Last updated on .
Moab, a small town in eastern Utah, serves as an ideal base for visiting nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The surrounding area also offers a variety of other natural attractions and scenic drives, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Introduction to Moab, Utah
Between 1829 and the early 1850s, the area that would become Moab served as a key Colorado River crossing on the Old Spanish Trail. In April 1855, Mormon settlers arrived to establish the Elk Mountain Mission, a trading fort at the river crossing. However, repeated attacks by Native Americans forced them to abandon the mission, with the final raid occurring on September 23 of that year.
A permanent settlement was established in 1878 under the leadership of Randolph Hockaday. Two years later, residents named the town Moab, inspired either by the biblical land on the east side of the Jordan River or, according to other sources, by the Paiute word moapa, meaning “mosquito.” William Andrew Peirce (1847–1918), the first postmaster, likened the area to the biblical Moab and believed both were “the far country.” Efforts to rename the town Vina and Uvadalia both failed.
When the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad was built in 1883, it bypassed Moab, which contributed to the town’s decline as a trading center. Additional Colorado River crossings further reduced its commercial significance. Moab was officially incorporated on December 20, 1902.
Moab’s economy remained largely agricultural until the discovery of uranium and vanadium in the 1910s and 1920s. By the 1950s, the town earned the nickname the “Uranium Capital of the World.” Potash, manganese, oil, and gas were also discovered, sparking a population boom that eventually ended when most uranium mines closed by the early 1980s.
Moab hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, and its dramatic landscapes have served as the backdrops for numerous films. Today, the town continues to draw visitors exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Main Street in Moab Utah
Most of the action in Moab centers around Main Street, which runs from north to south through the town. You’ll find a mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and tour companies.
Moab Museum
A must-visit spot is the Moab Museum, located just a block off Main Street on Center Street. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors age 62+, students, and military personnel; and free for kids under 8 (as of September 2025). The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9am to 5pm.
The museum was founded in February 1958 and opened in a county building on Center Street, initially showcasing the private archaeological collections of Dr. J.W. “Doc” Williams and Ross Musselman. By the mid-1980s, the growing collection required a larger space, leading to the construction of the current building in 1986 by Dan O’Laurie. Dedicated on August 20, 1988, it was renamed the Dan O’Laurie Museum of Moab. After several subsequent name changes, it’s now simply known as the Moab Museum.
Inside, exhibits highlight the region’s geology, paleontology, archaeology, and human history. Key attractions include an ankylosaurus skeleton, as well as detailed displays on the Native American tribes and pioneer settlers who shaped the area.
Additional exhibits explore Moab’s uranium mining boom of the 1950s and the films shot in the area. Overall, the museum offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the town’s history and is well worth a visit.
Where to Stay in Moab, Utah
Moab offers a wide range of accommodations, from campgrounds and motels to boutique hotels, catering to all types of travelers.
Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway
We stayed at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway (formerly Moab Valley RV Resort and Campground), located north of downtown and close to the entrance of Arches National Park. The campground features spacious, clean bathrooms and an on-site swimming pool. Despite arriving late due to an unexpected flat tire, we found an envelope with our campsite information waiting for us at the office, making check-in seamless.
Where to Eat in Moab, Utah
During our short stay in Moab, we tried a couple of local spots that left a great impression.
Atomic Grill (Permanently Closed)
Our first stop was the Atomic Grill, located north of downtown near our campground. I enjoyed a delicious meatloaf served over a bed of mac and cheese. The burgers looked equally tempting.
Pantele’s Desert Deli (Permanently Closed)
For another lunch, I visited Pantele’s Desert Deli near the Moab Museum. Both the sandwich and salad were fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced.
City Market
If you’re looking to stock up on food supplies, head to City Market, a large supermarket south of downtown on Main Street. I’m sure you’ll find everything you need.
