15 things you must do in Moab, Utah

Beyond the desert climate and piles of dust, you'll notice something pretty quickly upon arriving in Moab, Utah: there are plenty of things to do here, whether it's hiking, biking, or camping. You'll discover that this seemingly barren wasteland is full of life, adventure, and possibility. The town has been featured in hundreds of movies for a reason. No other place in America looks more like a film set than this one. Put on those hiking boots and see what makes this desert so cinematic. 

The quintessential Moab experience is this three-mile hike with vast, take-your-breath-away views of Moab's famous arch. The signature hike has incredible terrain, including valleys, canyons, and mountains, but the arch at the end keeps people coming back for more. 

Here's your chance to drive on one of America's most windy roads. You'll follow switchbacks through canyons until you reach a thousand-foot cliff — the very same one Thelma and Louise drove off at the end of their trip. 

The two main attractions on this hike are a couple of rock formations. First, there's Landscape Arch, a 90-foot arch that spans across the horizon like a contrail. Then, there's Double O' Arch, a 30-foot arch that stacks two arches on top of each other like pancakes. Both are worth checking out. So are the many trails along the way. 

There are more than just shops along this tourist stretch of town. There are also a number of restaurants, breweries, and rental spots for your afternoon activities. Whether you want to rent a bike or a truck, this area has you covered. 

Enjoy a meal at a barbecue right in the heart of town. Open seven days a week, this restaurant is about getting a taste of the Old West. At $20 a plate, it's a good deal for families after a long day's journey.  

Moab is a world-class destination for mountain biking. If you're a more experienced rider, there's no better place to ride than Slick Rock trail, which is basically a skate park made of rock. 

You may need to camp overnight for this one unless you don't mind hanging around after dark. It's absolutely worth it either way. These are some of the clearest and most mesmerizing skies. From the Milky Way to the Big Dipper to the Orion Belt, this is one activity you can't afford to miss.

This canyon perches 1,000 feet over the desert with gorgeous views of Monitor, Merrimac, and Route 128. All Moab views are impressive, but this one is beyond special. You'll be staring at two of the most famous buttes in the world — buttes that have starred in movies such as Stagecoach, Westworld, and National Lampoon's: Vacation. 

Dumb as a bag of rocks? Hardly. This rock shop is overflowing with intelligence, information, and more colors than all the rainbows in Oz. One of the most impressive rock collections in America, Lin Ottinger's has everything from fossils and minerals to dinosaurs. No trip to Moab is complete without a visit. 

Currently, UTVs in Moab are restricted from entering National Parks. Still, that doesn't mean you can't explore trails and discover views on these mini vehicles. Just remember to do your research ahead of time. Some trails are not meant for UTVs.

This park is home to the Colorado River and the East Rim Trail. Named after the cowboys who used to slaughter horses with their cattle, the park itself is anything but dead. In fact, to drive around its canyons is to float on velvet clouds and pillows of golden dust. 

This magnificent (and less visited) mountain range offers hiking, driving, and sunset chasing. It has some of the easiest roads to navigate in Moab and is dotted with giant rocks and tiny forests. It's also home to the city's coldest weather, which makes it a perfect spot for summer vacations.

If you couldn't already tell, driving is the main activity in Moab. There are more Jeeps than Priuses in LA, and you can't drive two minutes without coming to a new off-road trail. One of the best places to drive is Potash Road, a 17-mile stretch of highway that flows through lush canyons, sandstone cliffs, and hieroglyphics dating back over 10,000 years.  

This place claims to be the oldest diner in Moab, established in 1960. If you need a place to grab breakfast, stop in for their delicious eggs, bacon, and pancakes. 

You gotta have a big stomach and bigger guts to take down the Whole Enchilada. A bumpy bike trail that has more ledges than the Grand Canyon, this is hands down the gnarliest trail in Utah. Only go if you have experience with black-level trails.