A Weekend in Moab, UT — What to Do

Moab is a small town found in the east side of central Utah. It’s known for its incredible mountain biking, massive red rock formations, and beautiful desert landscapes. In this post, you’ll find some fun sites to hit while in Moab for a short weekend getaway.

Friday Early Afternoon:

After traveling to Moab, whether driving or flying or maybe a little of both, stretching out those legs is top priority.

Take a quick stop at the Bar M mountain biking trails. Located at the north end of town, about ten minutes from the entrance to Arches National Park, these trails are quick and easy, offering a perfect introduction to mountain biking in Moab. You can jump on pretty much any trail. They all loop around and end up back at the entrance, eventually.

Friday Late Afternoon:

After getting a nice helping of mountain biking, head south about 10 minutes on main street, then follow the Colorado River up through the canyon another 10 minutes to Grandstaff Canyon Trailhead. This trail heads east about 2.5 miles one way over red rock, through a river, and ends underneath Morning Glory Arch. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some adventurers repel off the top!

Because of the massive canyon walls, nighttime darkness comes a little sooner on this hike. Make sure to take a flashlight, just in case. The hike is about 5.5 miles round trip, which should take about 4 hours.

Saturday Morning:

There are two different options for adventure on Saturday morning — one is for the newbie and one is for the adventure seeker with a little more experience.

For the Newbie:

Arches National Park is a must for anyone that visits Moab. Drive through the park and enjoy the spectacular red rock structures. If you’re feeling up to it, take the three mile hike to Delicate Arch and experience one of Utah’s most prominent features. The hike is fairly mild with about 600ft elevation gain and the most spectacular views.

For the Experienced Adventurer:

Climbing and Repelling off Looking Glass Rock is a thrilling adventure. Following it up with a swing off one of the ledges is just the icing on the cake.

Looking Glass Rock is located about 30 minutes south of Moab. Four-wheel drive and high clearance is probably preferred to get there, as the drive includes a dirt road and sand trail with some bumps.

The right side of the arch is bolted, with three pitches to climb on top of the arch. Rated at 5.6, the climb is fairly easy. It’s basically walking up the side of the arch. If you’re a real daredevil, climb the arch without a rope. However, there are two sections that are a little more difficult where a rope is strongly recommended.

The first section is a vertical wall. Although it is a short ascent, it’s nice to have the security of the rope. It’s important to know your limits as a climber to determine whether or not a rope is necessary.

The second section is a slabby piece of sand-covered rock. With minimal holds and footing, the sand makes it easy to slip off the rock. Again, having a rope adds some extra security.

Once on top of the arch, there are two anchors to tie into — one in the center of the arch and the other on the right side, down a small section of rock into a crevice. The center bolt is a more difficult repel with an overhang and free-fall. The second anchor allows the support of a wall.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, leave the rope set up for the swing.

The swing out of the center is a bit sketchy. Absolutely all the slack and then some must be taken out of the rope to prevent the swinger from being drug through the rocks down below. However, if it’s done right, the swing is so fun!

The swinger will have their own ATC. After a few swings, the swinger will lower themselves to the bottom.

The second swing, on the right side of the arch, is a bit safer. With a large drop off down below, the risk of crashing is quite small. The swinger will hike up on the hill then walk across the ledge. The belayer down below will remove all slack from the rope, and, when the swinger is ready, they will step off the ledge. After a few swings, the belayer will lower the swinger.

Depending on your group size, this activity may take a few hours or all day.

Saturday afternoon:

It’s time for more mountain biking! Because.. When in Moab, do as the Moab-ites do. (Is Moab-ites correct? You get the idea.)

Head north and enjoy the beautiful scenic drive up to Navajo Rocks Trailhead. This trailhead is about an hour drive from Looking Glass Rock, but the views on the drive make it all worth it! The Navajo Rocks trails are more intermediate to advanced. These trails truly give the visitor a taste of Moab/red rock biking.

Sunday Morning:

On the final day in Moab, take a nice drive up to Gemini Bridges. Located on the north end of Moab, The two arch bridges overlook a massive canyon. From the parking space, hikers can walk out on top of the arches and take pictures sitting on the edge.

There are a few different routes up to Gemini Bridges. Some routes are more suitable for a side-by-side, but there is also a dirt road that goes all the way up that is more suitable for a vehicle.

Following Google Maps is a safe bet. The drive is about 40 minutes from Arches National Park.

That’s all! Whether you are a regular visitor or first-timer, these activities are sure to provide a memorable weekend in Moab, UT.