Colorado
15 Fun Things to Do in Winter Park Colorado Now
Ultra-rad guide to 15 awesome things to do in Winter Park Colorado right now.
Discover Moab, Utah
Canyons and crevices that transport you to another planet.
Discover Moab, Utah
Canyons and crevices that transport you to another planet.
Explore Moab like a local.
From the sky-high views of mesmorizing canyon systems to gravity-defying arches, Moab is a home base for digging into the surreal landscapes of the American Southwest.
There is a flavor of desert for every type of adventure. From 4×4 driving to rugged backpacking, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Moab is a place that’s captured my heart. And the endless array of things to discover keeps me coming back over and over again.
Must-See locales
Estes Park
Home to Rocky Mountain National Park, this iconic mountain town is a must-see for first-time visitors.
Dead Horse Point State Park
A great family-friendly spot to enjoy the views, Dead Horse Point has something for everyone. From yurt stays to beginner mountain biking trails, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience the magic of the desert. Best for: Families, dog-friendly adventures, beginner mountain bikers.
The Needles Canyonlands
1.5 hours south of Moab, you’ll uncover a desert hiking mecca. Needle-like spires create a dizzying canyon system that’s absolutely prime for hikes and backcountry adventures. Best for: more advanced hikers, and backpackers. The road in (Indian Creek) is famous for its crack climbs.
Island in the Sky Canyonlands
This district is closest to Moab and is world-famous for its top-down canyon views. Not to mention, the White Rim Road is a saught-after destination for multi-day bikepacking and 4×4 overlanding. Best for: photographers, casual visitors, overlanders, mountain bikers.
Arches National Park
Arguably the most popular locale in Moab, Arches is a great introduction to the area. With over 2,000 arches, you’re sure to be amazed. Best for: Beginner desert hikers, photographers, leisurely visitors.
Must-See locales
There’s a lot on offer in Moab. No place on earth makes you feel so tall and so small. This list encompasses the best of Moab, as well as a few worthwhile side trips you don’t want to miss.
01
Arches National Park
Arguably the most popular locale in Moab, Arches is a great introduction to the area. With over 2,000 arches, you’re sure to be amazed. Best for: Beginner desert hikers, photographers, leisurely visitors.
02
Island in the Sky Canyonlands
This district is closest to Moab and is world-famous for its top-down canyon views. Not to mention, the White Rim Road is a saught-after destination for multi-day bikepacking and 4×4 overlanding. Best for: photographers, casual visitors, overlanders, mountain bikers.
03
Dead horse Point State Park
A great family-friendly spot to enjoy the views, Dead Horse Point has something for everyone. From yurt stays to beginner mountain biking trails, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience the magic of the desert. Best for: Families, dog-friendly adventures, beginner mountain bikers.
04
The Needles Canyonlands
1.5 hours south of Moab, you’ll uncover a desert hiking mecca. Needle-like spires create a dizzying canyon system that’s absolutely prime for hikes and backcountry adventures. Best for: more advanced hikers, backpackers, and the road in (Indian Creek) is famous for its crack climbs.
Best time to visit Moab
Moab is a must-visit from fall through spring. Summers are c-r-o-w-d-e-d and ungodly hot.
Personally, my favorite time to visit is October, December, and February.
Fall features (mostly) windless days and warmer temps.
Winter sees fewer crowds and dreamy colors as the pockets of snow contrast the stark red landscape.
With 2 national parks, world-famous mountain biking, an epic state park, and endless miles of desert trails, there's a lot to do in Moab.
Hike like a pro in the desert
Hiking in the desert requires a few basic skills to stay safe and protect the landscape. Learn how to navigate this unique terrain like a total pro.
My best tip? Wear a sunshirt, pack tweezers, and stay off of the raised, bumpy soil – it’s alive and integral to erosion prevention.
Best time to visit Moab
Moab is a must-visit from fall through spring. Summers are c-r-o-w-d-e-d and ungodly hot.
Personally, my favorite time to visit is October, December, and February.
Fall features (mostly) windless days and warmer temps.
Winter sees fewer crowds and dreamy colors as the pockets of snow contrast the stark red landscape.
With 2 national parks, world-famous mountain biking, an epic state park, and endless miles of desert trails, there's a lot to do in Moab.
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Hike like a pro in the desert
Hiking in the desert requires a few basic skills to stay safe and protect the landscape. Learn how to navigate this unique terrain like a total pro.
My best tip? Wear a sunshirt, pack tweezers, and stay off of the raised, bumpy soil – it’s alive and integral to erosion prevention.
Unique Moab Experiences
Uncover the weird and wild beauty of the desert. Experience the sheer sense of scale. Get lost in winding canyons. And see the desert in a world of color that will have you pinching yourself. Yes, it’s real!
Unique MOab Experiences
Delicate Arch
This world-famous landmark is a must-see. But it’s got crowds like you wouldn’t believe. No, I didn’t edit people out of this photo, it was really this quiet. Wanna beat the crowds? Read the guide below.
