By local experts at Discover Moab
According to
Conde Nast Traveler, athletic adventures are in: travelers are bringing their sports with them, or seeking out destinations where they can really play. We expect that Moab, which has long been a hub of outdoor sports like mountain biking, trail running, and white water rafting, will see this trend guide the activities of our 2025 visitors. Other trends relevant to our little slice of the desert southwest? Detour destinations–think “getting a little lost on purpose” and “spotting a sign for an ancient ruin and deciding that your hotel can wait a bit”–cowboy core travel–“horse riding trips and camping under the stars”–and night tourism–Moab is a perfect spot to chase the stars.
If you’re looking to add a bit of structure to your trip (there are so many things to do in Moab, it can feel a bit overwhelming!), consider planning your Moab trip around one of the many music festivals, off-road gatherings, trail running races, rodeos, or a free entrance day to our nearby
national parks.
Here’s an overview of not-to-miss events in Moab this year, or check out our
full events calendar!
FREE NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE DAYS
Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Saturday, April 19 – First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 – National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day
ANNUAL CULTURAL AND OUTDOOR EVENTS
January
January 25: Arches Ultra
The Arches Ultra offers four distances of a running race: 9K, half marathon, 50K, and 50 mile. The courses are lower elevation, taking runners along the border of Arches National Park using the Bar M, Klonzo, and Klondike Trail Systems.
January 25 to February 1: Moab Music Festival “Winterlude”
Community and education take centerstage during the Moab Music Festival’s Winterlude, a week of workshops and concerts. Guest ensembles include W4RP, Pascal Le Bouef, and Sara Carswell. Workshops include a potluck and play (bring an instrument and a dish!) and musical coaching. There will be two formal concerts, plus a casual “sips and sounds.”
February
February 7: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
February 7, 14, and 21: Moab SyFy Film Festival
Join the Moab community in enjoying classic films of the science fiction genre, for free! Event-goers are encouraged to dress up as they watch Day of the Triffids (1963) on Feb. 7, When Worlds Collide (1951) on Feb. 14, and Europa Report (2013) on Feb. 21.
February 22: Buckers & Barrels Unlimited Rodeo
Bull teams, barrel racing, bronc riding: attend an action-packed rodeo day in Moab. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness some of the best riders in the country showcase their skills, whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or just looking for a bit of excitement!
February 22: Moab’s Red Hot Ultra
Runners of Moab’s Red Hot Ultra choose between four distances: 15K, 33K, 50K, and 50 mile. Each course utilizes a mixture of double and single track trails over a variety of terrain and elevation.
March
March 7-9: Moab Run the Rocks
A three-day trail running race on singletrack trails around Moab with two distances: 85K and 53K.
March 8-11: Skinny Tire Festival
A road biking event that will take bikers through Arches National Park, up to Dead Horse Point State Park, and alongside the Colorado River. $15 for every paid registration goes toward the Moab Cancer Treatment Center, and bikers can register for all four days or join just two.
March 15: Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile Run
Celebrate 50 years of the Canyonlands Half Marathon in 2025! This race is known locally as the Moab Half Marathon: the first event was run on May 1, 1976 and had 22 finishers (including a dog). The course follows the Colorado River and has been named one of the world’s greatest races.
March 22: Behind the Rocks Ultra
The Behind the Rocks Ultra (distances: 10 mile, 30K, 50K, 50 mile) starts and ends at the Behind the Rocks Trail, following the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. The courses traverse remote trails, sandy washes, and double and single track trails.
April
April 4: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
April 5-7: Moab Rocks
A three day mountain biking race covering 76 miles and over 7,800 feet of elevation across classic Moab trails. A race, festival, family-friendly vacation, and adventure all rolled into one weekend!
April 12: Amasa Trail Race
Explore the Amasa Back trail system on foot during the Amasa Trail Race at three distances: 10K, 15K, and 25K.
April 12-20: Easter Jeep Safari
The Red Rock 4 Wheelers most popular event returns on April 12: the Easter Jeep Safari. Attendees are invited to join trail rides departing from Moab each day to explore the vast array of trails that the area has to offer with a community of likeminded souls!
April 23-27: Cruise Moab
A Toyota Land Cruiser Association sanctioned event that has occurred every year since 1999. Attendees will explore off-road trails around Moab together during guided trail runs.
