Moab

Moab has several attributes that make it an incredibly popular destination. First, the climate in Moab complements that of Salt Lake City, the Utah mountains, and Colorado front range and mountainous areas in that it's generally dry with mild temperatures when Utah and Colorado locations are too cold, muddy, or snowy.

Moab has focused a ton of effort and resources over the past several years into creating more trails and making the area more friendly for a range of activities. There are now more beginner-friendly trails than ever, and plenty of trails to keep everyone entertained for a long weekend or more.

For those reasons, people come from all over Utah and from Colorado's front range, and many other places, driving 5 or more hours to take advantage of trails. It's worth a trip to experience scenery like you've never seen before.

Other user groups frequent Moab as well - notably offroad Jeep and motorcycle enthusiasts. It's definitely a motorhead town - the wide open landscape and lax restrictions on land use make it a mecca for all types of offroad vehicles. The different user groups seem to play fairly well together though - it's rare to be annoyed when you're out on the trail, and it can be nice to have company in the raw desert conditions that define Moab.

The town itself is not flashy. It started out as a uranium mining town and has stayed very close to its working class mining roots over time. There are plenty of great bike shops, and all the necessities, including several good, but not great options for places to eat.

Discover Moab seems to have good information about the area.

Local Info

Moab has some of the most interesting and unique terrain of any mountain biking destination. The riding here tends to lean towards challenging to extremely challenging with big descents, rocky trails with big technical moves, and many long epic rides to choose from. A classic example is the famous Slickrock trail is a multiple hour mountain bike ride ENTIRELY on smooth rock that makes you feel as if you're riding on the moon!

There are a few groups that offer guided mountain bike tours, which can be a good way to take a bit of risk and logistics out of your journey.

Western Spirit Cycling.

Chasing Epic.

Rim Tours

There are several good options for bike shops in town. A few that seem to be popular are:

Poison Spider ( poisonspiderbicycles.com)

Chile Pepper Bike Shop ( chilebikes.com)

Rim Cyclery ( rimcyclery.com

Moab Cyclery ( moabcyclery.com).

Visiting Tips

The sweet spots for Moab are spring and fall, when the temperatures are cooler, and other destinations within driving distance are inaccessible due to mud or snow. Because it's the desert, early spring is very doable here - it's quite cold at night (often below freezing) but easily rises to mid-60's during the day.

The most crowded season seems to be early spring through mid-April. These are times when the mountains of Colorado are no longer skiable. It's also when the offroad crowd emerges from their garages after a winter of tinkering with their machines. It's a great time to come, but can be difficult to find camping on the weekends, unless you can take Friday off and arrive Thursday evening.

Generally, avoid mid-summer unless you're very experienced, or willing to head out in the early mornings or late evenings. It's simply too hot in the summer to be safe in the middle of the day.

Camping & Lodging

There's plenty of camping, and it's probably the most common sleeping arrangement for many people who visit the area. The largest and most common place to camp is up at Sand Flats, a 10-minute drive up above town. Sand Flats road is the home of the Slickrock trail, and Porcupine Rim, two of the most popular trails in Moab. Sand Flats has over 120 campsites up and down the dirt road that runs through the recreation area. Campsites have pit toilets but no water. There's a fee to use the recreation area, and you pay at an entrance gate as you drive into the area.

The town of Moab is camper-friendly, with all the supplies you'd need, including a pharmacy and full grocery store. There are also several places to take showers, including some of the local bike shops.

There are also a number of commercial campgrounds in the area, and RV areas with full facilities. Some are right in the middle of town, making it convenient for families.

There are hotels and motels as well, and many condos available for rent through VRBO or other sources. Nothing is particularly fancy here, so don't come expecting the Four Seasons! That said, it can be a family-friendly town, and there are plenty of nice spots you can find for a weekend that's a bit more civilized than a typical guys' weekend.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

Moab riding is bucket list worthy, and if you're looking for advice or support for a bike trip here, definitely contact Western Spirit Cycling. Their guides have these trails dialed, plus they will get their massive support truck to camp, whip up amazing food, and keep the beer cold.

