Moab is a city and region in southeastern Utah, United States, nestled at the edge of the Colorado Plateau near the La Sal Mountains and the junction of the Colorado and Green rivers. Its name was adopted by Mormon settlers in 1880 from the biblical kingdom east of the Jordan River. The city covers roughly 31 square kilometers and the surrounding Grand County spans about 9 400 square kilometers. Year-round population hovers around 5 400 residents, swelling seasonally with workers and tourists. English is the primary language. Medical cannabis is permitted under state regulation, while recreational cannabis remains illegal. Alcohol sales are tightly controlled with restaurant and bar service limited to those 21 and older and packaged liquor sold only in state-licensed stores. Gambling is prohibited under Utah law. Municipal governance is led by a mayor and city council, with policing by the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. There is no permanent active-duty military installation, though the Utah National Guard conducts training exercises in the region.

History
Long before European exploration, the Moab region was inhabited for millennia by ancestral Puebloan peoples and the Fremont culture, leaving behind petroglyphs and cliff dwellings that still dot canyon walls. Ute, Navajo and Paiute groups hunted game, gathered wild plants and used seasonal river crossings to trade with tribes farther south. In 1765 the Spanish explorer Juan María Antonio de Rivera led an expedition from New Mexico into eastern Utah, mapping the Colorado River corridor and noting a possible crossing near modern Moab. Following the opening of the Old Spanish Trail in 1830, traders and trappers used routes along the Colorado but left no permanent settlements.
In April 1855 Mormon leaders dispatched a missionary team to establish the Elk Mountain Mission near today’s Moab. Poor soil, crop failures and Ute resistance forced the mission’s abandonment by September, with three men killed in skirmishes. For more than two decades the valley remained largely untouched by Euro-American settlers. In 1878 ranchers and farmers arrived to establish Spanish Valley homesteads, at first calling the settlement Brown’s Park. By 1880 a mail route from Salina, Utah, to Ouray, Colorado, prompted renaming to Moab. A ferry across the Colorado began operation around 1885, later replaced by a three-span steel bridge in 1912, linking the community to markets.
Early 20th century Moab thrived on irrigated fruit orchards—peaches, apples and grapes—as well as sheep and cattle ranching. The creation of Grand County in 1890 made Moab its seat. In 1903 the town incorporated, and by the 1930s it counted several schools, churches and a small hospital. World War II brought Army Air Corps exercises in desert survival and navigation but little lasting infrastructure.
The discovery of uranium in the La Sal Mountains and nearby deposits in 1952 ignited a mining boom. Moab rapidly transformed into a yellowcake production center, with dozens of mines and a new mill attracting thousands of prospectors and workers. The town’s population leapt from 1 275 in 1950 to 4 682 by 1960. Mining infrastructure and roads expanded as strip mines scarred red-rock hillsides and tailings piled high.
When uranium prices collapsed in the early 1980s, the local economy plunged. Thousands of jobs vanished and many residents left in search of work. Community leaders responded by promoting features long admired by hikers and rock climbers: towering sandstone arches, carved canyons and the nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks established in 1971. In 1979 the Slickrock Trail opened for mountain biking and the annual Jeep Safari, begun in the 1960s, gained national fame. Adventure outfitters and guide services multiplied.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries tourism eclipsed mining as the primary industry. The abandoned uranium mill tailings became subject to a major federal cleanup under the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action program. Moab reinvented itself as an outdoor-recreation hub, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors each year to raft the Colorado River, climb sandstone towers like Castleton Tower, canyoneer through narrow slots and bike desert trails. Ongoing archaeological work in nearby Day Canyon and Mill Canyon continues to uncover Fremont and Puebloan sites, while preservation efforts protect rock-art panels at Indian Creek and historic homesteads at Old Moab Fort. Today Moab balances the legacy of extractive booms with stewardship of public lands and a thriving service economy centered on culture and adventure.

Industry
Moab’s economy is dominated by tourism and recreation services, with over a hundred outfitters offering rafting, canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking and guided off-road tours. Local entrepreneurs launched Moab Brewery, the first microbrewery in Utah, and Red Rock Outfitters, a major outdoor retailer. Film production companies have chosen Moab for movies such as Thelma & Louise and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. While commercial uranium mining ceased, the federal Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action project remains one of the region’s largest employers. More recently renewable energy firms have trialed solar arrays on reclaimed mining sites.

