Ultimate Moab Family Road Trip Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay & More!

Planning a family road trip to Moab, Utah for Spring Break? From our kid-friendly itinerary and budget-friendly travel tips to the best family hikes in Moab and what to pack for March and April weather, this guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable adventure!

Your Essential Guide to a Fun & Budget-Friendly Moab Trip with Kids

We decided last minute to take a family road trip to Moab, Utah for Spring Break with our three kids and our dog—and it turned out to be one of our best trips yet! Our boys love adventuring, hiking, digging in the dirt, and collecting rocks, so the desert landscape of Moab was the perfect playground for them. Add in family-friendly hiking trails, delicious BBQ, frozen yogurt, and plenty of pool time, and we had the ultimate mix of fun, food, and outdoor adventure!

In this post, I’ll share all the details of our 4-night, 5-day Moab itinerary, including where we stayed, the best places to eat, the top kid-friendly hikes, and road trip essentials that kept our kids entertained. If you’re planning a Moab family road trip, especially in March, here’s everything we did—plus what we’d do differently next time!

Table of Contents:

• Moab Road Trip Itinerary
  • Day 1: Drive to Glenwood Springs
  • Day 2: Glenwood Springs to Moab + First Adventures
  • Day 3: Hiking Grandstaff Canyon + BBQ + Sunset at Arches
  • Day 4: Waterfall Hikes, Canyon Views & Frozen Yogurt Nights
  • Day 5: Saying Goodbye to Moab and Scenic Stops on the Way Home
• Cost Breakdown (Budget-Friendly Tips!)
• Where We Stayed (Pros & Cons of Different Options)
• Where We Ate & Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants
• Best Hiking Trails for Families in Moab (Kid-Friendly & Scenic Picks!)
• What the Weather Was Like in March & What We Packed
• Final Thoughts – Would We Do This Trip Again?

Our Family Road Trip Itinerary – Denver to Moab

Our family road trip to Moab lasted 4 nights and 5 days, and it felt like the perfect amount of time to explore without feeling rushed! Below, I’m sharing our day-by-day itinerary, including what we did, where we went, and our favorite stops along the way. I’ll share kid-friendly recommendations (we have three boys – ages 8, 6, and 2) and we also brought our dog, Ozzy, along with us!

*For quicker trip highlights and tips skip to the lower sections*

Day 1: Drive to Glenwood Springs

Since we live just south of Denver, CO, we kicked off our family road trip to Moab in the afternoon after our youngest woke up from his nap. Instead of driving the full 5.5 hours to Moab, we broke up the trip with a night in Glenwood Springs—a great halfway stop about 2.5-3 hours from Denver.

Because we left later in the day, we didn’t have much time to explore before bedtime. I wish we had left earlier to visit the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool—next time for sure! The boys still got some swim time in at our hotel pool, which was open until 10 p.m., and they loved it.

For dinner, we stopped at Moe’s Original BBQ in Eagle, CO (about 30 minutes before Glenwood Springs). It was the perfect casual spot for kids—loud, quick service, and lots of options they enjoyed. It was also easy for me to order gluten- and dairy-free (I had the smoked turkey platter with potato salad and coleslaw—so good!).

We stayed at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Glenwood Springs, which I’ll share more about in the Where We Stayed section below.

Day 2: Glenwood Springs to Moab + First Adventures

Since we were up late the night before, we let the kids sleep in (which became the theme of our trip, haha). After a surprisingly good hotel breakfast, we hit the road toward Moab!

Before leaving Glenwood Springs, we made a quick stop at a shopping center with Target and Natural Grocers to grab a few last-minute essentials. In hindsight, I wish we had packed even more snacks and a cooler—I’ll talk more about that later. The drive from Glenwood Springs to Moab took about 2.5-3 hours.

We arrived in Moab around 1 p.m., too early to check into our hotel, so we decided on a short hike at Moab Rim Trailhead. It’s technically an off-roading trail, with a steep rock face leading up the canyon, but the boys loved it! The views were amazing, and it was the perfect way to let them burn off energy. Looking back, I wish we had checked out more hikes in this area, like Moonflower Canyon or Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks & Petroglyphs—so many cool places to explore!

