Your Guide to Visiting Moab in the Fall

Just when you thought Moab couldn’t get any more golden, fall hits. 

The deciduous foliage peppered across the red rock valley turns from light green to vibrant yellow. In some areas, the tall, spindly aspens cover the forest grove with a bright blanket of fallen leaves. You’ll see our already stunning scenery elevated with a warm autumn glow everywhere you look.

Moab is an underrated fall getaway that you should absolutely take advantage of this season. Here are just a few of the reasons we have a special soft spot for fall in Moab!

Mild Weather

The weather is Goldilocks temperature: not too hot, not too cold – juuuust right! Early fall in Moab is quite mild, with warm afternoons and chilly nights. While the weather can be a little more inconsistent, it is a fantastic season to enjoy the great outdoors.

Gorgeous Colors

The yellows, oranges and reds of fall reach Moab in some areas, creating a spectacular array of vibrant colors. You can visit many different sites for different flavors of fall views. It’s a stunning area to take in the season, from red rock to full foliage.

Fewer Crowds

Thanks to school being back in session, you’ll find fewer fellow guests in the area, especially during the weekdays. This means fewer hikers on the best trails, fewer campsites taken and more space to explore!

More Tour Availability

Fewer crowds mean less competition for the most popular Moab tours as well. Our Moab flight tours are available in the fall, and you’ll have more opportunities to take to the skies for an aerial view of the autumn beauty.

The chance to catch Moab at the height of fall is fleeting! Here’s how you can make the most of the season. 

Rocky Mountaineer Package

Can’t choose whether you want a fall tour from the ground or the sky? You don’t need to choose with the Rocky Mountaineer Train and Flight Package. We love this tour in the fall because both the airplane and the luxury train will grant you access to stunning autumn scenery, from the Rockies to the Red Rocks. Over two days, you will take in the best of fall in Moab with two different unique and creative forms of transportation.

You will roll and soar through awe-inspiring scenery, including landmarks like Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield, and the Colorado Rockies. The glass-domed train offers an unparalleled view of the mountains, valleys and fall trees. 

Afterward, join us for a scenic flight to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, where you’ll witness even more stunning landscapes as you journey over desert and mountain views. You can also travel in the opposite direction, beginning your trip with a flight and concluding with the train.

Sunset Tour

The Sunset Tour will get you the best possible views of all the fall splendor in a beautiful golden sunset glow. There is a sunset airplane tour and a sunset helicopter tour to choose from, so you can get the aerial tour of your choice! 

Our Sunset Flight Tours highlight famous views, like the Colorado River, Potash Ponds, and Corona Arch at the best time of day to behold them. A crowd favorite is soaring over Castle Valley and Fisher Towers as the sunset intensifies the vivid orange, pink, and white bands wrapping the spires and cliffs.

Photography Flight Tour

Every flight tour becomes a photography tour when you bring a camera! Fall is the ideal time of year for Moab photography, and a flight tour is the most unique and creative way to capture Moab in fall. From interesting rock features to groves of bright yellow trees and deep green pines mixing in higher altitude areas, you won’t be able to take your eyes away from your lens as you snap several unforgettable shots of Moab fall views. 

Moab Celtic Festival (Scots on the Rocks)

Late October

Scots on the Rocks is a fantastic introduction to the rich culture of Scotland! With river dancing competitions, ceremonies, contests, and much more, you will get a crash course into Celtic traditions. 

Red Rocks Art Fest

Early October

The Red Rock Arts Festival is three days of storytelling, ceremony, and fun. This downtown Moab event highlights human history, local artists, culture, workshops, classes and more. Find more than enough creative energy and some interesting concepts you’ve never considered as you open your mind to art in the red rocks. 

Moab Folk Festival

Early November

Enjoy the sounds of renowned singer-songwriters in intimate spaces for the ultimate folk event in the desert. From heavy-hitter headliners to up-and-coming new voices, you’ll find a lot to groove to at this folk fest.

Moab Craggin’ Classic

Early November

The Moab Craggin’ Classic, powered by C.A.M.P., is the grassroots desert climbers fest! This November 3-5th, we’ll be re-uniting a celebration of all things climbing. Rally to the desert with the AAC and your fellow climbers to learn new skills, meet new climbing partners, give back to our local crags, and celebrate our awesome climbing community. 

Hiking and Backpacking

Many hiking trails become much more comfortable in the fall. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park with fewer crowds and more pleasant weather.

Mountain Biking

There is no shortage of biking trails in Moab, and fall is a great time to rip down them. The autumn weather is perfect for hitting extensive trail systems, including the world-famous Slickrock Bike Trail.

Scenic Drives

There’s nothing better than putting on your favorite album or audiobook and driving where your heart takes you. Roll the windows down and enjoy the Colorado River or the La Sal Mountains Loop Road drives, featuring fall foliage views.

Rock Climbing

Do you climb, or do you want to learn to climb? Moab is a great place to rope up! Find sport, trad and top rope climbing routes with the backdrop of stunning desert landscapes.

Stargazing

With clear fall skies and crisp weather, Moab is a fantastic place for stargazing. With almost zero light pollution, you can just drive out and lay out to identify constellations. 

River Rafting

Fall is a fantastic time for a Colorado River rafting trip. The temperatures are milder, and you can enjoy the beauty of the red rock canyons from a different perspective.

Jeeping and Off-Roading

Explore the wild terrain around Moab with a Jeep or ATV adventure! The crisp weather creates a great atmosphere for taking on some hidden trails. 

Camping

Set up camp in one of the several campgrounds near Moab and enjoy chilly fall nights by a campfire.

With so many fall bucket list items to tackle, planning what to do in Moab may seem daunting. So reach out to our team for help planning the perfect aerial overview for your fall Moab Aerial Adventure!