Things to do in Moab

Special Events

There are always fun and unique events happening in Moab! Check out the Moab Calendar of Events for more information.

Mountain Biking

Moab is famous as the world center of mountain biking. The rapidly expanding Moab mountain biking trail system has something to offer all skill levels. You’ve heard of the Slickrock Trail – and everything you’ve heard about it is true. But “Beyond Slickrock” there are hundreds of miles of trails, from paved urban routes, new-school highly technical single-track, sandstone wonderlands and cool alpine riding in the La Sal Mountains.

The Moab area trails network begins at the Moab Springs Ranch front door where we built the first paved bike trail in town – now it connects to the world. Chances are, you have your own bike but if you need maintenance, equipment or an upgrade for tougher trails, Moab has several mountain bike rental and adventure shops to choose from.

Learn more about all the world-class trails here, and pick up a detailed trail map to take with you at the Moab Information Center on Main Street. Remember your water!

Arches National Park

This gem of a National Park features a surreal landscape of color, shapes, and texture. "Arches" has more than 2,000 natural stone arches as well as soaring pinnacles, giant fins and huge balanced red rocks. Arches may have the best short hikes in the world, with Delicate Arch a perennial favorite, even with some company. Arches National Park is 3.5 miles from Moab Springs Ranch, and easily accessed by bike or car. Ask our staff about secret places in Arches – including the very nearby and uncrowded Courthouse Wash hike. Full moon or winter hikes in Arches are… pretty much awesome.

The public lands surrounding Moab have some of the darkest skies remaining in the contiguous 48 United States. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open 24-hours a day. Dead Horse Point State Park is open until 10 pm. All three parks are certified as an official International Dark Sky Park. Bring a headlamp with a red light and discover for yourself why we say "half the park is after dark."

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park preserves and showcases the remarkable place where the mighty Green and Colorado Rivers join to form the upper reaches of the Grand Canyons of the Colorado. These rivers divide the park into three distinct regions: Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze. Closest to Moab and worthy of weeks of exploration, is Island in the Sky. It may be reached in about 30 minutes by car – maybe two hours by bicycle (it’s all downhill coming back!). Island in The Sky is - as the name promises – a high plateau with forever views on all sides. Foot trails and four wheel-drive options scale the precious sides of the Island, and the White Rim Trail girdles the whole feature with 100-plus miles of mountain bike riding.

The rivers themselves offer a huge variety of wilderness exploration options, from rafting to canoeing to jetboating. Again, ask our staff for recommendations which fit your schedule and interests.

Dead Horse State Park

Best view in Moab! A visit to Dead Horse Point on a peninsula of rock atop sheer sandstone cliffs is a must - this unique landscape offers a glimpse at the power of Mother Nature and has a colorful history that any Wild West fan will love to learn about. The state park is only about a half-hour’s drive from Moab Springs Ranch. New loop trails at Dead Horse Point offer a very satisfying half-day outing.

Colorado River

Moab is the only town on the banks of the Colorado River for hundreds of miles. The River offers a transformative dimension to a desert experience. Moab is brimming with qualified river adventure specialists. Options for fun on the river vary from exciting Class 4 rapids to relaxing canoe, raft and kayak excursions or stand-up paddle boarding. You can choose from fully guided to self-guided options, and from half day to multi day adventures. The Colorado River is about one mile from the Ranch, and is accessible by bike, car, or foot. A new bicycle-pedestrian bridge offers a beautiful view of the river only minutes from the Ranch. Just ask our ranch staff for suggestions based on your desires for the day.