Everyone knows Moab, Utah is jam-packed with fun in the spring, summer, and fall: hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, off-roading, ballooning...more than you could possibly do in one visit.
But what about winter? "Moab" and "winter" aren't two words you'd normally put together, but maybe they should be!
Moab in winter is uniquely magical. The contrast of white snow, blue sky, winter lighting, and stark red rock arches and canyons turn the dry desert landscape into something out of a fantasy.
This otherworldliness is accentuated by the fact that you'll see hardly any other visitors, as Moab in winter is still a bit of a local secret.
Most people avoid Moab in winter because of its colder temperatures and snowy weather, but proper gear solves that problem in a snap. Personally, I'd rather hike in Moab in the winter than the summer...the summer months of June, July, and August can be so hot that it's absolutely unbearable (even a little dangerous).
So with all of that said, what can you even do during the winter? I've outlined the best things to do below so you can start planning your trip for December or January.
(And don't forget that the pool and hot tubs at Sage Creek at Moab are heated year-round...that's an attraction worth traveling for by itself!)
Enjoy The Same Hikes in Arches National Park, Just With Fewer People
Busy times in Moab can feel like a zoo. It gets absolutely packed, making it impossible to enjoy some quiet serenity for more than a moment or even just get a picture without someone else in it.
A trip to Moab in winter is different. You can complete the same hikes as you can at any other time of year, but at the end, you can really sit and enjoy your surroundings. Take some time to be alone with your thoughts, snap some beautiful photos, or enjoy a romantic moment with your partner without being interrupted. We recommend the trails in Arches National Park, which is open year-round.
Bike, bike, bike!
Unless it's icy, mountain biking is still a blast when visiting Moab in the winter. Just bundle up a bit and enjoy the miles and miles of wide-open, uncrowded trails.
A few bike shops stay open during the winter, so you should have no problem renting any gear you might need.
Sightsee in Your Car
Winter or summer, the simple joy of driving around Moab to sightsee is one of the best things to do. Enjoy views of the Colorado River and sky district with a snowy visit to Moab.
I especially recommend visiting Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point when there's snow on the ground...unbelievable! One tip: Double-check RV campsites are open if you're planning a trip in a motorhome or trailer.
Marvel at the Snow in the La Sal Mountains
I know what you're thinking...the snow is what I'm trying to get away from! But snow in Moab is a marvel. It accentuates the bright reds of the rocks and the blues of the sky. It adds to the dimension of the landscape that you just don't get in other seasons. In short...it's beautiful.
(Much more beautiful than the gray, sludgy snow on the side of the road that we normally get to look at!)
Enjoy the snow with the activity Utah is best known for: skiing! The La Sal mountains offer cross-country skiing when hiking trail conditions make them impossible for summer activities. Enjoy the snow as you ski through snowy forests and backcountry terrain. If backcountry skiing is more your thing, the La Sal Mountains also have a lot to offer. Make sure to take safety precautions!
Enjoy Cozy Dining in Downtown Moab
Many restaurants and shops close in Moab during the winter, but that just gives you the opportunity to enjoy the local dining scene without mobs of tourists. In the peak seasons, these restaurants, especially those on Main Street, can feel impossible to try. Take advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices with a Winter trip.
What better way to end a day of winter adventures than an evening spent with a warm, cozy dining room in town and a local-approved meal?
Looking for a Great Home Base for Your Utah Adventure?
Browse our variety of Moab vacation rentals located at the Sage Creek Resort, Downtown Moab, or Desert Rim. We offer Moab condo rentals for groups of all sizes to be centrally located to the best activities and attractions. Our Moab lodging comes with luxury amenities to help you feel all of the comforts of home. Contact our local team to help assist in planning your next getaway to Moab and other beautiful destinations in Utah. We are excited to share our local knowledge and tips to create the perfect Moab Vacation.
Make the most of your time in Utah and book your stay in a luxury Moab Vacation Rental to experience all Moab has to offer!