April 25-27: Moab Rotary/April Action Car Show
Gather with fellow car enthusiasts to explore the best cars the Moab region has to offer. There are typically 13 award classes for cars, including best muscle car, best truck, best hot rod, and best import; attendees can expect to see modified and stock cars and motorcycles dating back to 1900.
April 26: Thelma and Louise
A women’s running event with races at four distances: 15K, half-marathon, marathon, and 50K – because every girls’ weekend should include an exciting challenge!
May
May 1-4: Moab Grenadier 4×4 Gathering
Bring your Grenadier Station Wagon to Moab to explore the epic 4×4 trails this area has to offer – and meet a community of off-roaders to adventure with.
May 2: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
May 3-4: Moab Fondo Fest
Prepare for a remarkable cycling experience during one of Utah’s premiere Gran Fondo-style events. The course will take riders on a journey through challenging terrain and captivating scenery.
May 8-11: Raptors on the Rocks
Explore the off-road trails in the Moab area in your Ford Raptor and enjoy the camaraderie of others who are equally passionate for this off-road vehicle! Four days of world-class off-roading, giveaways, and an opportunity to learn from guides.
May 17: C10 Red Rock Retreat
A charity event for the City of Moab and the Grand County Search and Rescue Team! Peruse classic GM trucks under the red rock cliffs and peruse items from a large silent auction.
May 17-18: Barrels 4 Bucks
See the best barrel racers in the region compete during the Barrels 4 Bucks event in Moab!
May 24-25: Moab Arts Festival
Peruse a broad selection of original art – textiles, fine art, glasswork, jewelry, metal and wood – created by local and regional artists! There is also a kids corner with activities for children, live performances, live music, and a beer and wine garden. The arts festival is free to attend!
May 30 – June 1: Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo
The Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo is part of the All American ProRodeo Series and is a member of the PRCA Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association. Classic rodeo events include steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and bareback riding.
June
June 6: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
June 7-8: Crystal Festival
A rock, gem, and mineral festival with a vendor market and rockhounding trips!
June 11-14: RedRok Rally
A rally for UTV enthusiasts! Attend guided trail rides (including Hells Revenge and Fins N’ Things), peruse vendor markets, and enjoy live music with likeminded community.
July
July 3-5: Grand County Fair
Fair activities include eating contests, relay games, exhibits, sporting tournaments and derbies, and a car show! Admission is free.
The Moab Free Concert series takes place every summer.
August
August 1: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
August 27-September 12: Moab Music Festival
Enjoy performances of chamber music, jazz, and Latin music within the beautiful red rock landscapes near Moab. That’s right: this is a music festival performed in wilderness and historic venues unlike any other! Concerts range from family-friendly music in local parks to accessible-by-jet-boat-only grottos carved from rocks where musicians play odes to timeless masterpieces.
September
September 5: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
September 18-21: Moab Festival of Science
A fantastic variety of free events showcasing the wonders and value of science, with a special focus on Colorado Plateau science! Events include activities with the National Park Service; astronomy, archaeology, and geology tours; and keynote speakers.
September 20-22: Skinny Tire Fall Festival
A brand new event showcasing Moab’s full geographical beauty to road cyclists from across the country! Ride to the Bull Canyon Overlook, through the River Portal, and up to Dead Horse Point State Park.
September 25-28: Red Rock Arts Festival
Three days of art celebrating a theme announced in spring 2025! Programming will feature collaborative projects, art experiences, music performances, a community art show, and an artisan vendor market: the perfect way to get a taste for Moab’s exuberant arts community.
September 27-28: Barrels 4 Bucks
See the best barrel racers in the region compete during the Barrels 4 Bucks event in Moab!
October
October 3: Arts&Ag Market
Peruse locally-grown produce and artisanal goods with live music at this evening market.
October 3-5: Outerbike
A mountain bike festival that is not to be missed! Experience the red rock beauty and world-class mountain biking trails in the desert sunshine before winter sets in. Shuttles, catered lunches, vendor market, and bike demos are included in registration.
October 4: Arches Marathon and Half
Runners can explore the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area and the remote Picture Frame Arch over four distances: 15K, half marathon, marathon, and 50K.
October 10-15: Moab 240
Runners will complete 240 miles in one loop around Moab and the surrounding areas with a 117 hour cutoff.
