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. Sun glistening off the snow-topped red rocks at Arches National Park. Long nights for some stellar dark-sky stargazing. Read on for more tips on planning a winter getaway to Moab.
Easy to visit
Contour Airlines runs daily flights from Denver to 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.
When arriving by air, expect a scenic welcome that sets the tone for your entire trip. 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 powder-dusted vistas below. See beauties like the La Sal Mountains and Arches National Park from the comfort of your seat. 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. More than 2,000 of these stunning formations dot the 120-square-mile park, which is located about five miles north of Moab. Drive along the park's paved Arches Scenic Drive to enjoy vista views.
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 into a few different districts. Just 32 miles from Moab, the Island in the Sky District offers an approachable way to visit. A paved scenic drive leads to pullouts and overlooks that reveal snowy canyon views and sweeping frost-kissed vistas. (Travelzoo tip: sunrise and sunset are two of the most beautiful times of day to take in the canyons.)
Moab is also the perfect launch point for Dead Horse Point State Park. It offers a stunning view 2,000 feet above a bend in the Colorado River. It’s also a premier stargazing destination, honored as the first Utah state park to be recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. With cities out of sight from its high plateau location, you'll have a full view of the night sky. 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 want to spend a wintery day cross-country skiing on groomed trails in the La Sal Mountains. While the glistening snow makes for a stunning sight and great skiing, it can also affect road and trail conditions. Be sure to check the parks' websites for weather updates and safety precautions before heading out.
Beyond the parks
When you're not out exploring the region's geologic wonders, head into town to enjoy local events and warm up with a great meal. Downtown's charming Main Street is dotted with inviting restaurants, unique shops, craft breweries and more. You can also stroll what's said to be Moab's easiest trail—an outdoor sculpture walk. 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 offers comfort food 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 also offers a lineup of cozy, indoor winter events to keep the season warm and lively. The Moab Music Festival’s 10th Annual Winterlude will take the stage February 21-27. Expect a week filled with workshops, concerts and community. The Moab SyFy Film Festival will also return in 2026 with evening film screenings (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 like 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 takes riders past some of the region's highlights, like the Colorado River. For serious mountain bikers, May's TransRockies Moab Rocks puts those skills to the test, covering 76 miles and up to 7,800 feet of elevation gain.