For lunch, we headed to the Moab Food Truck Park, which was an absolute hit for the kids (and our dog—Moab is super dog-friendly!). With 14 food trucks offering everything from Mediterranean to Mexican, pizza, and ice cream, there was something for everyone. I got a chicken, rice, and Greek salad bowl, which was delicious! The shaded picnic tables made it such an easy and relaxed spot to eat—we ended up coming back here multiple times.

After lunch, we checked into our hotel—which I absolutely LOVED! I’ll share more details later, but the pool area was amazing for kids, with multiple pools, waterfalls, hot tubs, and even a splash pad. After settling into our room, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool.

For dinner, we grabbed takeout from Pasta Jay’s, bringing it back to the hotel. We ordered pizza and gluten-free pasta, and while it was nice that they had gluten-free options, the food itself was just okay and a bit pricey for what we got.

To end the night, we took a scenic drive through Arches National Park—one of my favorite places on earth! The park is open 24/7, and while there’s usually a $30 entry fee per vehicle, you can enter for free before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (double-check this, as hours change during peak season). We did a quick stop at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint, which was perfect for a short walk and gorgeous views at sunset!

A Note About Traveling with a Dog 🐾
One downside of bringing our dog was that pets aren’t allowed on National Park trails, so we couldn’t explore on foot inside the park. However, there are plenty of dog-friendly hikes outside the park, so we didn’t feel like we missed out. Plus, driving through Arches at sunset was still such a magical experience!

Day 3: Hiking Grandstaff Canyon + BBQ + Sunset at Arches

We weren’t totally loving the breakfast options at the hotel, so we decided to grab breakfast (and lunch to-go) from Sweet Cravings Bakery & Bistro, a local favorite in downtown Moab. We’d stopped there on a previous trip and I was excited to go back! They have a great selection of breakfast sandwiches, paninis, lunch sandwiches, pies, cookies, and coffee. It’s definitely on the pricier side—around $20 for a sandwich—but their gluten-free options make it worth it. I especially loved that even their cookies were gluten-free! We grabbed a few of their kids’ lunch boxes for the hike (complete with a sandwich, crackers, juice, brownie, and even a little jar of bubbles—so cute!).

From there, we headed out for one of our favorite kid-friendly Moab hikes: Grandstaff Canyon Trail just off UT-128. If you’re planning a Moab family vacation, this is one to add to your list. The 4.75-mile round-trip hike is mostly flat and follows a winding creek that you cross several times—be prepared for wet shoes! Also know there are a few tricky spots where you have to climb up or down rocks. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the stunning Morning Glory Arch, which makes for the perfect snack stop and resting point. There was a good mix of sun and shade, small pools of water for the kids to explore, and even some canyoneering action to watch as people rappelled down from the top of the arch. It was beautiful, relaxing, and fun for everyone.

After our hike, we headed back to the hotel for pool time. If you’re visiting Moab with kids, I highly recommend our hotel—the pool area was incredible, with splash pads, waterfalls, hot tubs, and shallow areas perfect for little ones.

For dinner, we tried Spitfire Smokehouse for more BBQ in Moab (can you tell we love it?) and it did not disappoint. The boys tried BBQ ribs for the first time and were obsessed, and I had pulled chicken with baked beans and coleslaw—so good! There’s a big outdoor seating area, which made it super easy for families with kids and dogs.

After dinner, we crossed the street to the Moab Food Truck Park (again!) for some post-dinner gelato and a little exploring. Then we finished the day with another sunset drive through Arches National Park—my favorite time to visit. The golden hour lighting makes the red rock formations even more stunning. I wish we had stayed longer to stargaze in Arches, it turns out the sky near our hotel wasn’t quite dark enough to see the stars clearly—next time, I’d plan to stay in the park longer after dark!

Day 4: Waterfall Hikes, Canyon Views & Frozen Yogurt Nights

For breakfast, we gave the hotel buffet another try—we grabbed a few easy things for the kids, but there still wasn’t much I could eat, so I grabbed another sandwich from Sweet Cravings, our favorite local bakery and sandwich shop in Moab.