October 23-25: Moab Jeep Jamboree
Attendees will spend the weekend exploring offroad trails around Moab with a guide, then enjoy dinner together.
October 25: Canyonlands Ultra
Runners will immerse themselves in the nearby landscapes through six offered course lengths: 100K, 50 mile, 50K, marathon, half marathon, and 15K.
October 25-26: Barrels 4 Bucks
See the best barrel racers in the region compete during the Barrels 4 Bucks event in Moab!
November
November 2-7: Moab Folk Camp
A week of music classes for musicians of every skill level! Classes last year included a singing workshop, guitar theory, beginning dobro g-tuning, songwriting 101, basic jazz, and beginning mandoline with a variety of instructors. Attendees will complete four classes per day and evening activities.
November 7: ArtWalk
Explore art exhibits all over town during ArtWalk! Featured locations this year include the Grand County Library, Moab Museum, Gallery Moab, Moonflower Co-op, and Moab Arts.
November 7-9: Moab Folk Festival
Over 10 bands and musicians play at the annual Moab Folk Festival, a celebration of folk music in downtown Moab. Each festival includes two days of outdoor concerts, but also free community concerts, student assemblies, music workshops, and artist residency programming.
November 8-9: Moab Trail Marathon
An unforgettable run through the Kane Creek Canyon area at four distances: marathon, half marathon, 10K adventure run, and kid’s K. In 2024, this race was the host of the USATF trail half marathon national championships and collegiate trail running championships.
November 15: Dead Horse Ultra
Runners will explore the Magnificent 7 singletrack trail system over four distances: 15K, 30K, 50K, and 50 mile.
December
December 6: Holiday Light Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the electric light parade on Main Street, a chance to see local floats decorated with hundreds of holiday lights.
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Charlie Glass atop a horse. [Moab Museum Collection]
Throughout Black History Month in 2023, the Moab Museum dug into its collection to highlight stories of prominent Black individuals and groups throughout the history of the Moab Valley. In this column, Charlie Glass takes center stage: a Black local Moab cowboy who worked at the Turner, Osborn, and Cunningham ranches. This cowboy was known for his grit and ingenuity, qualities admired during his time pushing cattle from Moab to Thompson Springs.
Glass was known for his fierce loyalty to ranch bosses, but his reputation was really made in 1921 during the Sheep Wars era, a time of conflict between sheepherders and cowboys. Glass found himself in an altercation with Basque sheepherder named Felix Jesui whose flock was encroaching on Oscar L. Turner’s property. Glass fatally shot Jesui and claimed self-defense. Glass’s bail was set at $10,000 (the equivalent of $157,000 today) which his boss, Turner, paid immediately and without question.
Cowboys drive Scorup-Somerville cattle. [Moab Museum Collection]
After a well-attended court hearing, Glass was acquitted and continued to work on the Turner Ranch for another 16 years. In 1937, Glass was playing poker with the cousins of the man he’d shot years before. After what local lore calls an amiable game, the group parted ways. But later that evening, Glass was found dead in the back of the men’s pick-up truck—reportedly, Glass’s neck was broken. The cousins claimed no foul play, but the truth of the night remains a mystery to this day.
Glass was buried in the Turner family plot, at a time when African-Americans were barred from being buried in the Fruita, Colorado, cemetery. Stop by the Moab Museum to view Pete Plastow’s portrait of Charlie Glass, mid altercation with Felix Jesui, who proved to be the ultimate end of the this local Black cowboy. .
The Moab Museum website has a
larger profile on Charlie Glass and a recording of “The Ballad of Charlie Glass,” performed by Sand Sheff in 2019 at KZMU Studios. The song was written and composed by William Leslie Clarke, courtesy of Three Rivers University Press.
The Moab Museum is dedicated to sharing stories of the natural and human history of the Moab area. To explore more of Moab’s stories and artifacts and find out about upcoming programs, visit MoabMuseum.org
Winter is a lovely time to be in Moab, Utah: town is quieter, snow blankets the red rocks, and the cold air is offset by warm sunshine. But it’s the off-season, meaning many of our local restaurants and places of business will change their hours or close for an extended break. Read on for a list of seasonal closures! And make sure you double-check with open businesses about their winter hours.
