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.

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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By the Moab Museum, originally published in the Moab Sun News

This is canyon country, a landscape defined by the forces of nature that have carved their way through the red sandstone for millions of years and still continue to perform their work. The human history of this landscape carries a similar throughline: Rock inscriptions carved on canyon walls over thousands of years lend whispers of the history of the people who came before.

Petroglyphs and pictographs across the region preserve thousands of years of human history, spanning many cultures over time. There is much to be learned from these marks pecked or painted onto canyon walls, and they remain important sites for Native communities today.

What is the difference between petroglyphs and pictographs?

Petroglyphs—which are generally more abundant in this area—are images created by carving, engraving, or scratching upon the surface of the rock. Pictographs are painted, consisting of pigment applied to the surface of the stone. While certain panels may have originally been a combination of petroglyphs and pictographs, the windswept sandstone now primarily reveals petroglyphs.



What is known about petroglyphs and pictographs?

There are numerous ways to interpret meaning, and inevitably, much of it remains a mystery to visitors today. Native groups with Ancestral ties to the region can offer perspective and interpret meaning from rock writings left many generations ago. Archaeologists also offer a set of ways to interpret these sites.

In the summer of 2021, the Moab Museum presented a temporary exhibition called “Stories on Stone: Interpreting & Protecting Moab’s Rock Imagery” in collaboration with Utah Humanities. The exhibit showcased perspectives about four prominent Moab-area petroglyph panels from Hopi guide and interpreter Bertram Tsavadawa and archeologist Don Montoya.

“There’s always variations of understanding of how sites will be utilized by the Ancestors,” Tsavadawa explained in the exhibit, adding “as a Hopi person, coming from northeastern Arizona to visit and see these sites here, it is reconnecting.”

In a video made with the Museum and the Utah Humanities Council’s Humanities in the Wild initiative, Tsavadawa drew connections between petroglyphs of wavy lines at Moonflower Canyon to the abundant water nearby.

“Water sustains life. Wherever there’s water, you’ll find maybe an Ancestral site, occupation location, or where they were visiting or making their pilgrimages to conduct ceremony, or connect back to nature,” Tsavadawa explained.

Archeologists also offer ways of understanding these traces of the past. A variety of scientific dating methods, including carbon dating, may determine the ages of pictograph pigments. In the absence of pigment, archaeologists can use optically-stimulated luminescence, which tells how long quartz sediments have been exposed to light. Archeologists also recognize distinctive aesthetic styles associated with different periods, such as the Barrier Canyon Style, which allows them to determine the spatiotemporal extent of cultural groups.

Rock imagery sites remind us that history exists beyond the bounds of a museum collection space. Stewardship of sites remains an ongoing topic of community conversation. In April 2021, Birthing Rock, a prominent rock imagery site along Kane Creek Road, was vandalized, inciting community outrage. The vandalism was the second publicized instance in 2021 of petroglyphs in Moab being damaged, the first being a rock climber bolting a route near a 1,000-year-old petroglyph panel near Arches National Park.



Why does it matter to protect rock imagery and Ancestral sites?

In the words of the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition: “To the untrained eye, these archaeological features can sometimes be hard to recognize, but their importance to science, as well as tribal descendants, is immense…More than just a library of human history, this place remains vital to tribal communities across the Colorado Plateau as a place of subsistence, spirituality, healing, and contemplation.”

When visiting these sites, make sure to observe proper visitation etiquette to preserve this history and pay respect to the enduring connections these places provide for Native communities today. These tips, from the Museums of Western Colorado, provide guidance to visitors today:
– Visit rock art sites with respect. Many cultures today see rock art as being just as sacred as it was when it was created.
– Do not touch images. The oils on your hands cause damage that cannot be fixed.
– Take only pictures. Paper rubbing and latex molds cause irreversible damage.
– Respect private property rights.
– Leave archaeological clues found near rock art panels in place. Artifacts such as projectiles can help archaeologists better understand and date the age of panels.
– Report any vandalism to a local land agency such as the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and Park Service.

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, find out about upcoming programs, and become a Member, visit MoabMuseum.org