what is there to do in moab in the winter

Top Things to do in Moab in the Winter

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Why should you visit Moab?

There are a lot of reasons for lovers of the outdoors to visit Moab. For us, it's the national parks. The entrance to Arches National Park is just outside of town and the most accessible part of Canyonlands National Park is about 35 miles away.

Does it snow in Moab Utah?

While winter is slower than other times of year, Moab is by no means shut down for the season. Find a place to stay and enjoy the bounty of public lands available nearby. Revel in the red rock paradise of Arches and Canyonlands, find endless snow in the La Sal Mountains and save plenty of time for shopping and dining around town.

When is the best time to visit Moab Utah?

Moab’s busy season is fall, when visitors from all over the world flood its canyons, parks, and campsites. But come winter, Moab returns to its natural state: a desolate and otherworldly wilderness ripe for exploration.

What are the best places to go climbing in Moab?

Some climbs, like Silly Wabbit (V3+), are so sun-baked in the summer that you can really only spend time on them come winter. While there are many options for climbing on rocks in Moab, Big Bend bouldering is best, given the day-long exposure it receives from the winter sun. 3. Climbing at Wall Street and Kane Creek

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What is there to do in Moab Utah in the winter?

Top Things to do in Moab in the WinterVisit Arches National Park after a snow. ... Backcountry skiing in La Sal Mountains. ... Snow biking Moab's trails. ... Hike Dead Horse Point State Park. ... Stay at Hotel Moab Downtown.

What is there to do in Moab in January?

Moab Hiking Trails in January The Moab Utah hiking trails along with the hikes at Arches, Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point are some of the best you'll find anywhere in the US! January is a terrific time to when the sun is out.

Is December a good time to visit Moab?

Bundle up (and expect great rates) during low season in December and January. December and January in Moab see much smaller crowds, cold weather and short days. You'll also get good deals on hotels.

When should I avoid Moab?

If possible, avoid visiting Moab during the summer months. Not only will you need to come with a lot of patience to make your way through the crowds, but you'll also be dealing with scorching temperatures that can reach over 100°F.

Is Moab good to visit in winter?

Winter is the perfect time to experience Moab without the crowds. While winter is slower than other times of year, Moab is by no means shut down for the season. Find a place to stay and enjoy the bounty of public lands available nearby.

What is the coldest month in Moab Utah?

JanuaryThe cold season lasts for 2.9 months, from November 23 to February 18, with an average daily high temperature below 50°F. The coldest month of the year in Moab is January, with an average low of 21°F and high of 40°F.

What is the best month to go to Moab?

In the Spring | March – May As days get longer and the red rock starts to warm, travelers from around the world visit Moab to shake off a cold winter. Midday temperatures generally reach 70ºF during the springtime, making it a perfect time of year to get outside!

Can you visit Arches National Park in winter?

Most hiking trails remain open year-round. After a snowfall, popular trails like Delicate Arch quickly become slippery from packed snow and ice. We recommend traction devices and trekking poles. Drifting snow can cover trail markers, making even "easy" trails harder to follow.

Can you off road in Moab in the winter?

For those seeking a more intimate Moab experience, winter is the perfect time to visit. This off-roading trail can be enjoyed year-round by jeep, side-by-side or other such vehicles. The untouched snow surrounding the trail blankets the landscape and offers a stunning contrast against the red rock buttes and arches.

How many days should you spend in Moab?

We recommend at least 2 full days/ 3 nights for the Moab area. One day for Arches National Park and half a day to a day for Canyonlands National Park, plus the Dead Horse Point State Park. In addition, you can also take a short rafting tour, as we did. 3 days/4 nights would make your visit more relaxing.

How hard is Hells revenge in Moab?

The Hell's Revenge 4x4 Trail is a popular route, but extremely difficult due to hazardous terrain. It is recommended for only very experienced drivers with advanced equipment. It is not recommended for ATV's. The route is approximately 6.5 miles in length and takes 2-3 hours to navigate.

Which is better Arches or Moab?

Arches is the more accessible and thus more popular park between Arches and Canyonlands. The landscapes are epic, it's a short 5-10 minute drive from Moab, and most of the Arches hikes are short, easy, and often paved jaunts.

Is January a good time to visit arches?

Winter at Arches is a peaceful time, without the crowds or scorching heat that can plague summertime visits. Ice, snow, and reduced park operations, however, can provide their own challenges for winter visitors.

