Vancamp On the Red Rocks in Moab, Utah!
Moab, Utah is one of the most spectacular places in the Southwest. From giant red rock walls to breathtaking mountains, it has epic views in all directions. If you’re looking for an incredible travel destination, Moab may be the answer.
While this region features several hotels and lodging accommodations, camping in your van is highly recommended. Not only does this save you some cash, but it also puts you right in the heart of the outdoors! Nothing beats waking up in the morning, brewing some coffee, and gazing at the majestic scenery.
In this post, we’ll talk about more reasons why Moab should be your next travel destination. We’ll discuss the activities to enjoy, where to stop on the drive over, and where to find the area’s best campgrounds.
About Moab, Utah
Moab is considered a paradise for many adventure-lovers. From rock climbing to river rafting, there are numerous activities to enjoy. Moab is located near the eastern edge of Utah, and the population currently sits at only 5,500 people. It’s considered a top tourist destination, with Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park found just miles away. The unique location of Moab makes the town a prized area for adventure-seekers. Not only can you find stunning red rock in all directions, but there’s also biking, fishing, rock climbing, and much more! Combine these features with thousands of miles of Bureau of Land Management land and you have a jewel in the Southwest.
Where to Stop Along the Way
Before you arrive in Moab, adventure is waiting for you. No matter what direction you’re coming from, be sure to stop at these top destinations:
Driving North
If you’re driving up to Moab, you have several adventures to choose from. First, you can’t forget about the Grand Canyon. This Natural Wonder will leave you speechless. A few hours southeast is Durango, Colorado, which sits at the base of the San Juan Mountains. This region features breathtaking camping, awesome hikes, and tons of outdoor adventure. Some other notable spots along the way include Lake Powell, Sedona, and Taos, New Mexico.
Heading West
Just hours east of Moab is the fantastic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This area is packed full of outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for some cool mountain towns, stop at Breckenridge, Aspen, Vail, or Telluride. During the winter, this region offers world-renowned skiing. In the summer months, you can experience an abundance of hikes, lakes, biking trails, rock climbing, and more!
Driving South
Just hours to the northwest of Moab is the Salt Lake City area. This location is also a top skiing destination. In fact, the region has 11 different mountain resorts! Heading further north, you run into Yellowstone National Park, which offers geysers, tons of wildlife, and exceptional scenery. If you’re traveling from the far north, you have to stop at Glacier National Park. Here you can find massive rocky peaks, grizzly bears, and arguably the best scenery in the country!
Heading East
If you’re heading east towards Moab, there are numerous national parks in your path. That said, why not stop at them all? On the drive over in Utah, you have the following must-see destinations:
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
All of these parks offer a little bit of everything, so be prepared for some serious adventuring! You can also find several campgrounds to park your van for days on end. Another must-see destination is Great Basin National Park, located just across the Nevada border.
Moab, Utah: Iconic Landscapes in the American Southwest
The area of Moab is truly a sight to be seen. Once you arrive at this incredible place, adventure is out there waiting.
Check out some of the top attractions in Moab:
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most outstanding activities in Moab. While both Canyonlands National Park and Arches provide several incredible hiking opportunities, there are also many options outside the parks.
Here are some of the best trails in Moab:
- Amphitheater Loop
- Corona Arch Trail
- Grandstaff Canyon
- Juniper Trail
- Ken’s Lake Trail
- Poison Spider Bench
- Stairmaster
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk amongst the red rock or a steep climb up a mountain, Moab has hiking trails for you! If you’re exploring Arches National Park, check out Delicate Arch Trail, Devils Garden, and Double Arch Trail. When in Canyonlands, some of the more popular trails include Aztec Butte Trail, Mesa Arch Trail, and Grand View Point Trail.
Mountain Biking
With endless miles of red rock and wide-open land, Moab is a top mountain biking destination. Additionally, you can find routes for all ability levels. With mountain biking trails covering the entire area of Moab and beyond, you’re sure to find a fun adventure. Many routes are even accessible from your campsite!
Here are some of the top trails in the area, listed from the easiest to most difficult:
- Intrepid
- Hurrah Pass Trail
- Great Pyramid
- Rowdy
- Hidalgo
- Falcon Flow
- Bar-B
- Mega Steps
- Gravitron
- Amasa Back
- Jackson
- Rockstacker
Not bringing a bike along? No worries! There are several bike rental providers in the area.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is another favorite activity in Moab. The area features thousands of routes scattered across remarkable rock formations, red cliffs, and hard sandstone. While the region is perfect for advanced climbers, there are still several easy and moderate routes to enjoy. Some notable climbing areas include Wall Street and River Road Dihedrals. Luckily, there are a few campgrounds right by these awesome climbing destinations!
Fishing
If you’re looking to kick back and do some fishing, Moab is the place to be. The Colorado River is a great area to start, providing the opportunity to reel in catfish along the beautiful sandy beaches. However, for incredible trout fishing, head over to the nearby La Sal Mountains. Hidden Lake, Oowah Lake, and Warner Lake are a few popular options in the area. Many of these lakes even have campsites to park your van!
Camping
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a large group of people, campsites are found all over Moab. If you’re searching for RV hookups and other special amenities, here are some excellent campgrounds:
- ACT Campgrounds
- Moab Rim Campark
- Pack Creek Campground
- Slickrock Campground
If you’re looking for a more secluded vancamping experience in the middle of nature, try the following BLM campgrounds: Goose Island Campground, Grandstaff Campground, and Big Bend Campground. Many of these sites are within steps of hiking, biking, rock climbing, and more!
Travel Tips
To have the perfect trip in Moab, keep these travel tips in mind:
- The peak season is during spring and late fall, so plan accordingly
- If you travel during busy times, consider adventuring on weekdays and in the morning
- Summer temps can shoot up to 100 degrees, so plan for water activities and take it easy on the trails
- Stay on trails and respect the local ecosystem—the soil is very delicate in the area
Map
Here are some details on the area’s top attractions:
Hiking
- Amphitheater Loop: Hittle Bottom Campground, Utah 84532
- Corona Arch Trail: Corona Arch Trailhead, Moab, UT 84532
- Grandstaff Canyon: Grandstaff Trail Head, UT-128, Moab, UT 84532
Mountain Biking
- Intrepid: Moab, UT 84532
- Hurrah Pass Trail: Grand County, Utah
- Falcon Flow: 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532
Camping
- ACT Campgrounds: 1536 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
- Moab Rim Campark: 1900 US-191, Moab, UT 84532
- Pack Creek Campground: 1520 Murphy Lane #23, Moab Utah 84532
- Slickrock Campground: 1415 N. Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Hidden Gems
Check out these off-the-beaten-path locations in Moab:
- Onion Creek Narrows
- Moon Flower Canyon
- Jewel Tibbetts Arch
Find Your Next Adventure Van Today!
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Choose from our wide selection of campervans today and start your epic adventure to Moab!