Fiery Furnace
A permited adventure in Arches, this choose-your-own-adventure is an amazing way to get your feet wet with navigating canyons and scrambling in the desert. Explore how to do this incredibly whacky desert hike.
White Rim Road
The White Rim Road is a must-do permitted camping and biking adventure. You can 4×4 drive or ride a mountain bike across nearly 100 miles of desert landscapes. Here’s how to do it like a pro.
Backpacking the Needles
Ever dreamed of waking up surrounded by cliffs and canyons? Well, you’re in luck, The Needles offers up some of the sweetest desert backpacking in all of the American Southwest.
Scenic 4x4 Drives
Moab is an excellent basecamp to try your hand at 4×4 driving. These scenic drives are incredible from sunup to sundown.
Mesa Arch
A photographer’s dream, Mesa Arch provides ample opportunity to take that iconic shot. Here’s a look at what gear to bring and how to snag one of the top spots for your tripod.
Moab is world-famous for its unique landscapes. Be prepared by packing UPF, breathable layers and plenty of sun protection.
Beat the crowds with sunrise itineraries that will leave you speechless. And lastly, be sure to snag your permits well in advance – things sell out fast here in the desert.
Beating the Crowds in Moab
Moab sees millions of visitors each year. Here's how to avoid crowds.
Rise with the sun. Early starts put you one step ahead of the conga line of tourists.
Get backcountry permits. From secluded camping to rugged backpacking, there’s something for everyone.
Visit in the off season. Avoid Easter Jeep Week, holiday weekends, and summer visits.
Quick tips for visiting
Moab is world-famous for its unique landscapes. Be prepared by packing UPF, breathable layers and plenty of sun protection. Beat the crowds with sunrise itineraries that will leave you speechless. And lastly, be sure to snag your permits well in advance - things sell out fast here in the desert.
Beating the Crowds in Moab
Moab sees millions of visitors each year. Here's how to avoid crowds.
- Rise with the sun. Early starts put you one step ahead of the conga line of tourists.
- Get backcountry permits. From secluded camping to rugged backpacking, there's something for everyone.
- Visit in the off-season. Avoid Easter Jeep Week, holiday weekends, and summer visits.
Essential Gear
The desert is an unforgiving place. Here’s what you need to make the most of your Moab trip. These gear reccos come from using each of these items for YEARS, not months. So you can buy with confidence.
Essential Gear
REI Flash 22 Hiking Pack
- A cost effective hiking bag suitable to carry all of your essentials.
- Light and fast, the REI Flash is great for travel or stashing in your backpacking pack.
Sunshirt
- The desert sun can be harsh and unforgiving. This layer keeps you protected.
- No, long-sleeves in the summer aren't crazy when you have a layer that lets your skin breathe effortlessly.
- The partial zip and pocket are a perk, but they come at a premium.
Garmin InReach Mini
- Desert trails aren't always easy to follow. This GPS device keeps you found when the route isn't so obvious.
- No cell service, no problem. Stay connected with quick text messages and an SOS button that keeps you safe.
America the Beautiful Parks Pass
- Gets you into Arches and Canyonlands for free!
- Perfect if you're headed out on a road trip.
Pee Funnel
- If you squat to pee, you need a pee funnel for trailside bathroom breaks!
- Perfect for camping, hiking, road trips, airplanes, and public toilets.
Yeti Cooler
- Keep cold drinks in the car for your post-hike hydration.
- Camping in the desert? This cooler keeps ice for over 24 hours - an essential need in the desert heat.
- Don't want a large one? Shop for the Yeti Roadie instead!
Meet Meg Your Moab Expert
I've been traveling to Moab multiple times a year for the past decade. As an avid hiker, climber, backpacker, and 4x4 driver I'm an absolute expert in all things Moab. I've backpacked throughout the desert, hiked hundreds of miles, and climbed to the top of several towers in the Moab area. And I'm not stopping anytime soon.
Meet Meg Your Moab Expert
I travel to Moab multiple times a year. And I’ve visited consistently for the past decade. As an avid hiker, climber, backpacker, and 4×4 driver I’m an absolute expert in all things Moab. I’ve backpacked throughout the desert, hiked hundreds of miles, and climbed to the top of several towers in the Moab area. And I’m not stopping anytime soon.
Even More MOab Adventures
Ready for a few deep cuts? These adventures are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the unique flavor of the American Southwest. Not to mention, they will get your heart pumping!
Even More Colorado Adventures
Join the Community
Stay organized with the ultimate desert packing list. Your complete look at what you need to bring for your next Moab adventure. From camping to hiking, I’ve got you covered.
Join the Community
Stay organized with the ultimate desert packing list. Your complete look at what you need to bring for your next Moab adventure. From camping to hiking, I’ve got you covered.
Your Outdoor travel blog
Wanna get the most of your trip to the American Southwest? Travel like a local, not a tourist with these expert travel guides! All of my resources are carefully curated with my 15-plus years of experience in each of the regions I cover.
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