Moab on a Budget: Free and Cheap Things to Do

Last updated March 17, 2026 by the Recommended.app research team.

---

Arches National Park Scenic Drive ($30/vehicle)

The 36-mile round-trip scenic drive through Arches National Park passes close to over 2,000 natural stone arches and includes short walks to Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, and viewpoints of Delicate Arch. Even without a long hike, the drive alone provides access to some of the most extraordinary geology on Earth.

Pro tip: Timed entry reservations are required April through October — book at recreation.gov. The Windows Section is the most rewarding short stop.

Colorado Riverway (Free)

Highway 128 along the Colorado River from Moab to I-70 is one of the most beautiful drives in America and is completely free. The road follows the river through towering red rock canyons, past Fisher Towers, and through Professor Valley. The paved bike path along the first few miles is perfect for a casual ride.

Pro tip: Drive or bike the route in the late afternoon for the warmest light. The Negro Bill Canyon trailhead is a free hike accessed from this road.

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park ($15)

An outdoor museum featuring life-size dinosaur replicas set in a red rock landscape that looks surprisingly similar to the Jurassic environment these creatures inhabited. The museum includes a paleontology experience and 3D movie. It's educational, fun, and set against the actual geology that makes Moab special.

Pro tip: Kids under 4 are free. The outdoor trail with the dinosaur replicas is the best part — the photo opportunities with red rock backgrounds are excellent.

Dead Horse Point State Park ($20/vehicle)

The overlook at Dead Horse Point provides one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the American West — 2,000 feet straight down to a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River, with canyons stretching to the horizon. The view was featured in the opening scene of Mission: Impossible 2 and rivals anything in the national parks.

Pro tip: Arrive for sunset when the canyons glow red and orange. The rim trail connects several overlooks and is mostly flat and easy.

Negro Bill Canyon (Free)

A moderate 4-mile round-trip hike through a stunning red rock canyon with a creek, cottonwood trees, and the Morning Glory Natural Bridge at the end — the sixth-largest natural rock span in the United States. The trailhead is just a few miles from downtown Moab on the Colorado Riverway.

Pro tip: Expect several creek crossings — waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended. The canyon is shaded and cool, making it a good choice on hot days.

Budget Travel Tips for Moab

Traveling on a budget in Moab doesn't mean sacrificing quality — it means being strategic about where you spend. The activities above prove that some of the best experiences in the city are free or nearly so. Beyond these specific recommendations, here are some general principles: eat where locals eat (not where tourists eat), walk whenever possible (you'll see more and spend less), visit museums on their free days, explore parks and public spaces that cost nothing, and remember that the most memorable travel experiences are rarely the most expensive ones. Moab is a city that rewards the resourceful traveler — the one who packs a water bottle, downloads offline maps, and approaches each day with more curiosity than credit card swipes. The goal isn't to be cheap; it's to be intentional about spending money on the things that truly enhance your experience and skipping the overpriced tourist traps that add nothing to your trip.

---

Why Trust This Guide

Recommendations from locals across 240+ US cities via Recommended.app community data.

Explore More

• Things to Do in Moab
• Moab Events
• Moab Deals
• Explore Moab