Is January a good time to visit Arches National Park?

January is another quiet month in Arches due to colder temperatures and smaller crowds. The park remains open and accessible, but ice and snow are possible and may temporarily close down roads or trails. If there is any snowfall, the main park road could shut down temporarily for plowing.

Can you visit Arches National Park in January?

Winter Hikes Soak up Southern Utah's most scenic panoramas with a winter hiking adventure in Arches National Park. Most of the park's hiking trails are open all year, but be aware trails can become quite slippery when icy or snowy.

Is Arches National Park open in January?

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open all year, but the parks' visitor centers' hours of operation change with the arrival of winter. The Arches National Park Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this winter, except for Christmas Day when it will be closed.

National and State Parks Near Moab

The one must-do when you’re in Moab is visiting the National Parks and the Utah State Park by Moab. These guides can help you plan your trip!

Hiking

The Moab hiking trails are out of this world. There is so much landscape to explore right around the city.

Biking

Biking at Moab has become a big thing! Winter is a great time to bike all day and not worry about getting too hot.

Photography

We love photographing the white snow against the red rock in Moab in the winter. So be sure to pack your camera and download our camera gear checklist so you don’t forget anything.

Stargazing

You want to reserve at least one night while visiting for stargazing. Leave the city of Moab and just look up and you will find a truly spectacular show in the sky.

Off Roading

Off-roading in Moab is one of the best adventures that you will go on! Grab your jeep or ATV and hit one of the hundreds of trails in the area.

Moab Scenic Byway: Potash Road

Driving the Potash Road you’ll see beautiful views of the Colorado River, ancient rock petroglyphs, and even dinosaur tracks.

What to do in Moab in winter?

Snow biking Moab’s trails. Hit the trails with a snow bike this winter. Biking is one of the more popular activities enjoyed year-round in Moab, and just because there is snow on the ground, you should not hit the brakes. An epic ride many visitors take is the Porcupine Rim.

What is the backdrop to Moab?

The La Sal Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to Moab’s towering cliffs and sandstone. But it is not just the beautiful views people come to witness; the La Sal Mountains offer a wide variety of backcountry terrain for all skill levels.

When is the best time to visit Dead Horse Point State Park?

Hike Dead Horse Point State Park. While you can access the trails at Dead Horse Point State Park any time of the year, winter is a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Is Moab a good place to visit?

No matter what time of year, Moab is a beautiful place to visit. In the winter, we see cooler temperatures and some moderate snowfall, making for a unique landscape with the contrasting colors of the snow and red rock formations. Typically, fewer crowds as well, it makes exploring our often-overcrowded parks an even better experience.

Is it a good idea to visit Arches National Park after snow?

Visit Arches National Park after a snow. While visiting Arches National Park anytime of the year is wonderful, it is particularly beautiful right after a fresh snowfall in the winter. With fewer crowds, feel free to walk amongst the sandstone arches and formations covered in a layer of white snow. The stunning contrast is awe-inspiring ...

What to Wear in Moab in Winter?

We have a whole post dedicated to the best gear, coats, and what you might need to pack in the off chance that it snows and is super chilly when you visit! Click to see the post here – The Complete Winter Moab Packing List.

What to do in Canyonlands in the winter?

One of the best things about visiting Canyonlands in the winter is the chance to see the red rock canyons juxtaposed with the bright white snow. For one day in the park, we suggest sticking to the Island in the Sky area and visiting the different walks, trails, and lookouts.

Does Moab get snow?

Yes! Moab can get snow. However, don’t let this get you down. If you happen to be in Moab when there is snow, consider yourself lucky! It will make for the BEST pictures. On average, Moab gets 244 days of sun and only gets about 9 inches of snow a year. So, while it does snow in Moab, it is highly possible you won’t get much snow on your visit. Even if it doesn’t snow, it could still be chilly, so be sure to be prepared (I will go over this in just a minute).

How far is Monument Valley from Moab?

Monument Valley is about a 2 to 2 ½ hour drive from Moab. Yes, that is a lot of driving in one day. Yes, it is totally, totally worth it! I have been wanting to go see Monument Valley for as long as I can remember. IT IS SO COOL! It feels like a different planet. The massive red rock buttes jutting out from a flat landscape makes me giddy. Guys, it is so so so awesome! There are some really fun hikes you can do. My top suggestion is the Wildcat Trail. It has some of the best views and is one that you can do unguided. One of the best things about the drive is it is full of cool stops and formations on the way!

