We’re home from an incredible trip! I spent the week with two close friends after attending the Everything Food Conference in Salt Lake City, and we extended our stay to explore Utah. None of us had been to the state before and we were blown away — Utah feels like several different climates in one place: lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and red-rock desert landscapes that look otherworldly.
On Saturday night after the conference we drove about four hours to Moab, Utah. The highway views were spectacular the whole way. We rented a standard car (perfect unless you plan to go off-roading) and chose a budget-friendly hotel since we mostly needed a clean place to sleep and store our gear. Every day we were up at 6 AM and in bed by 10 PM — no alarm necessary. For our girls’ trip we had three main goals:
1. EAT — sample good food and local craft beers.
2. HIKE — explore the parks on foot.
3. BOND — spend quality time together away from everyday life.
What We Hiked
My friends Linley and Emily move at a fast pace—Emily has completed ultra marathons and Linley has endless energy—so I knew I’d be the slowest. Still, hiking with them pushed me, and we covered roughly 30 miles over three days. Our plan included two longer hikes (about 12 miles each) and one shorter route (around 8 miles). Weather cut our second long hike short, but each trail was memorable.
Moab is an excellent base for exploring both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It’s under a 10-minute drive to Arches and roughly 90 minutes to the Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district. We chose routes based on distance and scenic payoff and also incorporated recommendations from readers, for which we’re grateful.
Canyonlands — Alcove Springs
miles: 12.8 || time: 6.5 hours
This was our longest and most demanding hike. We drove about 90 minutes to the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park. The route begins by descending into a canyon and then follows a wash—what was once a riverbed—winding through narrow canyons and culminating in a striking view of the rock formations known as Zeus and Moses. We only passed a few other hikers, which made the experience feel remote. Arrive early, bring plenty of water and food, and be prepared for long stretches in direct sun. With its length and exposed terrain, I’d classify this as an advanced hike but absolutely worthwhile.
Arches — Delicate Arch
miles: 3 || time: 1.5 hours
Delicate Arch is a must-see when visiting Moab. Located inside Arches National Park, the round-trip hike is about 3 miles and rewards hikers with a close-up view of the arch. The site is fantastic for photography and for soaking in the landscape, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is dramatic. If you hike early or late, carry a headlamp for the return. If hiking isn’t for you, two viewpoints in the park also offer vistas of Delicate Arch.
Arches — Broken Arch, Tapestry Arch, and Windows
miles: 9.5 (combined) || time: ~4 hours
When you visit Arches, plan to explore as many formations as you can. We combined several trails to visit Broken Arch, Tapestry Arch, and the Windows area in one loop. Terrain is generally moderate and exposed, so sunscreen, plenty of water, and early starts are recommended. Arches is more heavily trafficked than Canyonlands, so arriving early improves parking and shade options.
Canyonlands — Chesler Park
miles: 6 || time: 3 hours
Chesler Park is in the Needles district of Canyonlands, about an hour and a half from Moab. The trail winds through narrow canyons and among needle-like rock formations. You’ll encounter sections on exposed sandstone and stretches of soft sand. We experienced heavy rain one day and the trail became challenging; we didn’t finish that loop due to inadequate rain gear. If weather looks unsettled, pack a waterproof layer and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Lions Trail
miles: 4 || time: 1.5 hours
The Lions Trail follows a paved bike path that runs from Moab toward Canyonlands, starting near the Colorado River. It’s a pleasant, relatively flat route that’s great for walking, running, or easy biking with sweeping red-rock views and the river nearby. Because it begins close to town, it’s an easy option for a short outing or warm-up run.
Hiking Tips for the Moab Region
A few practical tips if you’re planning hiking or outdoor adventures in Moab and the surrounding national parks:
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need—desert hikes are dehydrating.
- Check the forecast. Flash floods and lightning are real hazards; avoid exposed rock during storms.
- Talk to park rangers and locals for current trail conditions and recommendations.
- Be flexible—weather, road work, and crowds can affect access. Have alternate plans.
- Pack smart: snacks, extra water, sun protection, and a light rain jacket are essentials.
PS: I also wrote about my favorite active travel gear if you want packing ideas.
EAT
We sampled a lot of Moab’s dining scene. After long hikes, hearty comfort food and a cold local beer hit the spot. Utah’s liquor laws limit draft beer ABV and regulate spirits, so you might find canned craft beer more available than strong on-tap pours. Here are the spots we enjoyed and recommend for visitors seeking the best restaurants in Moab.
Peace Tree Cafe
Peace Tree came highly recommended and we loved it. We visited multiple times for dinner, coffee, and appetizers. The patio is lovely and the menu is varied. I had a satisfying burrito for dinner and appreciated the local beer selections.
Moab Brewery
Moab Brewery is a favorite if you enjoy local craft beer. The menu is extensive and perfect after a long hike—fish and chips hit the spot for me. Expect a wait during busy times, but the food and beer make it worth it.
Jailhouse Cafe
We finished our stay with breakfast at the Jailhouse Cafe. The whole-grain waffles earned high marks, and the Swedish pancakes and classic breakfasts were excellent. Service can vary, but the food was great.
Love Muffin Cafe
Love Muffin is a dependable spot for breakfast or lunch. Their breakfast burritos are outstanding—go before noon if you want breakfast items—and their sandwiches are solid, too.
Miguel’s Baja Grill
Miguel’s serves authentic Mexican flavors and is worth the wait for a table. Tacos and fresh chips and salsa made for a great evening meal after a long day outdoors.
Singha Thai Restaurant
This off-the-main-drag gem offers excellent Thai food and even brown rice. We enjoyed spring rolls, yellow curry, and a flavorful Thai basil stir-fry that I’m determined to recreate at home.
The Spoke
The Spoke is a great casual stop for beers, appetizers, or ice cream from their walk-up window. Their brussels sprouts appetizer and soft-serve were crowd-pleasers for our group.
That was a long recap—have you been to Moab? What were your favorite hikes or restaurants? And where are you headed next?