Why winter in Moab really rocks
A destination like Moab, Utah needs no introduction. Its famed national and state parks top adventure travelers’ wish lists and make it a summer hot spot. But few beyond the locals know that winter in Moab has advantages that other seasons just can’t compete with.
Smaller crowds. Affordable hotel rooms. Entrance into parks with no timed entry. Sun glistening off the snow-topped red rocks at Arches National Park. Long nights for some serious dark-sky stargazing. Read on for more tips on planning a winter getaway to Moab.
Easy to visit
Contour Airlines runs daily flights from Phoenix into Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY), just outside of Moab. Fly direct or enjoy seamless connections with their partner American Airlines. You'll have the same baggage allowance throughout your whole trip (carry-on included) and they'll handle the checked baggage transfer for you.
The flight into Utah is a sightseeing experience in itself. Contour’s Embraer jets have two seats on one side and one on the other, so you’re never far from a front-row view of the vistas below. See beauties like Lake Powell and Canyonlands National Park from the comfort of your seat (with a complimentary beverage and pretzels in hand). There are no middle seats and you’ll get 36 inches of legroom for a very comfy flight experience.
The stars of the show
With the highest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world, Arches National Park lives up to its name. Over 2,000 of these stunning formations dot the 120-square-mile park, which is located about 5 miles north of Moab. Drive the scenic route through the park's paved road to enjoy vista views, or park and embark on a trail or two.
The park requires a reservation before you make your way to the park during peak seasons (April–June and August–October from 7a.m. to 4p.m.) and reservations can book up fast. But from November–March, no reservations are required (just another wintertime perk).
The largest of Utah's national parks, Canyonlands National Park preserves 527 square miles of scenic land. It's open year-round (though the visitor centers can close in winter). The park is so large, it's divided up into a few different districts. The Island in the Sky District is just 32 miles from Moab and offers an approachable way to visit with a paved, scenic drive filled with pullouts and overlooks onto vast, jaw-dropping canyon views. (Travelzoo tip: sunrise and sunset are two of the most beautiful times of day to take in the canyons.) Stretch your legs and hop onto one of the district’s trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. For those feeling extra adventurous, the park is also known as a backpacking destination.
Moab is also the perfect launch point for Dead Horse Point State Park. It offers a stunning viewing spot 2,000 feet above a bend in the Colorado River. It’s also an ideal stargazing destination; it’s the first Utah state park to be recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. With cities in the distance and its high plateau location, you'll have a full view of the night sky. Check out the park's website for after-dark events like a ranger-led Moon Hike or their Stars and Stories program. The options don't stop there, as Arches and Canyonlands are also International Dark Sky Parks (and the city of Moab itself is a designated International Dark Sky Community).
Adventurers looking to bundle up and explore outside may consider grabbing some ski poles and hitting the trails in the La Sal Mountains. Spend a snowy day cross-country skiing on worked trails or its backcountry terrain. While the glistening snow makes for a stunning sight and great skiing conditions, it can also affect road and trail conditions. Be sure to check the parks' websites for conditions before heading out.
Beyond the parks
When you're not exploring the region's geologic wonders, enjoy in-town happenings and cozy up with a good meal in Downtown Moab. Its quintessential Main Street is dotted with restaurants, shops, breweries and more. You can also peruse what's said to be Moab's easiest trail: an outdoor sculpture trail. The artwork rotates every September, and the pieces are for sale. Find more information through Moab ArTTrails.
A local staple, the Moab Diner is conveniently located on Main Street and open from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. You can expect diner classics and all-day breakfast, perfect after a full day of exploring. (Be sure to try their signature green chili sauce, too.) Downtown's Trailhead Public House and Eatery also offers hearty menu items like their signature fish and chips, Reuben and bread pudding.
Moab is also chock full of cozy indoor wintertime events. The 9th annual Winterlude Moab Music Festival will take the stage January 25–February 1. Guest ensembles will partake in five public performances throughout the week (three of those performances offer free admission). The Moab SyFy Film Festival will also return in February with three film screenings throughout the month (pair this after a night of stargazing for an other-worldly night).
Runners and bikers will rejoice in Moab's outdoor sporting winter events, where the cooler temps are a welcome relief compared to the summer sun. Find running events every month January–April like the Moab’s Red Hot Ultra in February and Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 mile in March (the views will help distract you from thinking about which mile you’re on). The Skinny Tire Festival in March is a 4-day cycling event that rides by some of the regions' highlights, like the Colorado River. For serious mountain bikers, April's TransRockies Moab Rocks puts those skills to the test, covering 76 miles and up to 7,800 feet of elevation.