Known worldwide for its towering red rock formations, rugged Jeep trails, and national parks, Moab has earned a reputation as an off-road paradise. But what many street riders don’t realize is that it’s equally rewarding from the saddle of a touring bike, sport-tourer, cruiser, or adventure motorcycle. Smooth scenic highways weave through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the West, while countless dirt roads branch into remote canyons and overlooks that seem pulled from another planet.
Whether you’re looking for sweeping pavement or challenging backcountry exploration, Moab delivers enough riding to fill a long weekend – or an entire vacation.
Most riders begin in downtown Moab, a lively outdoor town perched along the Colorado River. Restaurants, gear shops, breweries, and outfitters line Main Street, creating a welcoming basecamp where motorcycles are as common as mountain bikes and lifted 4x4s. During peak riding season, parking lots fill with machines from every corner of the country.
To the north, U.S. Highway 191 climbs toward the towering sandstone walls that frame Arches National Park. The dirt roads offer extra adventure for street-legal ADV bikes, but the paved road through Arches is one of Utah’s finest scenic rides. Smooth pavement winds beneath massive fins, balanced rocks, and towering arches that glow orange beneath the desert sun. Short hikes from the parking areas reveal landmarks like Balanced Rock, Double Arch, and Delicate Arch, making this an easy half-day excursion.
To the South, Potash Road hugs the canyon walls as it follows the river beneath thousand-foot cliffs streaked with desert varnish. Ancient petroglyphs carved by Indigenous peoples appear high on the rock faces, while climbers scale sheer sandstone walls overhead. Eventually, the pavement gives way to dirt as the famous Shafer Trail descends from Canyonlands National Park. Adventure riders often continue onto the White Rim Trail, one of America’s bucket-list off-road routes, though permits and preparation are essential.
Perhaps the best paved ride near Moab is State Route 128, often called one of the most beautiful highways in Utah. Beginning just north of town, the road twists alongside the Colorado River through a narrow canyon surrounded by soaring red cliffs. Gentle sweepers, light traffic, and endless photo opportunities make it a favorite among riders. Every bend seems to reveal another towering butte or sandstone spire rising from the desert floor.
Beyond the legendary White Rim Trail, roads like Hurrah Pass, Long Canyon, Gemini Bridges Road, and Chicken Corners provide unforgettable rides ranging from beginner-friendly gravel to demanding technical terrain. Many are accessible on larger adventure motorcycles, while others are better suited to lightweight dual-sports depending on weather and rider experience. The surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands contain hundreds of miles of designated motorized routes, making Moab one of the country’s premier adventure riding destinations.
One morning you can carve smooth canyon pavement beneath towering sandstone walls. By afternoon you’re climbing into alpine forests above 10,000 feet. The next day might find you exploring remote desert two-track before watching the sunset paint the cliffs brilliant shades of orange and crimson. The landscape itself seems to change with every mile.
Despite its popularity, Moab still rewards exploration. Turn onto almost any side road and you’ll likely discover a hidden overlook, abandoned mining site, natural bridge, or quiet campsite far from the crowds. The surrounding public lands are immense, allowing riders to create their own adventures rather than simply checking attractions off a list.
It’s this combination of world-class scenery, diverse riding, and endless opportunities for exploration that has made Moab one of North America’s premier motorcycle destinations.
Moab offers an incredible mix of riding surfaces. Paved highways like SR-128, U.S. 191, and the main road through Arches National Park are generally smooth and well maintained with sweeping curves and excellent visibility. Off-road opportunities range from graded gravel roads to highly technical slickrock and Jeep trails. Riders should expect sand, loose rock, washboard surfaces, steep ledges, and flash flood damage on dirt routes. Tourist traffic can become heavy near the national parks, especially during spring and fall, and wildlife is occasionally encountered at higher elevations.
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through October) provide the best riding conditions, with comfortable temperatures and spectacular scenery. Summer frequently brings triple-digit heat, making hydration and early morning rides essential. Winter is generally mild in town, but higher elevations in the La Sal Mountains can receive snow and temporary closures. Afternoon thunderstorms during the monsoon season (July through September) can quickly make dirt roads muddy or impassable. Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and layered clothing if venturing into the mountains.
Moab punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. Moab Brewery is a longtime rider favorite, serving burgers, steaks, and locally brewed beer after a day on the trails. Milt’s Stop & Eat has been a local institution since the 1950s and is known for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes. For breakfast, Love Muffin Café and Jailhouse Café are popular stops before hitting the road. Southwestern cuisine, barbecue, pizza, and excellent coffee shops are all easy to find downtown.
Moab offers accommodations for every style of traveler. National hotel chains provide comfortable bases within walking distance of downtown, while locally owned motels retain the town’s classic road-trip character. Campers can choose from developed campgrounds in Arches and Canyonlands national parks, private RV parks, or dispersed camping on surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands. Riders looking for easy access to restaurants and nightlife should stay downtown, while those seeking solitude can find scenic campsites just outside town beneath towering red cliffs.
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Colorado River Scenic Byway (SR-128)
• Potash Road (SR-279)
• La Sal Mountain Loop Road
• Gemini Bridges
• Hurrah Pass
• White Rim Trail
• Shafer Trail
• Chicken Corners
• Corona Arch
• Moab Museum
• Sand Flats Recreation Area
• Hell’s Revenge Trail
• Colorado River overlooks
• Newspaper Rock (south of Moab)
Moab is perfectly positioned for an extended Utah motorcycle adventure. Ride south on U.S. 191 toward Monticello and connect with the spectacular Moki Dugway, Valley of the Gods, and Monument Valley. Head west on Interstate 70 to explore the twisting roads of the San Rafael Swell, or venture east into Colorado for the spectacular mountain riding around Ouray, Silverton, and the famed Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550). With Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion national parks all within a day’s ride, Moab makes an outstanding hub for exploring the American Southwest.
Location: Moab, Utah
Distance: Numerous routes from 30 to 300+ miles
Ride Time: Half-day to multi-day adventures
Best Direction to Ride: Loop rides from Moab
Skill Level: Beginner (pavement) to advanced (technical off-road)
Best Bike Type: Adventure, dual-sport, touring, sport-touring, cruiser