Handker ❤️s Adventure: Moab Utah

Everything to do, from where to stay, chill and eat in Moab, Utah!

Person sitting on red sandstone ledge looking over canyon mesas near Moab, Utah at sunrise, wearing a black sweatshirt

Why we went:

My dream vacation all growing up was Arches National Park. So last summer, I randomly said to my best friend Ryan, “Let’s go to Arches.” We immediately started planning the trip. A few weeks later, we found out that our favorite band would be in Salt Lake City the same week we would be in Moab. It was kismet.

Hiker's ankle and sneaker with a blue patterned bandana tied around it, sunrise view of Delicate Arch and red rock canyon in the background

Where to stay:

Glamping canvas tent on a wooden platform beside red sandstone cliffs in Moab, Utah, with outdoor chairs and a coffee table

We just stayed in an Airbnb

Where to eat:

Colorful mural of a stylized sun over orange canyon painted on a restaurant exterior wall in Moab with parked cars in front

Moab Canyon Pizza Co: Perfect after-hike dinner!

In & Out: I’d never been! It’s a must-do when traveling west.

What to do:

Blue-and-white grid bandana draped on red sandstone cliff at sunset in Moab, Utah desert

Hike. The Delicate arches hike was by far my favorite part of the trip. We woke up at 4 am and started hiking around 5. It was pretty intense, with lots of hills and not the best trail markings. Since it was so dark, we got lost a few times, but seeing the sunrise hit the arch was so worth it. The sand dune arch trail was also one of my favorite parts. It was a very simple hike that led to an arch hidden in rock walls. At Canyonlands, we hiked the Grand Viewpoint Trail, accurately named. It was so so beautiful, giving you the perfect views of the canyons and the sunset. Note: Be sure to bring snacks and plenty to drink

Advice:

Two hikers smiling at camera in front of Delicate Arch at sunrise in Arches National Park, Utah

You must see the sunset at Canyonlands sunrise at the delicate arch. Also, keep your group small. I’ve gone on hiking trips with my whole family before, and I cannot imagine doing Arches with that large group of people. Especially since there is just so much to see, and you can’t have anything hold you back.

Highlight:

Sunrise at delicate arches.

The wrap-up:

Guitarist playing center stage with drummer behind a lit drum kit, colorful stage lights and audience silhouettes

We spent the first three days hiking in Arches, and I saw the sunrise hitting Delicate Arch just like I’d wanted to do since I was a fetus. We also hiked Canyonlands and saw the sunset in the canyons. Then, on our last day, we drove 3 hours to SLC for the concert. Ryan and I still say that trip was the best decision we have ever made and possibly will ever make.

Photo dump:

Roadside billboard reads Welcome to UTAH showing painted Delicate Arch with dry grasslands and clear blue sky

City Guide Vol.2: Moab Utah Edition