Adventurous Things to Do in Moab That Will Make Your Heart Race (and Your Jaw Drop!)

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If you are any well respected adventurer, you have no doubt heard of Moab. 

This desert oasis offers jaw-dropping landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and some of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in the great outdoors. 

But with so much to do and an overwhelming number of tours to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. 

That’s where this guide comes in. As a full-time adventurer and RVer, I’ve explored Moab’s best-kept secrets and iconic highlights. 

Here are the absolute best things to do in Moab, specifically catering to adventurers and adrenaline junkies!

My Top 3 Picks: Best AdventureTours In Moab

1. Go Off-Roading Hell’s Revenge

If you are looking for an epic “uniquely Moab” thing to check off of your bucket list, then off-roading is for you!

This place is world renowned for off-roading, and it’s easy to see why. 

One of the most well known off roading spots is Hell’s Revenge.

For adrenaline junkies, Hell’s Revenge is the ultimate off-roading adventure. This legendary trail winds through slickrock terrain, offering both heart-stopping thrills and jaw-dropping views.

There are endless options for renting a 4×4 and tackling Hell’s Revenge. 

Out of all of them, this is the one that floods in with those 5 star reviews. In fact, there is hardly any criticism. Adventurers love this tour!

What I Love About This Adventure Tour

• You can opt in to be a passenger or drive. 
• You are treated to views of the Colorado River, the La Sal Mountains, Echo Canyon, and even some fossilized dinosaur tracks. 
• According to other reviews, it is acceptable for adventurous families and their children. 
• You can choose whether you want to adventure in the morning, afternoon, or sunset. 

Safety Tips:

• Know your limits and stay on designated trails.
• Listen to your guide and trust these amazing vehicles (Kawasaki Teryx 4)
• Bring plenty of water and follow Leave No Trace principles.

2. Go Rafting on the Colorado River

The Colorado River offers adventures for every thrill level, from whitewater rapids to serene scenic floats.

Although I love the family friendly floats down the Colorado River, that’s not why we are here! We are here to adventure! 

And this is…adventurous…to say the least!

What I Love About This Adventure Tour

• You see Canyonlands National Park like a true adventurer! 
• You will splash and scream down Class V rapids through Cataract Canyon. If you are wondering…those are the big boy rapids! Good luck! 
• This is a full day journey and you go over 100 miles on a motorized raft. 
• Adventure down more than 30 white-water rapids. As an avid rafter her in CO, that is absolutely wild. 
• You have the option to stay camp overnight by the river and hike to waterfalls in side canyons.
• They have several options for returning back to Moab, including a scenic flight! 

Best Times To Go Rafting in Moab

Spring and early summer offer the best flow rates for rafting.

However, I would be cautious! I went rafting on the Royal Gorge (which is child’s play compared to this) in June and went for wild ride!

Looking for something Cheaper? 

Due to it’s intense nature, it can be expensive. 

If you are on a budget, you could also check out the Westwater Canyon, where you go down Class III and IV rapids. 

It’s still a rush without the monster price tag! 

Looking For Something More Tame?

If I just scared the poo outta your jeans, there are some relaxing rafting trips with some class II’s through Castle Valley. 

These are cheaper and there isn’t as much of a chance of you screaming, holding on for dear life, and potentially questioning your life choices.

3. Take a 4×4 Through Arches National Park

No trip to Moab is complete without exploring Arches National Park.

Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this park is a treasure trove of epic hikes and breathtaking vistas.

However, this is an adventurer’s guide after all. So, instead of driving through Arches National Park, why not take a 4×4 and see it like a true adventurer! 

What I Love About This Tour: 

• This tour lets you explore off of the beaten track. 
• You will see lesser visited areas and arches such as Tower Arch. 
• You will also get to see some fossilized dinosaur tracks and learn about this incredible region.

Tips for Exploring Arches National Park:

• If you want to conquer Arches National Park without a guided tour, you can do it by yourself with an audio tour.
• After your tour, I would recommend checking out some infamous hikes here! My favorite adventure hike in Arches is Devils Garden.
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
• Keep a lookout for all of the most notable arches!

Read More – Adventurer’s Guide to Arches National Park | Arches National Park Photography Guide

4. Try Rappelling and Canyoneering

Moab’s unique rock formations make it a haven for climbers and canyoneers.

Seriously, it looks like something straight out of a Mars adventure Sci-Fi movie.

Although there are several trips for canyoneering, I choose this one because slot canyons are rad and rappelling through them is an adventurer’s dream!

What I Love About This Tour:

• They keep groups small so that you get lots of attention from your guide. 
• Rappel down iconic slot canyons! 
• You get views of Grandstaff Canyon and the Colorado River. 
• Rappel next to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge. 
• Can choose from two times to go. 

Other Moab Spots to Canyoning & Rock Climbing

• Wall Street: A roadside climbing area with routes for all skill levels.
• Fisher Towers: A more advanced area with iconic climbs like Ancient Art.
• Negro Bill Canyon and Entrajo Canyon: Great spots for canyoneering with a guide.
• Medieval Slot Canyon: Perfect for adventurers looking to try rappelling. Descend stunning sandstone walls with expert guides for an unforgettable experience.

Looking for Something More Intense?

I choose the previous tour because I love slot canyons and it was more accessible.

However, if you are physically fit and can handle a longer tour, you can opt in for a full day tour to Robbers Roost.

5. Explore Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is another amazing area that is very accessible from Moab. 

With this tour, you will have a 4WD adventure through Canyonlands National Park! 

As someone who drove the back roads without a 4WD vehicle…you might want to consider this tour if your car can’t handle it (or you just like your car).

What I Love About This Tour:

• Access to a professional guide with 4WD, including Shafer Trail. 
• Learn about the ancient Pueblo civilizations that once lived there. 
• See those epic Canyonlands viewpoint! 
• You can choose to adventure in the morning, afternoon, and sunset. 