Where to go to see newspaper rock?

13. Go to Indian Creek and View Newspaper Rock-. A few hours outside of Moab on the way to Monument Valley is a unique valley called Indian Creek. With steep buttes and cracks, Indian Creek is a rock climbers paradise. However, outside of the rock climbing community, Indian Creek is relatively unknown and unvisited.

Where are the goosenecks in Moab?

The Goosenecks are just 30 minutes away from Monument Valley and are on the way when visiting from Moab. The Goosenecks are similar to the famous Horseshoe Bend but not as well known. Created by an entrenched river meander cut out from the San Juan River, they are breathtaking. They are really impressive, especially considering the fact that you are able to take in the sites of the goosenecks and the silhouette of the buttes of Monument Valley in the background. The best part? Because they are not as well known, when we stopped for a visit, we had the whole area to ourselves! Yes, please :).

What is the visual culture of Moab?

The visual culture of the ancient people who once inhabited southern Utah is exquisite and distinctive to early Native American history. For me, this is a must-do when visiting Moab, and is a great way to introduce yourself or your children to ancient US history and art.

How to enjoy winter in Moab?

Here, we take a look at 7 adventurous ways to enjoy winter in Moab. 1. Snowtography in Arches National Park. Arches National Park is breathtaking any time of year, but when the low winter sun illuminates the snowy white icing atop Moab’s velvety red rocks, you get a scenery that is unlike anything else on this planet.

What is winter in Moab?

Winter is also when the locals come out to play, since some of Moab’s adventures would leave you sweltering in the sun during any other time of year. Winter in Moab means you can easily sport a T-shirt and shorts, as long as the sun is shining (cloudy days will require a few more layers). Camping is idyllic, too, ...

What are the hoodoos in Moab?

Hoodoos, those cool-looking formations that are left behind when wind, frost, and running water create gaps within small cracks and slits of large plateaus, are commonplace in Moab. In fact, Bryce Canyon has more hoodoos then anywhere else in the world, making for an epic snowshoeing playground.

What is the best bike ride in Moab?

Porcupine Rim is the classic mountain bike ride in Moab, combining Moab’s best canyon overlooks with technical riding atop slick rock. This ride is done by locals year round. If you’re lucky enough to have snow on the ground, make the most of it and rent a fat bike for the journey from Poison Spider bike shop in town.

What is the season of Moab's delicate arch?

Moab's Delicate Arch - Skeeze. Made Possible by. Curated by. Moab’s busy season is fall, when visitors from all over the world flood its canyons, parks, and campsites. But come winter, Moab returns to its natural state: a desolate and otherworldly wilderness ripe for exploration. Winter is also when the locals come out to play, ...

Where is the disc golf course in Moab?

5. Disc Golf at Base Camp. Moab's disc golf course is an otherworldly adventure. James Silvester. Also along Kane Creek road is the Base Camp disc golf course, known as one of the three most extreme disc golf courses in the world.

Where to ski in Moab?

A good place to start is Corkscrew Glades on Tuk No Mountain.

What to do in Moab in the winter?

Another way to spend your time in Moab in the winter is to support the local businesses. Make sure to keep an eye out for businesses with Green and Gold signs. These signs are a city-sponsored initiative to encourage businesses to establish sustainable practices.

Why is winter the best time to visit Moab?

Winter is truly the goldmine to visiting Moab because you will be greeted with less tourists and will get to experience the high desert in a different way. Here is the ultimate guide to Moab in the winter. 1.

Can you ski in Moab?

When you think of Moab, you probably don’t think of skiing as an activity you can do. But with the 12,000 foot high peaks that sit southeast of the town comes backcountry skiing. In fact, backcountry skiing in the La Sals even rivals the Wasatch Range. Backcountry skiing is not for the faint of heart or those new to skiing. The La Sals are infamous for their unstable avalanche conditions. Knowledge of avalanche safety and having the proper avalanche safety gear such as a beacon are necessary. If this doesn’t scare you off, then keep reading. Talking Mountain Yurts offer the ultimate backcountry winter experience. You can ski/snowshoe up to their yurts and spend a few days shredding the slopes of the La Sals.

Can you ride a mountain bike in the winter?

Try out studs. While you can mountain bike in the winter without studs, studded tires will make icy climbs easier to navigate.

Is there a bike trail in Moab?

