Ashlyn HayesUtah is one of the most incredible states in the US, with an abundance of adventure and natural beauty around every corner.
Moab is a top highlight of Utah, a place where we could easily spend an entire month and never get bored. From incredible dining and abundant shopping to endless outdoor activities and sublime scenery, Moab absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list!
Moab is home to the famous Arches National Park—you know, the one with the beautiful Delicate Arch featured on Utah’s license plate. According to the National Park Service, more than 1.5 million people visit Arches National Park each year.
I might get some shade for this, but I feel Arches National Park is overrated. Don’t get me wrong—it is beautiful. But there are so many places around Moab that are even MORE beautiful, and they don’t come with the massive crowds you’re guaranteed to encounter at Arches.
Nobody wants to deal with crowds, lines, and long waits—ESPECIALLY not when you’re traveling with kids.
We did a sunrise hike at Arches during our trip, and while I recommend it if you have time, I want to share the 3 must-visit places beyond Arches that made our trip incredible!
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Where to Stay in Moab
Fantastic hotels and resorts are around every turn in Moab, packed with amenities and activities to elevate your experience. If you’re considering a trip to Moab, submit an inquiry and I’ll find you a deal on these!
For our trip, we decided to tent camp. This was a budget trip for us, and camping is always our trick for saving money. For a full guide to tent camping with kids, check out Camping with Kids Checklist: Must-Have Outdoor Camping Gear for Kids.
We stayed at the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway campground, which was great for the price! There was a pool and a splash pad, so the kids could cool off during the day. The tent sites were small, but they served their purpose. There are three other Sun Outdoors campgrounds located in the Moab area—if you’re interested in tent camping in Moab, check them out!
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When to Visit Moab
The most common times to visit Moab are March through May and September through October. The weather is the most pleasant during these months, but there will also be larger crowds. I don’t recommend visiting in the summer with kids, as it will be dangerously hot. Winter brings cooler weather, but there’s a risk of snow interrupting your outdoor plans.
We visited in May, and it was fantastic. It got very hot during the day, but nothing some water activities couldn’t beat. It also cooled down enough at night to make sleeping in a tent more comfortable.
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1. Dead Horse Point State Park
All I can say is wow. We were blown away by Dead Horse Point State Park. My husband and I both agreed that it’s more spectacular than the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
There aren’t many hiking trails here, but numerous walkways take you around the incredible park. If you add this to your itinerary, try to make it for sunset—I promise it will be one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see.
We were fortunate enough to be there for sunset and to watch a storm roll in at the same time. We got some pretty cool shots of lightning in the distance. I could easily spend an entire day there. There are numerous picnic tables if you’d like to pack a meal and stay awhile.
This was our favorite stop in Moab. I call it kid-friendly, but I should clarify that it’s kid-friendly with close supervision. The park has 360-degree views of the most incredible canyon, which also means 360 degrees of dramatic falls. Keep those kiddos close.
2. Mill Creek Waterfall
This one is a hidden gem, loved by locals. I’m sure I’m breaking some unspoken code by sharing this spot, but we had such an incredible time here with the kids that I need to share it.
According to AllTrails, Mill Creek Waterfall is a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail with 59 feet of elevation gain, rated as easy.
The trail is pretty easy-going for the most part, but be aware that it requires several creek crossings. The first crossing is a bit tricky, but with time and patience, it’s doable. I was able to help our 5-year-old while my husband carried the baby on his back, and it was fine.
You follow the creek through a stunning narrow canyon to a waterfall that flows into a swimming hole! We packed a lunch and made a day out of this. It’s dog-friendly, so we brought our puppy along too (also in a backpack for the tricky creek crossing).
The swimming hole gets about 6 feet deep and also has very shallow parts, so it’s perfect for kids of all ages. There were even people cliff jumping into the swimming hole! That wasn’t on our itinerary, but it made for a fun atmosphere. The waterfall was a bit busy, but not too crowded.
We had so much fun scrambling onto the rocks at the base of the waterfall and jumping in. This will always be a key memory.
3. Canyonlands National Park
Did you think there was any chance I wouldn’t talk about a National Park? I would literally pop if I didn’t!
But seriously, we enjoyed Canyonlands more than Arches. There are varying reports on the annual number of visitors to Canyonlands, but most sources seem to agree on 800,000-1,000,000. This is significantly less than the number that visits Arches. My question is… why?
Canyonlands is massive. There are four distinct districts in the park, and most of the park is quite remote and requires four-wheel drive to explore. We didn’t get to spend nearly as much time as we wanted to here, but it is stunningly beautiful.
If you only have time for one hike, it needs to be the Mesa Arch hike. According to AllTrails, it’s a 0.7-mile loop trail, rated as easy. It’s a quick, easy hike for a massive reward!
Similar to Dead Horse Point State Park, I’m labeling this hike as kid-friendly as long as you keep the kids close. The hike itself is totally safe, but the endpoint at the arch ends abruptly at a cliff. Our son had fun climbing around the rocks away from the edge while we enjoyed the views. And of course, the baby was in the hiking backpack (link to my tried and true favorite that I will always share because it is worth every penny!).
Plan Your Family Trip to Moab!
Our trip to Moab was incredible, and we made so many memories. We absolutely plan to visit Moab again someday. There’s just so much to see and do. It’s an adventure-loving family’s dream!
If you want to plan a trip to Moab, use me as your travel advisor! Booking with me is free, and I can get you great hotel deals and perks! I’ll also help you customize your perfect itinerary with insider information and resources.
I also offer customized itineraries if you need one tailored to your needs. Just submit an inquiry!
If you liked this article, please leave a comment! And if you have been to Moab, tell me which of these places is your favorite!
