7 Breathtaking Places You Must Visit in Moab, Utah

We’ve been to a lot of incredible places, but there’s just something about Moab that keeps bringing us back. Maybe it’s the way the red rocks glow, how much adventure you can pack into one trip, or it just has the small-town charm. Whether you’re visiting for hiking, photography, or just to experience more of Utah, Moab has it all.

Top 7 Places to Explore in Moab

This list is a mix of national parks, scenic drives, and a few underrated spots we think deserve way more attention. We’ve road-tripped through here more than once, and these are the spots we keep coming back to.

Potash Road

Potash Road is easily one of the most unique roads we’ve ever driven on. It winds along the edge of the Colorado River, with massive red rock cliffs on the opposite side of the road. The views are unreal here; it feels like you're in the middle of a movie set.

This road is also home to one of Moab’s most famous climbing areas, Wall Street, where you'll often see climbers scaling the cliffs just feet from the road, especially during Spring and Summer. It's one of the few places you can literally watch elite-level climbing from your car.

Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs

There are several pull-off areas where you can stop to take in the scenery, take pictures, or walk right up to the rock face. You'll also pass the Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks, where fossilized footprints are embedded in the rock, and the Potash Road Petroglyphs, which is another must-see! You’ll also drive by a viewpoint for Jug Handle Arch and the trailhead for Corona Arch.

Potash Ponds

The Potash Ponds is something you would not expect to see in the middle of the desert. These bright blue evaporation ponds are used to collect potash (a type of potassium salt used in fertilizers), but they’ve become an unexpected hotspot for photographers thanks to their insane color contrast.

How to Get to Potash Ponds

You’ll need to drive a bit further down Potash Road to reach them (about 30 minutes past the petroglyphs), and it's important to know that the road gets pretty rough out here. A high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is needed, especially after rain or during shoulder seasons when the dirt road can get slick or rutted.

You can’t walk right up to the ponds, but there are roadside pull-offs and drone-friendly areas that give you the perfect bird’s-eye view. If you're up for the bumpy ride, it's 100% worth the effort.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point is easily one of the most beautiful places in all of Moab. From the main overlook, you’re standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, looking out at miles of layered red rock canyons. If it’s a clear day, keep an eye out for the Potash Ponds out in the distance.

If you’re up for an early start, sunrise at Dead Horse Point is absolutely worth it. Watching the first light hit the canyon and slowly bring the whole landscape to life is one of those moments that will make you want to come back to Moab again and again. One of our favorite viewpoints is Meander Overlook, which gives you an incredible view of the Colorado River's curve through the canyon.

The park has a few easy and scenic trails like the East Rim and West Rim loops, and they’re perfect if you want to explore more without the national park crowds.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is actually the largest national park in all of Utah; it's so big that it’s split into four districts. Most people visit the Island in the Sky district, and that's exactly where we recommend going if it's your first time visiting. It's the closest one to Moab, super beginner-friendly, and gives you amazing views with very little effort.

The other districts are The Needles (great for backpacking and longer hikes), The Maze (very remote, rugged, and best for experienced backpackers), and the rivers themselves (ideal for rafting or guided trips). But if you're short on time or it's your first visit, Island in the Sky is the perfect intro.

Out of all the Utah national parks, Canyonlands is the least visited, and we honestly don’t get why. It’s underrated in the best way. You’ll get huge, dramatic overlooks without the crowds, and it really does feel like standing on the edge of the world.

Some of our favorite stops were Mesa Arch (especially for sunrise), Grand View Point, and Green River Overlook; the views from up there go on forever.

Arches National Park

You can’t visit Moab without exploring Arches National Park. It’s home to over 2,000 natural arches, and while it’s one of the busiest parks in Utah, it’s popular for a reason.

Delicate Arch was easily our favorite part of the park, especially at sunset. The hike to get there takes some effort, but you won't regret doing it if you're able to.

During peak season (spring through fall), you’ll need to reserve a timed entry in advance. The park has implemented this system to manage crowds, and it’s something you’ll want to plan for ahead of time.

If you’re short on time, the scenic drive alone is worth it. There are tons of pullouts and shorter walks like the Windows Section, Sand Dune Arch, and Balanced Rock. If you want to see exactly how we spent our day in Arches, check out our full YouTube video.

Corona Arch

This is one of the best short hikes near Moab! There's no permit, no fee, and a lot fewer people than you’d find in the national parks. The trail is a 2.3 mile moderate hike. It starts just off Potash Road near the Gold Bar camping area and follows a scenic path up through slickrock benches in Bootlegger Canyon.

There’s a small section of the hike that includes a ladder and some cables to help you up a steeper portion. It’s not overly difficult, but it adds a little fun and makes the trail feel more adventurous. The arch itself is massive and super photogenic, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

Tip: This trailhead is super close to a bunch of other cool stops on this list, so it’s easy to plan a whole morning or afternoon of exploring along Potash Road.

Colorado River

You’ll be seeing the Colorado River a lot during your time in Moab, so why not make an adventure out of it? Rafting the river is one of the most memorable things we’ve done in Moab; it’s such a cool way to see the red rock canyons from a totally new angle. You’ll get views you’d never see from a trail!

You can choose an easier float or go all-in with whitewater rapids; there are options for every type of traveler, even if you've never rafted before. Most tours leave right from town and include a guide, so it’s super easy to book and show up.

Just bring a dry bag, sunscreen, and maybe a GoPro if you want to capture it all. We’d definitely recommend doing this in spring or summer when the temperature is warmer and the river is flowing strong.

Final Thoughts

Moab is packed with adventure, and honestly, you could spend weeks here and still not see it all. But if you're short on time or just want a list of the most unforgettable, can't-miss spots, these are the places we'd recommend over and over again.

If you're planning a trip to Moab, save this post, share it with your travel buddies, and tag us if you check out any of these stops! We can't wait to go back and discover even more. And if you want to follow along with all of our adventures in real time, make sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube!

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