Mountain biking in Moab is legendary. The world famous, 12 mile Slickrock Bike Trail is said to be the ultimate mountain biking experience. With winter comes the storage or bikes but it doesn’t have to be that way, especially during your trip to Moab. Winter mountain biking can help you learn how to navigate snow, ice, and mud as well as provide you with a more intense workout. Mountain biking in the winter just means a little extra preparation and having a positive mindset. Here are some tips for trying out winter mountain biking in Moab:

What to wear to hike in Red Sandstone?

The red sandstone soaks up the sunshine and it's perfect for hiking. Pack layers, including coats, gloves and hats. Layer up or down as the temperature changes. You may want hiking boots with more traction than usual in case you encounter snow or ice along the trail.

Does Moab have snow?

Most winter days are sunny, but it does snow in Moab. Watch the weather forecast. Be safe and flexible if a winter storm affects your plans.

Where is the gold basin in Moab?

Look across the Moab Rim at Behind the Rocks and Canyonlands National Park. The Henry Mountains, 96 miles away, seem close enough to touch. Gold Basin is a mile beyond Laurel Pass, just below the end of the road. The trail continues for another mile before steep cirques beckon experienced mountaineers.

Where to watch the sunset in Canyon Country?

Moonlight Meadow – This is the place to watch the scenery change as the sun goes down. Take the left trail at the Geyser Pass sign. In 100 yards, turn left again (north) and travel a half mile to a medium angle meadow facing the setting sun. The meadow is good for easy turns if the snow is right. The view of Canyon Country is spectacularly framed between Haystack Peak and Brumley Ridge. Take extra clothes and a light stove. Brew some tea, stay for the sunset and ski in the moonlight.

What is the phone number for the La Sal Mountains?

Winter backcountry users should call 435-259-SNOW, November through April, for current taped information on mountain weather, road conditions and avalanche potential.

Where to go for backcountry touring?

Gold Basin – This area provides backcountry touring and mountaineering. Instead of turning left at Laurel Pass, go down to the right onto Pole Worm Fence Meadow. It is a wonderful place to practice, gaze at Canyon Country and watch the sun set. Look across the Moab Rim at Behind the Rocks and Canyonlands National Park. The Henry Mountains, 96 miles away, seem close enough to touch. Gold Basin is a mile beyond Laurel Pass, just below the end of the road. The trail continues for another mile before steep cirques beckon experienced mountaineers. The tour presents little hazard as long as you stay below timber line and avoid steep slopes.

Can you use a snowmobile in the mountains?

Snowmobiles are allowed on many of the same trails used by skiers. The maps on this page show only a fraction of the many roads providing long tours for snowmobiles on the east side of the mountains. Explore to find the ones you like best, but when snow is scarce make sure you stay on good snow-cover to avoid vegetation damage. Note that the area bounded by the Gold Basin Trail, Mt. Tukuhnikivatz, Mt. Mellenthin, Geyser Pass and Geyser Pass Trail is closed to snowmobiles.

What is Moab Giants about?

Well if you’re visiting Moab with kids, this has got to be on your list! Moab Giants is all about dinosaurs! Based on the fact that many dinosaurs where found in southeast Utah, this adventure park is full of history and imagination.

What is the name of the section of the park closest to Moab?

With hiking trails and views more spectacular around each corner, it’s a must do when you’re in Moab! Canyonlands National Park is huge, and the section of the park closest to Moab is called the Island in the Sky District.

Where is Sand Hill in Moab?

Well if you’re looking for unique things to do in Moab with kids, or you’re simply a kid at heart, make sure you check out the sand hill right on the outside of town. It’s right between Arches National Park and the city limits of Moab.

Where to go to explore slot canyons?

One of the best places in the world to explore slot canyons is in Utah! So it’s definitely making this list of the top things to do in Moab. Created by water and wind, these canyons, like the arches in southeast Utah, are one of nature’s finest displays. And they’re super fun to explore!

Where are the petroglyphs in Utah?

See the petroglyphs near Moab. Cool petroglyphs at Arches National Park. Ancient petroglyphs are just another layer of artifacts that have been found near Moab, Utah. Perhaps some of the most well-known petroglyphs are the ones located near Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.

Is Moab a desert city?

The town of Moab is relatively small, but packs a punch! It’s a fun desert city that truly begs to be on your bucket list. Families, singles, couples or anything in between, there’s truly something for everyone.