Trips to Moab
Moab, located just south of the Colorado River, serves as the gateway to the iconic red rock formations of Arches National Park. Renowned for its world-class scenery and outdoor recreation, visitors can enjoy activities such as scenic hikes, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding. Beyond adventure, the town’s western charm offers a variety of excellent dining options and relaxing spots. Its remote setting makes Moab an ideal destination to escape urban life and immerse in nature.
Getting To and From Moab
Moab serves as a gateway to southeastern Utah’s iconic landscapes, with regional road connections linking the town to nearby cities and national parks. While air service is available at nearby regional airports, most access is via ground transportation, including private transfers and guided motorcoach connections.
For more information on Canyon Spirit arrivals and departures, visit: Canyon Spirit
Guests arriving in Moab on the Canyon Spirit train will receive a motorcoach transfer to their hotel if they have booked a package, or a transfer to a central location in town if they have booked their accommodation independently. Drop-off locations include Hoodoo Moab by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hyatt Place Moab, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Downtown Moab, and the Canyon Spirit Moab Guest Center.
If arriving in Moab by air, travelers typically land at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) with daily flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) operated by Contour Airlines.
Alternatively, guests may fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), located approximately 113 miles from Moab. In addition to Denver and Phoenix, this airport also offers regularly scheduled flights from Dallas and Las Vegas.
From either airport, visitors can rent a car or arrange a shuttle to reach downtown Moab. Moab Express provides reliable airport transfer services.
Alternatively, a taxi service is available from CNY, taking roughly 20 minutes with fares of approximately $110. Reservations can be made by contacting Moab Taxi at 1 435 210 4297.
Guests can arrange transportation from Salt Lake City with Moab Express for a comfortable, private experience. Alternatively, Salt Lake Express offers a daily scheduled Motorcoach service. Salt Lake Express departs once daily at 15:30 from either the airport or downtown (60 N Temple), with a fare of approximately $65 per person. The transfer takes approximately 5.5 hours and drops off at Moab Chevron.
Renting a car with Enterprise is recommended, as it has both a downtown Moab location and a Moab Canyonlands Airport location. Enterprise also serves as one of the designated drop-off points for Canyon Spirit transfers. Rental cars in this area typically sell out many months in advance, and have limited availability for one-way rentals between major cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas.
It is recommended to download the Enterprise app and complete all required information before pickup. The downtown location is small, and completing the app in advance helps streamline the process for Canyon Spirit guests and reduces wait times.
Guests departing Moab on the Canyon Spirit train will receive a motorcoach transfer from their hotel if they have booked a package, or from a central location in town if they have booked their accommodation independently. Pick-up locations include Hoodoo Moab by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Hyatt Place Moab.
Guests can depart from Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), noting that flights currently operate only to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with Contour Airlines. Flights generally run once daily.
Alternatively, guests may fly out of Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), located approximately 113 miles from Moab. In addition to Denver and Phoenix, this airport also offers regularly scheduled flights to Dallas and Las Vegas.
To get to either airport, visitors can rent a car or arrange a shuttle from downtown Moab. Moab Express provides reliable airport transfer services.
Alternatively, a taxi service is available to CNY, taking roughly 20 minutes with fares of approximately $110. Reservations can be made by contacting Moab Taxi at 1 435 210 4297.
Guests can arrange transportation to Salt Lake City with Moab Express for a comfortable, private experience. Alternatively, Salt Lake Express offers a daily scheduled Motorcoach service. Salt Lake Express departs once daily at 10:40 from Moab Chevron, with a fare of approximately $65 per person. The transfer takes approximately 5.5 hours and drops off at the Salt Lake City Airport.
Renting a car with Enterprise is recommended, as it has both a downtown Moab location and a Moab Canyonlands Airport location. Enterprise also serves as one of the designated drop-off points for Canyon Spirit transfers. Rental cars in this area typically sell out many months in advance, and have limited availability for one-way rentals between major cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas.
It is recommended to download the Enterprise app and complete all required information before pickup. The downtown location is small, and completing the app in advance helps streamline the process for Canyon Spirit guests and reduces wait times.