Next up was Mill Creek Trail—another fun and beautiful hike that’s perfect for kids! This trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip and leads to a magical little waterfall and swimming hole. There were people swimming, but the water was freezing (probably amazing on a hot summer day!). I loved this trail because it was short, easy, and really unique. Much of the trail is soft sand, so the boys kicked off their shoes and went barefoot, especially helpful when crossing the creek. Even our 2-year-old was able to walk a good portion on his own. Just be prepared to get a little wet and dirty!

After our hike, we headed to Canyonlands National Park. The drive took longer than I expected, and in hindsight, I’d recommend planning a full-day trip to Canyonlands if you’re going to explore or hike. Since we had our dog with us, we couldn’t do any of the trails, but we made several stops at the scenic overlooks to take in the incredible canyon views. One highlight was spotting the dramatic switchback dirt road (see photo below!) that winds down the canyon—it looked amazing, but we didn’t attempt it since it would’ve been a bit too long for the kids in the car.

Back in Moab, we had to check into a new hotel since our original spot was fully booked for the night (we had decided last minute to extend our stay). The new hotel didn’t have as nice of a pool area, but it turned out to be a hit! The heated pool was almost empty at night, and my older boys loved having it to themselves while I relaxed in the hot tub nearby.

For dinner, we picked up pizza to-go from Canyon Pizza Co.—they had gluten-free cauliflower crust, which was perfect for me. It was super easy to bring back to the hotel and eat in our room.

We wrapped up the day with a stop at Moyo Frozen Yogurt—the kids had fun building their own bowls and piling on all the toppings. The perfect end to another adventure-filled day in Moab with kids!

Day 5: Saying Goodbye to Moab and Scenic Stops on the Way Home

By Day 5, it was time to pack up and head back home. I was definitely a little sad to leave, but honestly, 4 nights in Moab felt like the perfect amount of time for our family road trip. Maybe once the kids are older we’ll stay longer and explore more of the area.

We had a quick breakfast at the hotel (slightly better than our previous spot!) and hit the road.

We originally planned to stop at Moab Giants—an outdoor dinosaur park with life-size dinosaur statues and a walking trail—but found out (too late) that they’re closed on Wednesdays! Total bummer because I think the kids would have loved it.

So we headed back toward Moab to get on UT-128, which would take us to I-70 for the drive home. On the way, we made a super fun spontaneous stop at a giant sand dune right off US-191, just across from the Arches National Park entrance (I’ll link the exact location HERE).

We all climbed to the top of the massive sand hill—it was tough but totally worth it! Griffin said this was his favorite part of the whole trip and climbed it THREE times! The kids had the best time jumping, sliding, and rolling back down the sand. Highly recommend stopping here if you’re road-tripping with kids!

Next, we took the scenic drive along UT-128 back to I-70. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking—towering red cliffs, winding rivers, and that desert-meets-mountain magic. It didn’t add much extra time to our drive and was so peaceful. I learned that tons of western movies were filmed along this stretch!

We stopped at Red Cliffs Lodge hoping for lunch, but they were closed for renovations—same with Sorrel River Ranch & Resort (a total dream hotel… I would love to stay there one day!). Even without the food stops, the drive was beautiful and worth it.

For lunch, we made it to Grand Junction and ate at Main Street Bagels—a cute local spot in a charming part of town with a kid-friendly outdoor seating area. From there, we drove another 2 hours to Vail, walked around a bit, and grabbed ice cream at Joe’s Deli before driving the final stretch home.

With those two stops, the drive home was broken up perfectly for the kids and felt totally manageable.

Cost Breakdown (Budget-Friendly Tips!)

🚗 Gas:

• We used just under one full tank to get from Denver to Moab.
• Including driving around town and the parks, we went through about 3 tanks total for the trip.
• Our VW Atlas 4Motion averages around 20 MPG.
• Total gas cost: ~$180

🏨 Accommodations:

• La Quinta (Glenwood Springs): $280 for 1 night (includes $50 dog fee, free breakfast)
• SpringHill Suites (Moab): $635 for 2 nights (includes $75 dog fee, free breakfast)
• Hampton Inn (Moab): $286 for 1 night, free breakfast
• Total lodging cost: $1,201

🍽️ Food & Dining:

• We spent about $780 on meals, snacks, desserts, drinks and coffee for our family of 5.
• We mostly ate out or grabbed takeout, but we did bring:
  • Snacks for the car and hikes (Costco items like crackers, date bars, meat sticks, raisins, nuts, fruit, smoothie pouches)
  • My personal protein smoothie powder that I mixed with soy milk for breakfast or snacks
• Could save here by shopping for groceries and eating in more!

