Just five short miles from Moab, Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches (more than 2,000 to be specific) plus numerous other geological formations. Advanced reservations are required from April through October. Canyonlands National Park, Utah’s largest national park, is only 32 miles from Moab. Featuring miles of pristine canyons and thousands of unique buttes and mesas, you’d need a lifetime to explore them all. Make sure to check out the Island in the Sky, a monumental mesa offering panoramic views over 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain.
The area surrounding Moab is a paleontological treasure trove, full of fossils from the Mesozoic era. Dinosaur lovers and amateur paleontologists alike will find numerous attractions and activities to pique the interest. The Moab Museum features a full-cast skeleton of Gastonia, one of the area’s armored dinosaurs, as well as numerous other fossil exhibits and interesting facts about the area’s Mesozoic history. The Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is an interactive experience featuring 3D life-size dinosaur replicas, complete with interactive games, stunning exhibits, and a huge concentration of fossilized dinosaur tracks.