Where to Eat in Moab
Moab offers a diverse dining scene that caters to a range of tastes and experiences. From casual cafés and coffee shops to upscale restaurants serving locally sourced cuisine, visitors can enjoy everything from hearty Western fare to fresh international dishes. Whether looking for a quick bite before exploring the parks or a relaxed evening meal after a day of adventure, Moab’s restaurants provide memorable flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Arches Thai presents traditional Thai dishes and signature Pho prepared with fresh ingredients and careful attention to quality. The menu includes gluten free selections upon request, and every plate is prepared to order to ensure a balanced and flavorful dining experience.
Lunch | Daily | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner | Daily | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cactus Jacks serves well known breakfast plates and popular brunch selections in a bright, comfortable setting suited for groups of any size. Guests can enjoy a quick coffee or settle in for a relaxed meal that includes favorites such as chicken and waffles. It remains a trusted choice among local diners for brunch and mimosas.
Daily | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Dewey’s Restaurant and Bar features a menu shaped by more than 30 years of culinary experience, highlighting well crafted dishes that reflect skill and attention to detail. A professional and welcoming team supports each service with consistent care, creating a relaxed atmosphere suited for casual meals, social gatherings, and evening dining.
Daily | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Miguel’s Baja Grill serves classic dishes from Baja California Sur with fresh seafood, vibrant Mexican flavors, and margaritas prepared from scratch. Each meal is made to order with quality ingredients, creating a warm and lively setting suited for relaxed dining. Buen Provecho!
Daily | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sabaku Sushi offers a menu that caters to all tastes, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and carnivore options. Ingredients are fresh, sustainable, and responsibly sourced, with locally grown produce and regional meats. Fish is flown in multiple times per week, and house-made tamago and anago highlight the commitment to quality and flavor.
Tuesday to Saturday | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Spoke on Center in Moab, Utah, offers gourmet handcrafted burgers, fresh salads, soft serve ice cream, and a variety of casual favorites. The restaurant provides a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick meal or casual dining with friends and family.
Daily | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about visiting Moab, including travel guidance, local insight, and practical details that support a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The train from Denver to Moab follows a celebrated route known for towering cliffs, winding river valleys, and expansive desert views. This rail journey showcases the character of a Rocky Mountain railroad experience, with comfortable seating, elevated service, and uninterrupted scenery from departure to arrival.
The Denver to Moab train operates through Canyon Spirit, which provides a refined rail experience across the Rocky Mountains. Guests can request a quote for rail tickets or choose a curated tour package that includes assigned seating, hotel arrangements, and coordinated services designed for a smooth journey.
All rail vacation package options feature the Canyon Spirit train as the primary mode of travel between Denver and Moab. These packages include hotels, sightseeing opportunities, and support from vacation planners who ensure that each part of the itinerary is arranged with care.
The Canyon Spirit arrival point is located outside central Moab, and an arranged transfer brings travelers directly into town. This service eliminates logistical planning and provides a convenient way to reach hotels, restaurants, and nearby sightseeing areas.
This Rocky Mountain train ride follows a route shaped by dramatic elevation changes, historic tunnels, and vivid canyon walls. Travelers can expect leisurely travel through landscapes that shift from alpine forest to deep red sandstone, creating a memorable way to cross the Rockies.
Visitors can plan up to two or four days in Moab to enjoy a blend of national park exploration and relaxed downtime. This duration allows time for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, scenic drives, guided excursions, and open hours to experience the character of the town.
Yes. Hotel transfers within Moab are arranged through Canyon Spirit for an efficient transition from the rail platform to selected hotels. This service is designed to reduce travel time and provide a simple way to begin the stay without additional planning.
Moab serves as an ideal hub for visits to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, with easy access to viewpoints, trailheads, and guided activities. Travelers can enjoy a mix of structured tours and independent exploration with minimal travel distance.
A car can be helpful for scenic drives, photo stops, and flexible day planning. However, travelers who prefer guided experiences can rely on local operators who run excursions to major parks and natural attractions without the need for self driving.
Moab is approximately 235 miles (380 km) from Salt Lake City by road, with a drive time of 3.5 to 4 hours. Direct flights take approximately 60 minutes in the air, though total travel time is longer once airport procedures are included. Motorcoach services take approximately 5.5 hours, depending on stops and schedule.