🏞️ Activity Fees:

• Canyonlands National Park: $30 entrance fee
• Arches National Park: Free both times since we entered after 4 PM

🛍️ Miscellaneous:

• Rock Shop souvenirs for the kids: $40

✨ Trip Total:

$2,200 for 4 nights / 5 days — Family of 5 + dog

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🏕️ Budget-Saving Tips for Families Visiting Moab

• Bring your own snacks and a large jug of water from home
• Pack a cooler and stop at the grocery store when you arrive
• Refill bottles at the free filtered water station in town instead of buying bottled water
• Consider eating out once per day and prepping easy meals for the rest; wake up early to make the most of the hotel breakfasts

Where We Stayed (Pros & Cons of Different Options)

During our trip to Moab, we ended up staying at two different hotels, which gave us a good feel for some of the lodging options in the area. Below I’m sharing what we liked (and didn’t love) about each one—including things like kid-friendly amenities, pool areas, location, and overall value. Whether you’re planning a trip with kids or just looking for a comfy place to relax after hiking, hopefully this helps you find the best spot for your stay!

SpringHill Suites Moab Review

We stayed at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Moab for two nights and I would 100% stay here again! It’s a great family-friendly hotel in Moab with an amazing pool area that all three of my kids loved. My older boys were obsessed with the pools and hot tubs, while my 2-year-old had a blast in the shallow areas. The splash pad was out of order during our stay, but I know he would have loved that too—hopefully it’s up and running next time!

Pros of SpringHill Suites Moab:

• Amazing Pool & Outdoor Area
  This was a major highlight! There are 2 separate pools, 4 hot tubs (one kept at a cooler temp for kids), shallow zones perfect for toddlers, a splash pad, firepits, basketball court, ping pong, BBQ area, and tons of seating. The pool area is shared with the adjacent Fairfield Inn, but even with both hotels fully booked during our stay, it never felt too crowded.
• Spacious “Suite”-Style Rooms
  We stayed in a 2 Queen Bed Suite, which isn’t a true suite with a door, but the layout includes a semi-separated living area that made things feel more spacious. It was perfect for our family of five. The large closet fit our Pack ‘n Play and SlumberPod setup, giving our toddler a quiet space to sleep.
  Bonus: They also offer larger family suites with a separate king bedroom, bunk beds, pull-out sofa, and a kitchenette—these looked amazing for bigger families!
• New, Clean, and Comfortable
  Everything felt updated, clean, and well-maintained—something I really appreciate when traveling with kids.
• Great Location
  Just a short drive to Arches National Park, and close to downtown Moab.
• Dog Friendly
  They allow dogs for a one-time $75 fee and have a little trail area with poop bag stations for walks.

Cons of SpringHill Suites Moab:

• Breakfast Could Be Better
  Both mornings, the complimentary breakfast was pretty picked over by the time we got there. Options were limited, especially if you’re gluten-free or dairy-free.
• Not Walkable to Downtown Moab
  You’ll definitely need to drive if you want to explore restaurants, shops, or the Moab Food Truck Park.
• Main Pool Was a Bit Cold
  The larger pool with waterfalls was beautiful, but colder than expected. Not a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning!

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Hampton Inn Moab Review

We stayed one night at the Hampton Inn near Arches National Park, and while it wasn’t our favorite stay of the trip, it was comfortable and convenient for a quick stop. The rooms felt a little more dated and compact, but it still worked for our family of five for the night.

Pros of Hampton Inn Moab:

Cons:

More Family-Friendly Hotels to Consider:

While we didn’t stay at these hotels personally, I came across several other great options during my research that would be perfect for families visiting Moab. These hotels all have family-friendly amenities, nice pool areas, are dog-friendly, and are located in convenient spots close to Arches National Park and downtown Moab. If SpringHill Suites or Hampton Inn aren’t available—or if you’re looking for something a little different—these are definitely worth checking out!