Flora and Fauna
Vegetation zones range from desert sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands to riparian cottonwood-willow corridors. Endemic plants include the protected Moab bladderpod and Moab evening primrose, both listed as threatened under federal law. Wildlife features desert bighorn sheep, mule deer and mountain lions, alongside sidewinders, western rattlesnakes and Arizona bark scorpions. The Mexican spotted owl is endangered. Domestic livestock—sheep, cattle and horses—graze on private and BLM allotments. Export of protected plants, animals or artifacts is prohibited.

Religion and Races
Approximately 30 percent of residents identify as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with another 20 percent attending Protestant congregations. Catholics account for about 10 percent, and the remaining 40 percent are unaffiliated, other faiths or non-religious. Ethnic composition is roughly 85 percent white, 10 percent Hispanic or Latino, and 5 percent Native American, African American and Asian. Community traditions include cowboy church gatherings, Navajo weaving demonstrations and interfaith potluck dinners.

Wars and Conflicts
Moab lay on the edge of the Ute Wars in the late 19th century, when Ute bands resisted settler incursions. No battles occurred within the current city limits, but the region’s Native peoples were forcibly removed under the Ute Removal Act of 1881. During World Wars I and II locals served in combat and training exercises occurred in nearby desert areas. The town saw anti-uranium protests in the 1980s but has had no modern terrorist incidents. Veterans are honored at annual Memorial Day ceremonies and at a monument in Moab Memorial Park.

Living Standard
Per-capita income in Grand County trails the national average but has risen with growth in tourism and remote work. The cost-of-living index is about 110 relative to the U.S. baseline of 100. Transparency Utah ranks state government among the least corrupt in the nation, and local governance follows open-records practices. Quality-of-life surveys place Moab among the top small U.S. towns for outdoor access and community engagement.

Medicine
Moab Valley Hospital provides emergency, surgical and radiology services, complemented by clinics operated by Intermountain Healthcare and local family practices. Pharmacies operate Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM; limited hours apply on Sundays. Tourists should secure U.S. health insurance or travel coverage. There are no endemic tropical diseases; routine immunizations and standard travel vaccines are sufficient.

Sport
Moab is renowned for mountain biking on the Slickrock Trail, world-class rock climbing at Wall Street and Castleton Tower, whitewater rafting on Colorado River rapids up to Class V and ultramarathon running events such as the Red Hot 55K. The annual Easter Jeep Safari draws off-road enthusiasts worldwide. While no Olympic events occur here, the town has produced elite mountain-bike competitors and hosts regional cycling championships.

Holidays
Easter Jeep Safari in April spans nine days of off-road trail runs. Moab Folk Festival in May celebrates bluegrass music and rural crafts. Fourth of July fireworks over the river attract families and visitors. RiverFest in June features paddle races and live music. Indigenous Heritage Day in September honors Ute and Navajo cultures with demonstrations and storytelling. The Christmas Light Parade in December illuminates historic downtown.

Traditions
Residents greet newcomers with a firm handshake or “Moab howdy.” Community potlucks and barn dances are common social events. Visitors are expected to follow leave-no-trace principles, carry permits at river launches and announce their raft group on bulletin boards. Wearing a “Pack Your Ten Essentials” reminder tag is a local rite for hikers.

Interesting Facts
Moab served as John Ford’s filming location for Wagon Master in 1950. Actor James Coburn spent part of his childhood here; a plaque marks his boyhood home. The town holds a Guinness World Record for the most rock-climbing routes on a single crag. NASA astronauts trained in nearby canyonlands for Apollo missions. In 1985 a massive rockfall on I-70 prompted highway realignment and new geotechnical monitoring systems.

Money
The U.S. dollar is the sole currency. Credit and debit cards are universally accepted, and ATMs are located at banks, grocery stores and hotels. Cash is preferred at remote guide camps and food trucks. The best exchange rates for foreign currency are at major bank branches in Salt Lake City before arrival. Tipping of 15 to 20 percent is customary in restaurants and for guide services.

Daily Details
Electrical supply is 120 V at 60 Hz with type A and B outlets. Cellular networks from AT &T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover most urban and highway areas; remote canyons may require satellite communication. Free Wi-Fi exists at visitor centers, libraries and many cafés. Tap water meets U.S. EPA safety standards.

Clothing
Layered athletic wear is recommended. Lightweight long sleeves and pants protect against sun and brush. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are essential. Shorts and T-shirts are fine in summer but evenings may be cool. Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses are advised.

