UTAH

Utah has some of the most dramatic landscape in North America, and Moab sits at the center of it. Flanked by two of America’s great national parks — Arches to the north and Canyonlands to the west — and set along the Colorado River in a canyon that turns deep red at sunset, it’s one of those places that looks better in real life than in photographs, which is saying something.

Our Utah coverage is focused on Moab, based on firsthand experience. Nothing here is sponsored.

Where we cover in Utah:

Moab — The gateway town to Arches and Canyonlands has evolved well beyond its rough-and-ready adventure sports origins. The hotel scene now includes genuine luxury options alongside excellent glamping properties that put you directly in the landscape, and the restaurant scene is significantly better than you’d expect for a town this size. It works exceptionally well for families — the combination of accessible hikes, jeep tours, river activities, and national park access gives kids (and adults) an almost overwhelming number of ways to spend the day. See our full guide to where to stay in Moab — covering the best luxury hotels, glamping options, and family stays — for everything you need to plan the accommodation side of a trip.

Hiking in Moab — The hiking around Moab is world-class, ranging from short, accessible walks through Arches National Park to demanding backcountry routes through Canyonlands. The landscape is unlike anywhere else in the country — red sandstone fins, natural arches, canyon rims, and desert terrain that changes color dramatically through the day. See our guide to the best hikes in Moab for the routes worth prioritizing, broken down by difficulty and what you’ll see.

Arches vs. Canyonlands: Both parks are spectacular but very different. Arches is more accessible and more concentrated — you can cover the highlights in a full day — and is the right call for first-timers or families with younger kids. Canyonlands is bigger, wilder, and requires more commitment, but rewards it with a sense of scale and solitude that Arches can’t match in peak season. Most visitors to Moab should do both if time allows.

Best time to visit Moab: Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the sweet spots — mild temperatures, clear skies, and the best light for photography. Summer brings intense heat, often exceeding 100°F, which makes midday hiking genuinely dangerous. Winter is cold but surprisingly beautiful, with snow on the red rock and far fewer crowds.