Hyatt Place Moab

This modern hotel is a great family-friendly option in Moab, offering clean and stylish rooms, a beautiful pool area, and a convenient location just minutes from both downtown and the entrance to Arches National Park. The pool is slightly smaller than the one at SpringHill Suites, but still very nice, with a hot tub and splash pad area. Some rooms, like their ‘Casita’ suites, offer more space for larger families, including a kitchenette and private patio. It’s also dog-friendly, and the playground area near the pool makes it a great choice for families with kids.

Hoodoo Moab

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Hoodoo Moab is a beautiful hotel located right in town—just a short drive from Arches. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, the pool area looks amazing, and there’s even a nice restaurant on-site. It’s definitely more of a luxury option, but still reasonably priced for how nice it is!

Red Cliffs Lodge

If you’re looking for something more private and outside of the main town, Red Cliffs Lodge looks like such a fun and beautiful place to stay! It’s right along the Colorado River and surrounded by red rock cliffs—so the views are amazing. They have rustic-style suites and cabins, a pool, hot tub, on-site restaurant, and even offer experiences like horseback riding. It’s about 30 minutes from Moab, but it looks like a peaceful and memorable spot to stay!

Where We Ate & Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants

We ate out or ordered takeout for most of our meals while in Moab, and I feel like we got a great sense of the best kid-friendly food spots around town! Below are our favorite places, plus a few that we didn’t make it to this trip but are on my list for next time.

Favorite Restaurants:

Sweet Cravings – A great stop for breakfast or lunch sandwiches! You can dine in or grab something to-go for your adventures. I loved the kids’ lunch boxes they offer, and they have plenty of tasty gluten-free options—including cookies! My hazelnut oat milk latte was also delicious. It’s a little on the pricey side, but definitely worth it.

Jailhouse Cafe – We didn’t get a chance to eat here, but it’s at the top of my list for next time. The ginger pancakes with apple butter look amazing, and the cozy charm of the cafe is so inviting.

Gloria’s Corner Cafe – Another spot I wish we had tried! I didn’t realize they had smoothies until we were leaving, and my boys basically live on smoothies when it’s hot out. The rest of their menu looks great too—definitely a must for our next visit.

Moab Food Truck Park – One of our favorite places! We went back multiple times. It’s super casual and perfect for families (and dogs!), with lots of shaded picnic tables. There are about 14 different food trucks offering a variety of options for lunch, dinner, and dessert. Such a fun vibe!

Spitfire BBQ – We loved this one! We’ve learned that BBQ is a hit with our kids, and the outdoor patio here is awesome—family- and dog-friendly. They offer gluten-free options and a great variety of kid-approved sides.

Canyon Pizza Co. – We ordered three pizzas on our last night, including both regular and gluten-free crusts. They were delicious, and the menu has tons of options. Super easy for a quick pick-up dinner—perfect for a sunset picnic in Arches or a cozy night at your hotel.

Moyo Frozen Yogurt – The kids had a blast creating their own frozen yogurt bowls here! There’s a great selection of flavors and toppings, and plenty of outdoor seating to relax and enjoy your treat.

Sunset Grill – We didn’t get a chance to eat here on this trip, but it’s definitely on my list for next time! It’s one of the more upscale spots in Moab and looks perfect for a date night if you have someone to watch the kids. The views are supposed to be amazing—hence the name—and the menu looks delicious with classic American steakhouse vibes and local flair. I’d love to go back and enjoy a sunset dinner here on a future visit!

Grocery Stores:

City Market – A large, fully-stocked grocery store with everything you might need during your trip. I wish we had stocked up more here—especially on water and snacks—because we ended up spending way too much on small items from gas stations and convenience stores.

Moonflower Community Co-Op – I wish I had found this gem earlier in our trip! We stopped in before one of our last hikes, and it was exactly what I was looking for—organic, healthy options similar to Sprouts or Natural Grocers. They even have a grab-and-go section in the back with sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. The $3 PB&J made with organic ingredients was a total win. I definitely would’ve opted for this over some of the overpriced lunches we picked up elsewhere!

Best Hiking Trails for Families in Moab (Kid-Friendly & Scenic Picks!)