Restaurants
98 Center – Closed December 30 to February 13
Cactus Jacks – Closed January 6 to 20
Lops Pop Shop – Closed December 21 to January 6
Moab Garage Company – Closed December 8 until spring (TBD)
Rooted Vine – Closed January 3 to February 13
Sabaku Sushi – Closed December 28 until spring (TBD)
Sweet Cravings – Closed December 30 to January 14
Trailhead Public House and Eatery – Closed December 24 to January 19
Businesses
Desert Wild and Indigo Alley – Closed January 5 to February 6
Moab Museum – Closed December 23 to February 10
Skydive Moab – Closed November 15 to March 1
Ye Ol’ Geezer Meat Shop – Closed January 13 to 27
Want to add your business to the list or update this info? Email Alison Harford at aharford@grandcountyutah.net!
If you’re planning a trip to Moab, you’re likely aware of its reputation as an oasis for outdoor recreation. But the city also has a lot to offer when it comes to dining, arts, and culture. Read on to make the most of your three-day trip.
DAY 1 – PARKS TOUR
Morning: Canyonlands National Park
Start your day at Canyonlands National Park. Roughly 30 miles outside Moab, the Island in the Sky District provides sweeping canyon views and stunning red rock panoramas. In a few hours’ time, you can drive the park’s 20 miles of paved roads to Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, and Upheaval Dome and hike the Grand View Point, Mesa Arch, and Upheaval Dome Overlook trails. Get up early to catch sunrise at the Mesa Arch or any of the other viewpoints inside the park.
Mesa Arch
Green River Overlook
Hiking Options
- Easy: Mesa Arch (0.6 mi/1 km) Recommended before sunrise.
- Moderate: Grand View Point (1.8 mi/2.9 km)
Lunch: Dead Horse Point State Park
On your way back from Canyonlands, don’t miss Dead Horse Point State Park. Head to Dead Horse Point Overlook to take in the view of the Colorado River and the surrounding pinnacles and buttes that make up one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Bring a picnic lunch and stop in the visitor center.
Hiking Options
- Easy: The Colorado River Overlook (1 mi/1.6 km)
- Moderate: The Bighorn Overlook Trail (3 mi/4.8 km)
Dead Horse Point State Park
Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park
Afternoon: Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park
Fun for the whole family, Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park is the first of its kind worldwide! Take a journey back through time with a 3D cinema experience and a half-mile trail featuring more than 130 full-size reconstructions of dinosaurs and their tracks. Inside the Tracks Museum, you’ll find interactive learning touch screens, games to play, and visually stunning educational exhibits. These exhibits also include insights into the history and prehistory of the Moab area and windows into Moab Giant’s research labs.
Evening: Dinner in Town
After a full day of exploring, head into town to refuel. Moab is home to a variety of cuisines and local eats. For family-friendly dining, try Moab Diner or Moab Grill. To enjoy a local brew with your meal, visit Moab Brewery or Proper Brewing Moab.
DAY 2 – GET ACTIVE
During the Day: Choose Your Own Adventure
Spend the day recreating in Moab’s red rock wilderness. Thanks to the numerous local guides and outfitters, visitors of all ability levels can enjoy activities to the fullest, or try something new! Some popular options include:
- Mountain Biking: Cover more ground by hopping on a bike and hitting the trail. Moab offers some of the greatest mountain biking in the world, with a variety of trail options for any experience level. From the highly technical Slickrock Bike Trail to the easy-riding Bar-M Loop Trail, you’ll enjoy incredible scenery and a good work out.
- Colorado River Water Recreation: Whether you’re looking for an intense whitewater experience or a more leisurely float, there’s a section of the river for you. Choose from rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, then start paddling to get a whole new perspective on the area from the Colorado River’s red rock-lined waters.
- Horseback Rides: For a truly authentic Western experience, nothing beats touring the rugged desert by horseback. Follow in the footsteps, or hoofprints, of cowboys as part of a guided trail ride to stunning landmarks such as Castle Rock and Fisher Towers.
- Scenic Flights: The wild and untamed landscape of southern Utah is so vast, it’s nearly impossible to see it all. However, even an hour-long scenic flight allows you to experience spectacular views over thousands of square miles of canyon country. No other mode of transportation will allow you to see so much in such a short period of time.
