MOAB, UTAH – COLORADO OVERLANDER EDITION

Early in the spring, while the mountains to the west are still locked in snow, the red rocks of Moab, Utah glow with a warm invitation.  A major hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Moab has something for every level of experience and every kind of outdoor passion, and Colorado Overlander has the all-terrain vehicles to put you right in the middle of it.

When visiting the town of Moab, or camping in one of the nearby National Parks, visitors can rock climb, take a Jeep tour, go whitewater rafting, mountain bike the famous slick rock formations, or simply explore the side canyons and trails on their own. To take advantage of all this versatility, it is important to bring along a vehicle that can handle itself anywhere. Instead of staying in a hotel where you have to travel to the trailhead each day, park your Colorado Overlander off-road Toyota vehicle wherever you want to wake up the next morning to start your adventure.

WHEN TO VISIT

In the summer, the temperatures in Moab run from hot to extremely hot. While there are definitely ways to handle the heat (getting out very early, lots of water, etc), if your goal is outdoor adventure of any kind, Colorado Overlander recommends that you try to time your visit with the more moderate temperatures of Spring and Fall.

In the spring, usually March to May, Moab visitors may get a chance to experience a rare desert bloom as the land makes the most of a few weeks of moisture. Ride your mountain bike past prickly pear cactus blooms of pink and yellow, while the claret cup cactus nearby are a deep, vibrant red. Take an evening hike and enjoy the lovely aromas of flowers which only bloom after sunset. Enjoy exploring 4×4 trails with any of the Colorado Overlander vehicles and be sure to watch for hidden waterfalls that only exist in the spring.

In the Fall (late September- November), soak in the last rays of the season, or explore the mountain biking trails. Single track and slickrock riding enthusiasts flock to the diverse terrain in the Fall, and Moab never disappoints. The weather usually maintains extended days of high pressure, and the electric blue of an autumn desert sky is not to be missed.

Even winter has something to offer for overlanding adventures. With insulated tents and warm sleeping bags rated down to 20 degrees provided by Colorado Overlander, visitors can enjoy Moab in the real off-season, and soak in the solitude of the desert.

RECOMMENDED OVERLAND ROUTES – PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OVERLAND TRAIL GUIDES

Image of the White Rim Trail

WHITE RIM TRAIL

Adventure Rating: Epic
Trip Length: 124 miles, 1-3 days
Rig Recommendation: Tacoma TRD Pro or 4Runner TRD Pro

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Image of the Rimrocker Trail map

RIMROCKER TRAIL

Adventure Rating: Epic
Trip Length: 160 miles, 2-4 days
Rig Recommendation: Tacoma TRD Pro or 4Runner TRD Pro

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PLAN AHEAD

Because of Moab’s popularity, it is very important to do research ahead of time to determine whether your itinerary requires advance permits or even competitive reservations. Even when traveling with the adaptable overlanding vehicles with Colorado Overlander, it can save stress and time to have planned stops and campsites guaranteed.

Canyonlands and Arches National Park are also very popular, and some backcountry areas require permits. To get the most out of any visit to a National Park, consider visiting on a weekday and start out early.

Same goes for Dead Horse Point State Park. Although this section of public land is a great way to get your overlanding wheels dirty, it has become an incredibly popular destination and should probably be avoided completely on peak weekends. Try one of the nearby side canyons or mesas to escape the crowds.

Most of the town of Moab is surrounded by public land that does not require an entrance fee. Just be sure to purchase a reliable map and know where you’re going before you dive in to explore those areas. Signage is irregular and cell phone coverage unreliable, so reading an analog map is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Pick anything! We promise there is no wrong choice when it comes to exploring Moab in your overlander vehicle. There are many qualified outfitter services to offer guides and trips for any experience that might take you out of your comfort zone in and around the Moab area.

Pro Tip for traveling with kids: Choose a destination and stay there for at least two nights. We promise that you will never get bored, and kids love the rock collecting, canyon exploring, slick-rock scrambling outings far more than the photo ops at every cool overlook. Even grown ups can really benefit from getting to know a place at a deeper level.

The staff at Colorado Overlander would love to talk to you about your upcoming Moab adventure. We can recommend off-the-beaten-track trails and campgrounds as well as answer any specific questions you may have about preparing for a visit to the desert.

Image of the Maroon Bells in Aspen- with the iconic Maroon Bells reflected in Maroon Lake. The green wilderness and nature surrounds the area.
A scene from the Moab desert with the sun setting in the distance.
Image of the iconic Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado- The water is vivid blue and there are trees and rocky walls surrounding this stunning area.
Image of blue Columbine flowers on a mountain with a beautiful orange sunset in the background.
Image of a wooden cabin with a green roof with stunning mountains and clouds in the background.
Image of a wooden cabin in Steamboat Springs, CO. In the background, the sky is blue with white clouds and there are yellow hills.
Image of Rocky Mountain National Park with views of the green grass, mountain range, and blue sky with clouds.
Image of the Arches view and the sun setting in the background
Image of Horseshoe Bend with the magestic views and sun setting in the background
Image of a view from Zion National Park - you get a sense of majestic nature and wonder.
Image of the mountain views and a green valley with a town in the distance
Image of Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful- there are stunning colors of blue, green, yellow, and orange as people walk around the thermal water on the sightseeing path.
Image of Crystal Mill in Marble, Colorado. The old wooden mill is rustic and has a sense of history as it is nestled amoung the forest and running river below.
Image of a woman sitting in a natural hot spring in the mountains. In the distance, you see tall green pine trees and majestic mountains.
Image of a beautiful bull elk walking through tall fall grass. In the background, you see a calm body of water and majestic foggy mountains.
Image of three individuals in hunting gear. They are standing as they look over the mountains and soak in the mountain views.
Image of a rocky dirt road lined with grass and wildflowers. In the background, you see a hazy view of the mountain and the sun shining through the clouds.
Image of a bare mountain top with patches of snow on the Alpine Loop in Colorado
An aerial image of a forest of colorful trees in the fall, including yellow, bright orange, red, rust, and bright green. In the background, views of snowcapped mountains.
Shadow of a photographer shooting a photo towards the mountains in the distance.
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