When you visit Moab, Utah, there are plenty of free things to do. Between exploring the great outdoors and taking in the area’s history, there’s no shortage of budget entertainment.
But traveling can be hard on your pocketbook. After all, nothing can ruin relaxation quite like sticker shock. The good news is that you don’t have to blow your budget to have fun.
Today, we’re highlighting seven of the best free activities in Moab.
Let’s dig in!
About Moab, Utah
Stunning Moab is a haven for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by staggering red-rock formations and high desert, this small town attracts adventurers to Southeastern Utah year-round.
Nestled between Arches and Canyonland National Parks, this oasis features otherworldly landscapes and countless opportunities for exploration. For millennia, the Colorado River has etched its way through the rock, forming deep gorges and natural arches.
The best time to visit depends on what you want from the experience. Summertime brings sweltering temperatures and heavy crowds, but it’s the perfect opportunity to get out on the water.
February and November form the shoulder season when it’s not too busy. The weather is usually mild, but you might get some fresh snow. During the winter, daytime temps are usually in the 40s, but they might drop to the single digits overnight. Fortunately, you’ll find great deals on accommodations.
Because the seasons vary so drastically, you’ll want to think about your goals before you start packing.
Free Things To Do Around Moab
If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the lookout for ways to save, even on vacation. Here are seven top picks for free things to do near Moab.
#1 Free Hikes Around Moab
It’s no surprise that hiking makes our list of free activities in Moab. After all, you’re on an adventure! And you won’t have any shortage of opportunities here.
One local favorite is the trek to Corona Arch. This delicate formation is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property, so there’s no entry fee. The hike is about 2.5 miles round-trip and takes a couple of hours to complete.
It’s relatively strenuous, and at one point, you’ll use a ladder and chains to navigate the terrain. Be sure to wear layers and pack plenty of water. If you choose to take on this challenge during the summer, consider going before the heat of the day.
Whenever you go, just remember the view will be worth it.
#2 Check Out the Moab Museum of Film And Western Heritage
For the last 100 years, filmmakers have used the area’s unusual landscapes as the backdrop for countless films. Actors like John Wayne, Judy Garland, and Henry Fonda starred in everything from spaghetti Westerns to science fiction movies.
You can learn all about the creation of flicks like Planet of the Apes and How the West Was Won at the Museum of Film and Western Heritage. Best of all, you can visit this Moab establishment for free. They’ve gone to great lengths to preserve this part of the past, and a stop is worth your time.
It’s inside the Red Cliffs Lodge on Highway 128. They’re open daily, but if you have a big group, you must make reservations in advance.
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#3 Visit the Moab Information Center
If you’re just getting into town, make the Information Center your first stop. It’s the ultimate place to get resources for free things to do in Moab. But, as the name implies, they offer all sorts of information as well.
Interpretive displays tell the story of the region’s geological formations and much more. From April to November, they partner with the Museum of Moab to put on their lecture series. Knowledgeable speakers might talk about anything from natural history to cultural innovations. They’re open to the public and won’t cost you a dime.
And with all the money you save doing free things, you can afford to pick up some swag at the gift shop!
#4 Float Along the Colorado River
Despite the surrounding desert, the Colorado River is a major landscape feature. After all, it carved colossal canyons into the rock over millennia. Today, folks use it for all kinds of free recreation around Moab.
If you own a paddleboard or kayak, you’ll find plenty of places to launch at no cost. The most you’ll likely pay is a small parking fee. Numerous shuttle services can get you and your gear back to your vehicle.
One stretch of the Colorado called the Moab Daily has relatively calm waters. However, depending on the flow rate, you could encounter rapids up to Class III. Be prepared for whatever the river throws at you!
#5 Enjoy a Free Concert in Moab
If you time your trip just right, you can enjoy one of their free concerts. These take place on select Fridays during the summer months. The 2023 series featured Latin groove band Nosotros, trumpeter Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, and other local favorites.
The events take place in Swanny Park, and they’re entirely complimentary. Those who attend can also fill out a survey for a chance to win free tickets to the Moab Folk Festival.
An organization called Friends of the Moab Folk Festival puts on these shows every year. Consider volunteering to keep the event running.
If you have a little more in your budget, try these 5 Best Day Trips Around Stunning Moab, Utah.
#6 Camp for Free Near Moab
BLM operates a lot of the land around Moab, meaning you’ll find tons of opportunities for free camping.
About 30 minutes north of town is the Lone Mesa Dispersed Campsite. You might have a bumpy ride, but once you find a spot, you’ll have 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Reviewers suggest scouting out your site before hauling your rig down the road, as access can be iffy.
The Black Ridge Area is another popular spot for boondockers. It’s 20 minutes south and features open-sky views with towering mountains in the distance. Be careful on the drive in. Many people report that the road is heavily rutted in some spots, but you should be fine if you take it slow.
#7 Discover Dinosaur Tracks
Step back in time to the Jurassic Period, 150 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the land. In those days, it was all swampy bogs and mud flats. Today, over 200 fossilized tracks mark the paths of creatures who traversed the area.
The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite is about 15 miles north of town. It’s less than a mile round-trip and takes about 40 minutes to complete. You’ll see Stegosaurus, Camptosaurus, Allosaurus, and Camarasaurus, as well as numerous plant fossils.
To enjoy a free, self-guided tour, pick up a guide at the Moab Field Office on East Dogwood Avenue.
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In Moab, Utah, the Views Are Always Free!
Moab, Utah, is full of natural beauty and packed with fun, free things to do. You’ll find countless ways to explore the great outdoors and the ancient past. And if you run out of free concerts, there’s always another trail to wander down.
When you visit this desert oasis, be sure to make time for some of its budget attractions!
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