchenettes are only available in suites.
Getting Around Moab
Moab, Utah, is best explored by car, as it offers a chance to experience the unique and varied terrain of the region.
Moab is situated between two major airports — Las Vegas International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport – so renting a car is easy and convenient.
Both airports offer rental car services, allowing for easy transportation around Moab, giving visitors the freedom to explore all that this beautiful area has to offer.
FAQs: Spending A Day in Moab
With its red rock canyons, natural arches and bridges, and unique geological formations, you can get the full Moab experience in just one day.
Moab, Utah, is a popular destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. The amount of money you will need for one day in Moab depends largely on your accommodation choices and activities. Expect to spend $200 to $400 USD, not including car rental prices.
The best way to get around is by car. Rent a car nearby if needed!
Moab, Utah offers many attractions that will keep visitors busy in one day. The Arches National Park is a must-see with its famous rock formations, while nearby Dead Horse Point State Park offers incredible views of the Colorado River as well as trails for hiking and camping activities. Canyonlands National Park is also a must-see.
Yes! Outdoor adventure seekers will find plenty of activities to enjoy in Moab, Utah! Popular activities include kayaking on the Colorado River or hiking in the national parks; mountain biking across slick rock terrain; jeeping through off-road trails; river rafting; and stargazing under dark skies at night.
Final Thoughts: Moab in a Day
No matter how you choose to explore Moab, make sure you take the time to really appreciate the beauty and history of this unique corner of America.
Enjoying your trip to Moab is something that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home, so make sure you take all the right steps to make it a great experience.
As you plan your next visit to Moab, remember that there are plenty of resources and activities available for travelers looking to explore this special destination.
Pack some snacks and plenty of sunscreen, pack your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable day in one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Check out our vlog from when we visited Canyonlands National Park & saw the sunset in Arches National Park!
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