Food & Drink

Don't go expecting a culinary experience - expect pubs and pizza places you can wear your camping clothes to. There's a central main street that is packed every evening, and you can simply drive up and down until you find a place you want to stop.

Places like Eddie McStiff's, the Moab Brewery and the Moab Diner are popular. Pasta Jay's offers a basic Italian dinner with huge portions if that's what you're in the mood for.

After the Ride: Local Favorites

Sweet Cravings Bakery Those who take the time to make homemade croissants, and get it right, should be rewarded in the afterlife! Flaky, buttery and delish! Try a sandwich on one! All baked goods made in house!

397 N Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-8983

Eklecticafe Subbed the eggs with tofu scramble on the Habaneros Rancheros and it was amazing! That green chile is super. Overall the place was truly an oasis in a desert - so charming to just hang out all morning

253 N Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-6896

Love Muffin Cafe Nice place. Should try it out while in town.

139 N Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-6833

Jailhouse Cafe Ahem.apple butter.

101 N Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-3900

Quesadilla Mobilla best food in town...kale quesadilla is amazing

89 N Main St, Moab UT — (435) 260-0289

More Local Favorites

Milt's Stop & Eat great burgers and even better fries

356 Millcreek Dr, Moab UT — (435) 259-7424

Sabaku Sushi Everything was spicy.. Spicy good .. Get the Fiery Furnace if on the menu.. Tasty!

90 E Center St, Moab UT — (435) 259-4455

Arches Thai large portion sizes! unexpectedly good Thai food.

60 N 100 W, Moab UT

Zax The absolute WORST iced tea in the history of iced tea.

96 S Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-6555

Moab Diner Get the incredible kokopelli chicken (covered in their green chili). It comes with potatoes smothered with cheese, green peppers, and bacon - yum! The milkshakes are amazing and enough for 4 to share.

189 S Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-4006

Fiesta Mexicana Just not good. The food isn't terrible, but overall seemed like a non-caring tourist trap.

202 S Main St, Moab UT — (202) 762-4678

The Branding Iron Food was very good, large portions...Service spot on as well...

E Spanish Trail Rd, Moab UT — (435) 259-6275

Moab Grill Excellent rib eye

540 S Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-4848

The Blu Pig & Blu Bar The garlic buffalo wings are soooo good!!!!

811 S Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-3333

Paradox Pizza Their garlic knots and orange chocolate mousse are super tasty!

702 S Main St, Moab UT — (435) 259-9999

El Charro Loco ...The al pastor tacos were the meatiest & best flavor ive ever tasted. The burritos are bigger than your head & very meaty(we had the chorizo & chicken--SO DELICIOUS). Cannot wait to come back here!

812 S Main St, Moab UT

Other Activities

Moab is nearby to some incredible attractions. Definitely check out Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park on your rest days.

There are also a couple of wineries, museums, climbing destinations, and tons of great hikes in the area.

Areas Within Moab

7-Up

4 Trails

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Amasa Back

9 Trails

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Bartlett-Jedi

2 Trails

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Behind the Rocks

6 Trails

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Brand Trails (Bar M)

17 Trails

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Castle Valley

3 Trails

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City of Moab

6 Trails

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Dead Horse Point State Park

11 Trails

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Goldbar Rim

4 Trails

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Horsethief Area

8 Trails

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Klondike Bluffs Trail System

26 Trails

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Klonzo Trails

24 Trails

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La Sal Mountains

17 Trails

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Magnificent 7

10 Trails

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Monitor-Merrimac

1 Trails

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Navajo Rocks

5 Trails

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Poison Spider

2 Trails

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Slickrock

2 Trails

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Sovereign

14 Trails

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Spanish Valley

2 Trails

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