When it comes to planning the perfect getaway, many travelers start by setting their sights on a destination that’s as scenic and inviting as it is exciting. For those that have a true deep-seated passion for outdoor adventure, there’s no place on the map quite as appealing as Moab, Utah.
Moab is a mesmerizing destination that hosts one of the most dynamic landscapes imaginable. Between the towering red rocks, sprawling canyons, collection of mesas and buttes, it’s not hard to see upon a first visit why travelers take time to return year after year. Whether you find yourself in Moab in the name of fun, exploration, outdoor adventure, or a little bit of it all, chances are you have some of those iconic stops like Arches National Park and Canyonlands at the top of your must-see list. While these places are fantastic, Moab is a mosaic of opportunities when it comes to places to explore. There are several Moab attractions worth checking out that might be more hidden away in your guidebook. The following five are a few under-the-radar options to consider while you’re in town.
Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art
While Moab’s natural scenery is one of the most intriguing aspects of a trip this way, it’s also a destination with ancient roots. The city and surrounding area’s past can be explored through visiting remnants left behind by cultures of eras gone by. One of the most captivating places to do this is along Utah Scenic Byway 279. This is a paved portion of what is referred to as Potash Road and is an amazing place to pull to the side and admire not only petroglyphs right on the rock walls, but dinosaur tracks too! Moab has a vast prehistoric story that likely included a wide variety of dinosaurs. Seeing their left-behind tracks up close and admiring the artwork of ancient area tribes is a thrill that’s sure to stay with you long after you’ve left your Moab vacation behind.
Moab Film Museum
Travelers have long been intrigued by Moab’s one-of-a-kind terrain, but it’s a lesser-known fact that Hollywood has been taken in by the look of Moab for decades as well! A trip to the Moab Film Museum promises to shed light on just how many movies and cinematic works of art Moab has been featured in—mostly unknowingly to the public! The Moab Film Museum is found within the greater Red Cliffs Lodge at milepost 14 along Highway 28. You might find yourself lingering in this museum longer than planned thanks to the many surprises along the way. Visitors are often thrilled to learn that John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Lee Marvin, and Richard Boone alike have filmed movies in Moab. More recently, City Slickers and Thelma & Louise were big-name movies that used Moab as their filming location.
RedRock Astronomy
Moab promises to be a captivating place to admire during the daytime hours, but fewer visitors take time to appreciate the fact that this locale is just as lovely at night when the sun goes down and the stars come out. Enjoy a new view of popular landscapes by partnering with the team at RedRock Astronomy at least one night of your visit. This outdoor company organizes group cosmos viewing tours at some of Moab’s most iconic sites for a completely new perspective on fan-favorite stops. Viewing areas are set up with chairs and telescopes so you and your crew can get a close-up look at the stars in areas where natural light is practically non-existent. A knowledgeable guide leads you from constellation to constellation in what promises to be a beautiful and unforgettable experience.
Moab Museum
With so much focus on outdoor adventure for Moab visitors, it’s easy to overlook those indoor Moab attractions that are rich in information, insight, and area history. One such place is the Moab Museum. Located at 118 E. Center Street, the Moab Museum is a comprehensive and intriguing stop where guests can browse exhibits and displays that showcase area topics ranging from geology and archeology to paleontology too. From displays that walk guests through the pioneering era in Moab to displays that cover mining, you’ll find a little bit of everything and ultimately, piece together this fascinating city’s story.
Moab Attractions at Hauer Ranch
It’s common for visitors to Moab to take to the terrain on foot, by bike, or at a faster clip via Jeep or ATV. What’s less common, but just as thrilling is taking in the terrain on horseback! Hauer Ranch is a must-visit when you’re excited to get into the wild west spirit of things and see Moab in a new way. Located at the intersection of Onion Creek and Hideout Road, Hauer Ranch offers lessons, and guided rides that are one-of-a-kind in this area.
Enjoy Your Moab Adventure
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to make the most of a Moab getaway. Reach out to Arches Vacation Rentals today to book your stay and enjoy accommodations that keep you close to the fun Moab attractions and living in style.