Moab is one of my all-time favorite places to hike! We didn’t have to look far to find a ton of amazing trails that were both beautiful and family-friendly. Since we had our dog with us this time, we focused on trails outside the national parks, and there’s no shortage of options in that area! I loved the sandy paths, fun creek crossings, and a bit of light rock climbing. We picked a few kid-friendly trails that offered a mix of scenic views, moderate difficulty, and plenty of fun stops along the way. Here’s where we hiked and what made each trail so special:

Tip: We used the AllTrails app to search for hiking trails during our trip, and it was so helpful! You can download the app and use the free 7-day trial before deciding whether to pay the $35 annual subscription. The app allows you to filter trails based on specific needs (like stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, etc.), view trail previews, and check out tons of pictures and reviews from other users. It made finding the perfect trail so much easier and helped us make the most of our short time in Moab.

1. Grandstaff Canyon Trail

Grandstaff Canyon was my favorite hike of the trip! The trail is beautiful, shaded in parts, and leads you to the Morning Glory Arch. The kids loved scrambling over the rocks and playing in the creek along the way. The trail is well-maintained, and there’s a perfect spot at the end to rest and enjoy the view of the arch. You can even sit and watch people repel down the arch! It’s a great mix of scenic and fun for little adventurers.

• Trail length: 4.3 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Morning Glory Arch, creek crossings, shady spots, canyon views, dog friendly, bathrooms and easy parking

3. Mill Creek Trail

If you’re looking for a trail that feels a bit more secluded but still family-friendly, Mill Creek is a great option. The path follows a creek with beautiful canyon views, and there are plenty of spots for the kids to explore and splash around in the water. We took a nice leisurely pace, stopping often to enjoy the scenery and let the kids have some fun in the water. Our 2-year old even walked a good amount of the way. The trail ends with a beautiful waterfall and swimming area! The water was very cold for us (in late March) but people were still getting in. I can imagine it would be a lot of fun on a hot summer day!

• Trail length: 1.6 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Creekside scenery, waterfall and swimming hole, perfect for a summer hike, family-friendly, dog friendly, bathrooms and easy parking

3. Delicate Arch Trail

If you’re looking to experience one of the most iconic landmarks in Arches National Park, the Delicate Arch Trail is a must! The trail takes you through red rock slabs and past smaller arches, leading to the famous Delicate Arch. While the trail can be a bit exposed with some areas of slick rock and height exposure, it’s a rewarding hike with breathtaking views. We hiked part of this trail around sunset and the views were amazing! Note it is not dog-friendly as it’s inside the park.

Trail length: 3.2 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Iconic Delicate Arch, stunning red rock views, great for sunrise/sunset hikes.

4. Moab Rim Trailhead

This trail offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Moab and the surrounding red rock landscape, and the kids had a blast with all the rocks to climb on and jump off! While it can get a bit rocky and steep in spots, it’s out and back so turn around at any point where you’ve had enough. It’s a perfect hike if you want to take in the iconic Moab scenery without committing to a long trek. Plus, since it’s technically an off-roading trail, you might even get to watch some people tackle it with their ATVs while you’re there!

• Trail length: 8 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Moderate, harder and steep at times
• Highlights: Stunning desert views, perfect for a short but rewarding hike, dog friendly, bathrooms and easy parking

5. Grand View Point Trail

If you’re looking for a short, easy hike with breathtaking panoramic views, the Grand View Point Trail is a must-visit. Located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, this trail offers stunning vistas of the park’s unique geological features. It’s a great option for families and those seeking a leisurely walk with rewarding scenery.​ It gets a little close to the edge so watch little kids closely! I walked this trail with my 8 year old and he loved it and kept talking about how beautiful it was! Note it is not dog friendly.

• Trail length: 1.8 miles (out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Easy​
• Highlights: Spectacular canyon views, proximity to the Grand View Point Overlook, and a well-maintained, mostly flat trail.

6. Take a Drive Through Arches Park

Driving through Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the park’s stunning landscapes. I think it’s one of the prettiest places on earth to drive around, especially at sunset when the red rock formations glow in the golden light. The scenic drive is 18 miles long with plenty of spots to pull over and take pictures, allowing you to see so much of the park without even getting out of your car. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic formations like Balanced Rock and the Windows Section, and there are multiple viewpoints and short trails to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quick photo op or a leisurely drive with breathtaking views, this route offers something for everyone. Just be sure to arrive early or later in the day to avoid crowds and find parking.

