Must-Sees in Moab: Planning Your Trip from the Rockies to the Red Rocks!

Located in the heart of southeastern Utah’s red rock country, Moab, Utah is a wonderful desert town and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world!

Travelers come from near and far to experience the magic of Moab. There are incredible national parks, beautiful rivers, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Even if you only have a day or two to experience the Moab area, there are so many things for you to do and see!

If you are traveling into town on the new Rocky Mountaineer route, we want to help you keep the fun rolling and make the most of your short stay in Moab! We have put together a short list of activities in Moab that you won’t want to miss out on.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy your time in our special desert town!

See Southwest Utah’s National Parks from the Air

Travelers come from all over to explore the national parks and monuments in the Moab area, and for good reason! You can experience the vast natural beauty by plane, train, raft, bike, car or by foot. 

At Redtail Air, we specialize in scenic airplane tours and scenic helicopter tours over the Moab area’s national parks and monuments. In fact, we are the only air tour operator permitted to fly directly above Arches and Canyonlands National Parks! When you fly with us, you can take in all of the incredible sights from above, in less than a day’s time. 

Our friends over at Rocky Mountaineer specialize in scenic train travel, and they now have a new route that takes you from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the Red Rocks of Utah! This two-day journey from Denver to Moab is full of incredible scenery and includes an overnight stop in Grand Junction, Colorado. While the train ride does not cut directly through Moab’s national parks, you will nonetheless get incredible views of the vast canyons, picturesque deserts, and incredible rock features that are peppered throughout the landscape. Redtail Air is excited to partner with Rocky Mountaineer to offer travelers a rail and air package, providing unique access to this amazing desert landscape! 

For guests traveling into town with Rocky Mountaineer who booked a rail & air package, you’ll either fly to/from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. These packaged trips are great ways to get to where you’re going and see amazing views on the way.

To see even more amazing scenery from the sky, we highly recommend that you book a one-of-a-kind scenic flight with us during your stop in Moab. The Arches tour and Canyonlands National Park tour are two of our most popular scenic flights, and they each allow you to get an incredible perspective of the unique landscapes. You can choose to see just one park, or opt to tour above both in the same scenic flight!

Flightseeing is a great option that provides you with a unique experience, and it is a fun activity for folks of all ages. It is a great way to experience the desert, especially if you are on a tight schedule!

Cool off in the Colorado River

Just about a mile north of Moab, the Colorado River is a popular destination for those looking to raft, kayak, canoe, or just simply cool off from the summer heat. The incredible geologic features found in the Moab area would not exist without the powerful forces of the Colorado River! Over millions of years, this water carved through the landscape creating the rock formations we see today. The river runs parallel to Route 128, and there are many pull-offs along the road to stop for a swim.

Wild West Voyages is a fantastic local company that can provide guided river rafting adventures to suit your needs. They can also equip you for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding excursions.

If you’re not a river person and not interested in getting wet, but would love to see the vastness of the Colorado River — check out Redtail Air’s flight over the Colorado River. This air tour takes you over Lake Powell, Monument Valley and Canyonlands as well!

Hell’s Revenge

Located right off of Sand Flats Road just past the entrance station, Hell’s Revenge is a popular attraction for dare-devils and adrenaline seekers! This 4X4 trail takes you over slickrock, and features some steep climbs and gnarly ledges. While not for the faint-of-heart, Hell’s Revenge provides you with incredible views of the La Sal mountains and the surrounding rock features. Moab Reservation Center can set you up with a professional guide who will take you on a 3 ½ hour guided 4×4 tour on this incredible trail.

Mountain Biking

Moab, Utah is a world-class mountain biking destination, so it’s a great idea to explore the beautiful scenery from two wheels if you have the time! From flowy beginner trails to technical expert terrain, you are sure to find a trail to suit your skill level in Moab. The Bar-M Loop Trail is a great beginner trail with variety in terrain and scenery, and the world-famous Slickrock Trail is a fantastic choice if you are seeking something more difficult.

There are many shops in town that will rent out all of the equipment that you need to enjoy a day of mountain biking. Poison Spider is a great local shop that provides rentals, repairs, and service. They can also give insider suggestions on where to ride!

Guided Hiking & Sightseeing Tour

If you are looking to sightsee in the Moab area from the ground, then look no further than the local boutique tour company Moab in a Day. They offer guided hiking and sightseeing tours around Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park and they cater to visitors who are limited on time! The guides will ensure that you experience the best sights that the parks have to offer, and will even snap photos of you along the way. The guides are very knowledgeable about the local landscapes and they are more than happy to answer all of your questions.

Welcome to Moab!

With so many things to see in Moab and adventurous activities to pursue, it can be difficult to decide on what to fit into your schedule from the Rockies to the Red Rocks — especially if you are pressed for time!

We hope that this list has given you an idea or two of what to see and do in Moab while passing through. If you aren’t able to get to everything on your Moab bucket list this time around, remember that you can always come back for more adventure! 

We wish you safe and happy travels from our team at Redtail Air.