Autumn in Moab, Utah is full of brilliant fall leaves, deep red sandstone, perfect temperatures, and countless adventures to satisfy any outdoor junkie. Not to mention the wide-open spaces, smaller crowds, fantastic eats, and small-town vibes. Is that enough to convince you to book your trip? If not, we have compiled a list of Moab’s best activities to enjoy during the phenomenal fall months.
Bike the Whole Enchilada
Drive up into the La Sal mountains and begin your 27-mile mountain bike descent to the desert floor on this impressive trail, arguably one of the best on the planet. The trail includes six sections, each providing a different singletrack experience starting with Burro Pass and ending with the Porcupine Rim. Fall is an exceptional time to ride as the temperatures are tame and the colorful foliage is abundant. This mountain bike mecca leads riders along majestic plateaus, overlooking the astounding landscapes in the region. The incredible cliffs are stunning but are not for the faint of heart as this trail can be rather daunting and difficult. The Whole Enchilada is a must for any bike enthusiast.
Grandstaff Canyon to Morning Glory Bridge
Clocking in at just a little over four miles, Grandstaff Canyon is the perfect hike for families. The hike heads up a canyon from the parking lot, crossing back and forth across a quaint stream that is surrounded by cottonwood and willow trees that put on a color show in the fall. The end holds a nice surprise as a giant natural bridge awaits you. The grandeur of the canyon walls and the massive bridge leave you speechless. Grab your camera and get ready to be blown away as this hike is an unforgettable Moab treat.
ATV at Onion Creek
Get ready for some off-roading fun on one of the most diverse trails in the United States. Just out of town, head east on Highway 128 along the Colorado River to get to the Onion Creek trailhead. ATV, UTV, and motorcycle rentals are available at multiple outlets in town for your convenience. The trail starts off cruising through a red rock canyon floor with outlandish formations and breathtaking colors all around. Splash through more than 20 river crossings before the ascent takes you into mountainous terrain with jaw-dropping canyon overlooks. Pack a picnic and a camera to enjoy this perfect day trip.
Canyonlands National Park
While Arches usually gets most of the Moab fame, Canyonlands is the lesser-visited Moab park that packs a powerful punch. Canyonlands is huge and very spaced out with four main sections. The Island in the Sky section is closest to town and well worth the visit. A literal island plateau that floats thousands of feet above the surrounding area serves some of the most incredible views. Catch the sunrise at the world-famous (and rightfully so) Mesa Arch, drive the mind-blowing Shafer Trail, and don’t miss the sunset at the Grand View Point. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but we don’t think even a million words explain the beauty of the vast canyon landscape as the pink sun either rises or sinks into the desert.
The beauty continues in other sections of the park. Just over an hour south of town, make your way to the extremely rural Needles section of the park. See the majesty of the park from a different angle as you and your camera will be having a hard time capturing it all. The river makes sharp curves through the deep canyons and cuts out dramatic patterns in the landscape along the way. Fall is certainly a perfect time to enjoy the park as the summer temperatures are gone. Do not leave Moab without a trip to Canyonlands!
Colorado River Run
The mighty Colorado runs through the heart of Moab, creating numerous recreation possibilities on the river. While you might think fall may be too cold for such an activity like river rafting, you are quite misguided. Fall rafting takes visitors through the red cliff canyon on an exciting ride fit for the family. The river is lined with trees shedding leaves on both sides in some sections which add a whole new colorful dimension to the rafting experience. Autumn is a fantastic time to feel the power of this famous river.
Le Sal Mountain Scenic Loop
Take a break from the red rock landscape and head up to the nearby mountains for a scenic drive that will expose the fall leaves as you have never seen them before. The Le Sal Mountains are home to thousands of aspens that produce vibrant yellows in the fall months. The road leads you through the middle of the beauty! Aspen evergreens and other trees also change colors and create a dazzling mixture perfect for sightseeing. Take time to stop at Ken’s Lake, Oowah Lake, and the Mill Creek area before returning to the desert overlooks that are the cherries on top towards the end of the drive.
Offroad Jeeping on Hell’s Revenge
For the fearless soul, look no further than the countless difficult offroad trails in the Moab area. While there are so many great options, Hell’s Revenge must be recognized. The trail scours Slickrock with rocky edges that can be quite daunting. Though there are easy bypasses available around most of the difficult areas, the true adventure seeker has plenty of spots to get their adrenaline fix. Teetering and uneven surfaces can make for Jeep wheels coming off the ground in various spots. Don’t underestimate the name Hell’s Revenge. This adventure is a heart-pounding good time.
Acanela Expeditions provides various options to experience the magic of Moab. Guided tours through Arches and Canyonlands are sure stops on our trips as well as options to bike, raft, climb, and hike around the best destinations that Moab has to offer. Stay in our Wander Camp glamping tents and enjoy a clear desert night under the stars in style. Come and play in nature’s ultimate playground with us!
Post written by Collin Peterson