Tourism
A complete visit requires at least five days: two days at Arches National Park, two at Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park and one for local attractions. Half-day guided rafting and canyoneering trips add depth. Extra days allow off-road trail exploration and cultural visits.

Types of Tourism
Adventure tourism includes rock climbing, mountain biking, ATV and Jeep tours, rafting and canyoneering. Scenic tourism focuses on national parks, overlooks and photo safaris. Eco-tourism features stargazing under International Dark Sky designations and bird-watching. Cultural tourism highlights Indigenous sites, museums and local artisan studios.

List of Tourist Attractions
Arches National Park – more than 2 000 natural sandstone arches amid red-rock fins.
Canyonlands National Park – vast canyons carved by the Colorado Plateau rivers.
Dead Horse Point State Park – panoramic overlook of a dramatic river bend.
La Sal Mountain Loop – alpine scenery rising above the desert floor.
Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage – local film and pioneer exhibits.

List of Non-Tourist Attractions
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite – Triassic tracks along a private ranch road.
Potash Evaporation Ponds – industrially colored ponds alongside the Colorado River.
Old Spanish Trail Ruts – wagon wheel grooves visible near Moab Valley.
Granny’s House – restored homestead with original furnishings.
Indian Creek Petroglyph Panels – rock art used by ancient tribes for millennia.

Local Cuisine
Bison burgers served on whole-wheat buns.
Green River melons in season for summer festivals.
Sweetwater fried potatoes with sage and local spices.
Desert herb tea from wild mint and sage.
Local craft beers from Moab Brewery paired with barbecue food trucks.
Typical meal times are breakfast 7 – 10 AM, lunch 11 – 2 PM, dinner 5 – 9 PM. Street vendors vary in hygiene standards; choose rated vendors and bottled water for safety.

Why Visit
Moab’s unique red-rock landscapes, world-class recreation and layers of human history create an unforgettable destination for adventurers, photographers and culture seekers alike.

Safety for Tourists
Moab’s crime rate is low, though occasional petty theft occurs. Flash floods in slot canyons and desert heat present serious hazards during summer. Carry at least two liters of water per person per day and avoid narrow washes during storms. Rattlesnakes and scorpions are common; watch your step. Respect wildlife and maintain distance. Cell service covers major roads; backcountry excursions benefit from satellite communicators.

Tourist Infrastructure
Moab offers over 2 000 lodging options from campsites to boutique hotels and luxury resorts. More than 50 restaurants and 30 licensed outfitters serve visitors. English is universal among staff; Spanish is widely understood.

Entry Rules
U.S. citizens need valid photo ID. International visitors require a passport and, if eligible, an ESTA or visa. All river, backcountry bike and film crews must obtain permits from the National Park Service or BLM. Agricultural products and weapons are subject to federal inspection.

Transport
Shuttle vans and seasonal bus routes connect downtown Moab with park entrances. Tickets are available online, at visitor centers and some hotels. Canyonlands Field Airport offers regional flights to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

Automobile
Driving is on the right. Visitors over 21 with a valid driver’s license may rent vehicles. No toll roads. Blood-alcohol limit is 0.08 percent. Speed limits are 25 mph in town, 45 mph on scenic byways and up to 65 mph on highways. Speed cameras and highway patrol enforce compliance. Parking is metered downtown and free at many trailheads. Four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended for unpaved routes. Seat belts and child restraints are mandatory. Fines for violations start at 100 USD.

Noise Regulations
Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM in residential zones. Generators and off-highway vehicles may be restricted in campgrounds after 9 PM.

Daily Budget Tourist
Budget travelers can plan on 80 – 120 USD per day for hostel dorms, basic groceries, park fees and local transport. A midrange budget of 200 – 300 USD per day accommodates motels, restaurants and guided activities. Luxury budgets exceed 400 USD daily.

What Not Recommended or Forbidden
Do not operate drones in national parks. Off-road on closed BLM lands is illegal. Feeding wildlife is prohibited. Solo hikes in remote canyons without permit and communication device are strongly discouraged.

Climate
Moab has a hot desert climate with summer highs often above 38 °C and mild winters around 10 °C. Monsoon season from July to August can bring sudden thunderstorms and flash floods. Optimal visiting months are April to May and September to October, when temperatures are moderate and crowds lighter.

Travel Tips
Carry two to three liters of water per person per day. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply hourly. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. Reserve camping permits and park passes well in advance during peak season. Check weather forecasts and trail conditions at visitor centers. Always tell someone your itinerary before heading into the backcountry.