Other districts of Canyonlands

Although Island in the Sky is the most accessible and popular tour from Moab, it is important to note that there are other districts of Canyonlands that might be more of an intense adventure. 

Below is an overview of each of the districts.

• Island in the Sky: Famous for its epic overlooks, this district is home to must-sees like Mesa Arch (a sunrise favorite) and Grand View Point.
• The Needles: For hikers, this area offers unforgettable trails like Chesler Park and Druid Arch. The towering rock formations here are unlike anything else in the park.
• The Maze: Remote and rugged, this district is for experienced adventurers seeking solitude and a serious challenge.

If you are interested in exploring another district of Canyonlands, I would do your research and speak with a park ranger to get advice and permits. 

6. Zipline Over Moab

Experience Moab’s stunning landscapes from above by soaring through the air on a zipline.

It’s a thrilling way to take in the desert’s beauty and add some high-flying fun to your itinerary.

What I Love About This Tour:

• You get to see Moab from a different perspective: the air!
• You also get some mini off-roading experience while transporting to the zipline.
• There is a maximum of 10 people, so the groups are small.

Tips for Zipling in Moab

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Check weight and age restrictions before booking

7. Stargaze in Moab

Moab’s clear, dark skies make it a stargazing paradise.

As an International Dark Sky Community, the area is perfect for spotting constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way.

I ended up going on a moonlight hike through Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Even with the moon, the starts were breathtaking (plus I had the added adventure of the nighttime hike).

I would recommend getting an audio guide, just so you know what you are looking at.

What I Love about the Audioguide

• This is self guided, so you go at your own pace.
• Hear stories about the constellations.
• You can download it and keep it forever.

Top Spots for Stargazing in Moab

Although it suggests to meet at Panorama Point in Arches National Park, there are many spots around Moab that are fantastic for stargazing!

• Dead Horse Point State Park
• The Windows Section in Arches National Park
• White Rim Overlook Trail in Canyonlands National Park
• Your campsite!

Tips: Bring a star chart or app and a telescope for the best experience. Don’t forget to give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust.

Read More – Best Sunrise Spots in Arches National Park

8. Take a Scenic Drive

Moab’s stunning landscapes aren’t just for hikers and bikers—some of the best views can be enjoyed right from your car.

My favorite drives were through Arches and Canyonlands National Park! It is extremely unique and perfect for photography! 

During this drive, I ended up doing an audio guide through both National Parks! 

This was so relaxed and I learned so much that I ended up buying the audio guide for several more national parks!

What I Loved About These Audio Guides

• It was self-guided and self-paced. 
• I learned so much about Moab, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park! 
• I would have missed a lot if I did it on my own. With this audio guide, I feel like I nailed both Canyonlands and Arches National Park! 

Top Scenic Drives in Moab

If you aren’t interested in National Parks and want to explore other parks of Moab, no worries! Check these other areas out:

• Dead Horse Point State Park Scenic Byway: This short but stunning drive offers dramatic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands.
• Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway: Wind along the Colorado River with towering red cliffs and access to petroglyph panels.
• La Sal Mountain Loop: Escape the desert heat and enjoy alpine scenery with sweeping views of Moab’s red rock landscape.
• Shafer Trail: A white-knuckle dirt road descent into Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. Perfect for high-clearance vehicles.

Pro Tips For Scenic Drives Through Moab

• Check road conditions and weather before embarking on dirt road adventures.
• On my audio tour, I downloaded it before I started while I still had wifi. This way, when I lost service, I didn’t loose my tour. 
• Bring a map or GPS as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.

9. Mountain Bike The Slickrock Trail

The Slickrock Trail is a challenging 10.5-mile loop that’s a bucket-list ride for experienced bikers.

What I Like about This Tour

• This is a very intense mountain bike trail that might be daunting without a guide.
• These guides know the terrain and can help with technique.
• It’s one of the only tours that tackles this challenging terrain.

Other Biking Options in Moab

I’m going to be completely honest – I’m not a mountain biker. So, just looking at this terrain made me sweat.

If you’re like me and would love to bike around Moab, there is an for a tamer mountain biking adventure around Moab.

Alternatively, you can also take an e-bike and go scout out some petroglyphs.

Bonus Adventures in Moab

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar over Moab’s red rock formations at sunrise.

Skydiving: Take the ultimate leap for a bird’s-eye view of the desert.

Moab Giants: This is a one of a kind exhibit where you can see life-sized dinosaurs and their tracks.

Insider Tips for Adventuring in Moab

• Best Seasons to Visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities.
• Permits: Check requirements for national parks and reserve ahead. Pay extra attention to Arches National Park.
• Gear Essentials: Hydration packs, navigation tools, sun protection, and layers for temperature swings. For more adventure gear recommendations, be sure to check out my Amazon Storefront.
• Leave No Trace: Protect Moab’s natural beauty by staying on trails and packing out all trash.

Where to Stay in Moab for Adventurers

For a true adventurer experience, I would recommend camping, RV parks, and VRBO options.

Honestly, there is a plethora of hotels around Moab, so you shouldn’t have a tough time finding where to stay.

You can find your perfect option below👇

I travel around everywhere in a massive RV, so I parked at Sun Outdoors North Moab.

Conclusion to the Best Things to Do in Moab

Moab is truly an adventurer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to explore, thrill, and connect with nature. 

Whether you’re scaling sandstone cliffs, biking legendary trails, or rafting down the Colorado River, every moment in Moab is unforgettable.

What’s on your Moab bucket list? Share your favorite adventures, and be sure to check out my other guides for tips on RV travel and adventure planning. 

Let’s make your Moab trip one for the books!

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