Bar-M Trail
Scenic Flight
In the Evening: Wind Down
Toast to a day well spent at Moab’s own local winery. Visitors may be surprised to learn Moab’s long growing season, coupled with its fertile, sandy soils, has resulted in delicious white German-varietal wines. Spanish Valley Vineyards & Winery specializes in these single-vineyard estate-bottled wines, which means they grow the grapes, ferment, and bottle the wine all at their single location. Stop by to enjoy the sunset with a tasting or tour.
DAY 3 – MORE TO EXPLORE
Morning: Experience History
After back-to-back adventure-filled days, sleep in and grab a leisurely breakfast. For a full spread, visit Jailhouse Cafe. If you’re in need of a quick bite, grab coffee and one of the deliciously inventive doughnuts at Doughbird.
To learn more about Moab’s beginnings, visit the Moab Museum. The museum interprets the stories of the Moab area, from histories of the first inhabitants of the Moab Valley to geology to uranium mining, and include many facets of Moab’s past, present, and future.
Moab Museum
Arches National Park
–
Afternoon: Arches National Park
Next, make your way to Arches National Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of sandstone arches located just five miles from downtown Moab. You can drive the entire park in three hours with 10-minute stops at each viewpoint and a short hike at the Windows section of the park. If you’re planning to visit between April 1 and October 31, you will need to make a timed entry reservation for peak times before heading to the park.
Hiking Options
- Easy: Double Arch (0.5 mi/0.8km), Landscape Arch (2 mi/3.2 km)
- Moderate: Delicate Arch (3 mi/4.8 km) This hike is usually crowded; visiting at sunrise or sunset is best.
Evening: Art and Souvenirs
For a unique dinner option, visit the Moab Food Truck Park. With 14 different food trucks offering a variety of options, there’s something to please everyone’s palate. Spend the rest of the evening wandering the shops and art galleries on downtown’s Main Street, where you’ll find everything from landscape paintings and photography to jank art (sculptures made from desert finds) and locally made goods. Then, end your trip on a sweet note with dessert at La Michoacana.
Downtown Moab
Moab Art
How to explore Moab’s expansive outdoor art scene
Looking for outdoor art in Moab? The next time you’re on your way to the Moab Museum (to explore the current exhibit) or 98 Center (to dine on pho and seasonal cocktails), look up: at the intersection of Center St. and 100 East is a spatial marvel, a towering bronze-colored whip that arcs into the sky to intersect with three planets. It’s “Nebula,” a sculpture created by Castle Valley artist Michael Ford Dunton, installed as part of the 2024-2025 “Moab ArTTrails” sculpture exhibition.
For nearly a decade, Moab ArTTrails, a local nonprofit, has gifted works of art to Moab. In 2015, the organization bought four sculptures–”Forces at Play,” created by Ford Dunton, who is also a co-founder of the nonprofit–to install along the pedestrian bridge that spans the Colorado River near Lion’s Park. In 2017, the organization hosted its first short-term exhibition, choosing a series of sculptures to be installed around town. The nonprofit chooses this rotating selection each year, but the community also has the ability to choose “the keeper,” a sculpture to be bought and permanently installed. Since its inception, Moab ArTTrails has added thirteen works of art to the permanent collection.
Sculptures rotate each September. This year’s 2024-2025 exhibition showcases 14 sculptures in a two block radius–sculptures are tucked between street corners and sidewalks along Center Street, 100 East, 100 North, and 100 West. Local exhibition artists include Ford Dunton, David Olsen (“Gnarly Scarecrow” on Center St. south of Main) and Tim “Mik” McAllister (“Risen from Ashes” on 100 North near the food truck court, and “Guardian’s Promise” in front of the Times Independent office). The other sculpture artists hail from Logan, Provo, Salt Lake City, and Colorado, Arizona, and Texas: you can read more about the artists on the Moab ArTTrails’ website!
This year’s Best in Show was awarded to Myles Howell, a Logan artist who created “Desert Winds,” a marble wonder that flows in an organic shape. The sculpture is displayed in front of Moonflower Co-op: ponder its beauty while snacking on a Moonflower lunch. Honorable mention was awarded to Steve Grater, a Tuscon, Arizona based artist who created “Matriarch,” an abstract steel work that “embodies the strength, stability, and gravitas of a powerful mother figure.” “Matriarch” is on display near the Wells Fargo and Times Independent office along Center Street – grab a local paper while you’re over there!
You can find more information about public art and events in Moab via the Moab Arts public arts map, below.
