Spring in Moab: A Solo Travel Snapshot + What’s on My List for Next Time

First time in Moab, Utah: Desert Roads & Red Rocks

Spring solo roadtrip travel highlights, unforgettable views, and everything I’m coming back for next time

Introduction

Moab had been on my radar for a while. It was one of the last western states I hadn’t explored yet. I’d been drawn to its varied, surreal landscapes and the ever-changing conditions throughout a 24-hour window. When the electrical system in my Jeep gave out, I decided to buy a new car in my home state (Texas) rather than deal with logistics elsewhere. I could’ve had it shipped back to Idaho, but you know I’m a sucker for a scenic route. It felt like the perfect excuse to finally explore Utah as an introductory visit.

The trip was just a few days, solo, and filled with exploring at my own pace. I found myself taking afternoon naps to manage catching each sunrise, sunset, and even staying up to watch the stars. The best part of solo travel, to me, is not having to accommodate anyone else’s agenda. I ate at weird times, and didn’t sleep as much as usual.

Alas, I’m going to share some weekend highlights from my first-time visit, the spots I’ll be returning for, logistics, and, of course, some photos from the journey.

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Weekend Highlights

📍Arches National Park: minutes from downtown Moab, making this an easy first stop. Grab an America the Beautiful Pass if you’re planning to hit multiple national parks throughout the year (or in your upcoming visit). Don’t miss: The Windows at sunrise and Delicate Arch for sunset. They are both iconic, but expect crowds.

📍Canyonlands National Park: about 35 minutes from Moab and worth going the short-distance. Highlights here include: Shafer Canyon Overlook to watch cars and bikers on Shafer Trail, sunrise at Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, and Grand View Point.

📍Downtown Moab: I didn’t spend much time here, but it’s worth knowing that downtown Moab is walkable, with local shops, cafes, and even a food truck lot. Naturally, I couldn’t resist picking up a book from Back of Beyond Books to add to my collection. Heads up: most shops don’t allow drinks inside, so I didn’t linger too long. I skipped the breweries (Utah laws are quirky and that wasn’t my mission), but if you’re looking to wind down after hiking, this is the place to do it.

📍First shot of the Stars: I’m glad I sacrificed sleep to step into the brisk nighttime air and stand under the stars. No Milky Way this time, but I did manage to capture something, maybe even a faint trace of northern lights? You tell me in the comments.

This was my first attempt at astrophotography, pulled off at a random roadside stop. Just me, my camera, and a lot of experimenting. Moab’s status as an International Dark Sky Community makes it the perfect place to try again. Also, if anyone at Toyota wants to talk about a brand deal… let’s chat!

📍Marlboro Point: I came out for sunset and had it completely to myself. Not another person around, just wide open views and silence. The dirt road was the perfect way to break in my new car, but you’ll need a true 4x4 to get here. If you’re looking for something more accessible with similar views, Dead Horse Point State Park is one I’ve bookmarked for a future trip.

Logistics

Where to stay: I stayed at the Springhill Suites on the north end of Moab. I found this to be a very family-friendly hotel, but likely due to spring break. My room was quiet, comfortable, and spacious for recouping in between adventures. As a solo traveler, hotels are a great option for a home base when visiting a new place. Not to mention, this location was amazing since it was a couple minutes drive from the Arches National Park entrance. Breakfast was also included with my stay.

Transportation: Make sure to have wheels for your visit to Moab. The most important thing to keep in mind is having a high-clearance vehicle if you want to explore some off-grid locations. This was one way to break in my new car. Enterprise offers options to rent full size all terrain vehicles. Be sure to fuel up before entering remote areas, including the National Parks.

Communication: Outside of Moab, you’ll find limited cell service so I recommend downloading offline maps, bringing a paper map, and consider traveling with a satellite communicator.

Other Tips: I don’t know if I will opt to visit during peak spring break on my next visit, but traveling in the spring came with milder temperatures, no snow, and reasonable sunrise times. Temperatures reached the high 70’s which still felt super hot, bring sun protection, layers, and plenty of water (4L of water per person per day). Topo Designs carries my favorite sun shirt with SPF 50 and full coverage. Use my code HERWAYANDTHEHIGHWAY150FF for 15% off your purchase.

What I’ll be back for

This was not my usual pace of slow travel, but Moab was a bold weekend, and even with all that I managed to see, I barely scratched the surface. Here’s a list of what I’d like to explore next time I head back:

Drive the White Rim Trail & Shafer Trail: a legendary 100-mile backcountry drive with sweeping views, steep drops-off, and what looks like the ride of a lifetime. I might not opt to do this one solo, but never say never!

The La Sal Mountains: the perfect high-altitude retreat for when Moab heats up & I’m always up for a scenic drive.

More Astro Photography: seeing Utah under the stars is epic. There’s nothing like seeing the Milky Way in a dark sky park, now, I need to go back and capture it properly.

Explore Moonscape Overlook & Factory Butte: this spot looks like another planet. The tougher access means fewer crowds and more space to soak it all in.

The Remaining Mighty 5: Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, & Zion National Parks remain on my list and they are perfect for a future roadtrip loop.

Final thoughts

Each introduction trip gives me a taste of what a location has to offer. Visiting Moab for the first time as another solo trip was everything I didn’t know I needed. I know I’ll be back for some epic adventures and to explore more of Utah.

Been to moab or planning
your first visit?

Have a Moab must-see that I missed? Or curious about where I’m off to next? Leave a comment below. I read every one and love swapping travel tips!

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