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These trails are just a few of the many kid-friendly options in the Moab area, but they were definitely the highlights of our trip! Each one offers its own unique views and experiences, so be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and even water shoes/sandals if you have them! We loved how we could go at our own pace with each hike while letting the kids explore and get a little messy.

What the Weather Was Like in March & What We Packed

• Average temperatures (daytime vs. nighttime).
  • We visited Moab at the end of March, and the weather was absolutely perfect! Daytime temps were around 70–74º and sunny, which felt amazing—warm enough for swimming (especially with heated pools) but not too hot for hiking. The sun is strong out there, so even with those moderate temps, it definitely felt warm during the day. Evenings cooled down quite a bit, but we were fine with pants and a light jacket. From what I’ve read, it’s usually a little cooler that time of year, so we really lucked out!

• What we wore for hiking and casual outings.
  • We packed mostly casual clothes and activewear—you don’t need anything fancy in Moab! It’s super dry and dusty, so clothes get dirty fast. I recommend packing more extra outfits than you think you’ll need, especially for the kids. I mostly wore leggings, tanks, and tees, plus a light jacket for sun protection and a baseball cap. The boys wore shorts or jeans (jeans were helpful for climbing rocks) and t-shirts. A few times they wore their bathing suit shorts and long-sleeve swim shirts on hikes so they could splash around in the creeks.

• Essentials for springtime weather in Moab (layers, sun protection, etc.).
  • Layers are key! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, afternoons get hot, and the sun is intense. Bring:
    • A good pair of hiking shoes
    • Hiking sandals like Tevas for creek crossings
    • Sunscreen (you’ll use a lot), hats, and sunglasses
    • A backpack to carry snacks, water, and layers
    • Reusable water bottles or a hydration pack for longer hikes

• What we wish we had brought!
  • We totally forgot shorts for ourselves—oops! It was warmer than we expected. I also forgot swim cover-ups for the pool and water-friendly sandals for the trails with creek crossings. Next time, I’ll definitely double check that part of the packing list! We also have a large insulated water jug that I wish we would have brought to keep in the car to fill up water bottles.

Final Thoughts – Would We Do This Trip Again?

Absolutely, yes! This trip was everything we hoped for and more. The hikes were definitely the highlight—everywhere we went was stunning, the weather was perfect, and I just loved exploring and walking around. It was such a great type of vacation for our kids too: laid-back, full of opportunities to get dirty, climb rocks, splash in creeks, and then relax at the pool after a day outside.

Our stay at SpringHill Suites was a big win—spacious rooms and an amazing pool area that worked perfectly for the whole family. Honestly, I think Moab is one of the most unique and beautiful places to explore in the U.S. And it’s much more affordable than many other spring break destinations, which is a huge plus! We’ll definitely be back—I’m even trying to convince our family to go in on a home together that we could turn into an Airbnb, haha.

What We’d Do Next Time

• Rent a UTV for some off-roading adventures! We looked into it while we were there—about $500 for a half-day rental of a 4-seater. Maybe something fun to do when the boys are a little older!
• Stargazing in Arches National Park – I would love to do a late-night picnic under the stars with the kids. It’s a Dark Sky Park, so the views are probably incredible.
• Bring or rent bikes – There are so many beautiful paved biking trails through town and along UT-128. It looked like such a fun way to explore!
• Hike inside the national parks – It was great having our dog with us, but next time we might leave him home so we can do more trails within Arches and Canyonlands.
• Bring more food and a cooler – Next time, I’ll plan ahead a little more with groceries and pack lunches for hikes. That alone would help save a ton!

Would We Visit in a Different Season?

We truly hit the sweet spot by going in late March—around 70–74º and sunny most days. It was warm enough to swim and perfect for hiking without the crowds or extreme heat. We’ve been once in late November, and it was much colder and windier. I’d love to visit again in fall—I imagine the colors and weather would be just as dreamy!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been and have any tips or favorite places to add to this list!

This post was all about planning a family-friendly road trip to Moab, Utah—including the best hikes with kids, where to stay, what to pack, and budget-friendly tips for visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.