Moab 7 Day Itinerary: Off-Road Adventure & Epic Views

Moab is a high-octane playground for off-roaders and scenery chasers alike. If you’re looking to blend red rock crawling with peaceful overlooks, this Moab 7 day itinerary hits the sweet spot—trails like Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things, and Shafer Trail balanced with iconic viewpoints, strategic rest, and practical stops. 

Here’s how to make the most of a week in Utah’s desert backcountry.

TL;DR: Your 7-Day Moab Off-Road Plan

• Day 1: Arrival, gear check, groceries, sunset at Dead Horse Point
  
• Day 2: Hell’s Revenge & Fins & Things (4×4 playground)
  
• Day 3: Gemini Bridges to Long Canyon
  
• Day 4: Shafer Trail Views + Potash Road
  
• Day 5: Rest Day in Moab
  
• Day 6: Chicken Corners + Hurrah Pass
  
• Day 7: Arches NP sunrise + Sand Flats exit

Arrival & Logistics (Day 1)

• Groceries: City Market, Moonflower Co-op
  
• Fuel: Fill up in town (Shell/Walker)
  
• Gear Check: Moab 4×4 Outpost, ARB, or Tread Lightly!
  
• Permits: No special permits for most trails unless camping
  
• Sunset Spot: Dead Horse Point — wide views, lower crowds than Mesa Arch

Hell’s Revenge & Fins & Things (Day 2)

Start early to beat the Jeep safari crowds.

• Hell’s Revenge: Iconic slickrock route with steep climbs (Hell’s Gate is optional)
  
• Fins & Things: More flowy, scenic, less risky
  
• Key Viewpoints: Sand Flats panorama, La Sal Mountain overlook
  
• Lunch Option: Pack in, or quick stop at Love Muffin post-ride
  
• Sunset: Rotary Park picnic or Mill Creek Parkway walk
  
• Backup Plan: Rain makes slickrock dangerous — opt for town hike or scenic drive

Gemini Bridges to Long Canyon (Day 3)

• Morning: Start west of town on 191 — Gemini Bridges offers a short hike to twin spans
  
• Afternoon: Loop down Long Canyon Road, framed by towering walls
  
• Add-ons: Pucker Pass (weather dependent), Jug Handle Arch stop
  
• Food/Fuel: Pack lunch, refuel at Chevron or Shell back in town
  
• Sunset: Kane Creek overlook pullouts

Shafer Trail Views (Day 4)

• Start: Enter via Canyonlands Island in the Sky
  
• Viewpoints: Gooseneck Overlook, Shafer Switchbacks, Thelma & Louise Point
  
• Descent: Tight switchbacks with jaw-dropping exposure
  
• Exit: Potash Road back to Moab (petroglyph pullouts + wall climbers)
  
• Lunch: Sandwiches with a view; Moab Brewery after
  
• Sunset: Potash boat ramp or Red Cliffs Lodge

Rest Day in Moab (Day 5)

• Easy Hikes: Corona Arch, Grandstaff Canyon (morning shade)
  
• Foodie Stops: Quesadilla Mobilla, Jailhouse Cafe (brunch), Thai Bella
  
• Shops: Back of Beyond Books, GearHeads (great water refill)
  
• Wellness: Massage at Spa Moab, yoga at Moab Yoga
  
• Bonus Sunset: Wilson Arch (drive-up), or Castle Valley scenic byway

Chicken Corners + Hurrah Pass (Day 6)

• Route: Kane Creek Blvd to Hurrah Pass, then on to Chicken Corners
  
• Viewpoints: Colorado River bend, Dead Horse Point across the way
  
• Lunch: Pack in — no services
  
• Add-ons: Jackson Hole or hike to Birthing Rock (respect closures)
  
• Sunset: Back in town or along Kane Creek pullouts

Arches NP & Sand Flats Exit (Day 7)

• Start Early: Enter Arches at sunrise (timed entry may apply)
  
• Key Stops: Delicate Arch (sunrise hike), Landscape Arch, The Windows
  
• Exit Option: Loop back via Sand Flats Road (gravel, scenic)
  
• Lunch: Sweet Cravings or Doughbird
  
• Wrap-up: Gear rinse, gift shop, gas up

Sunset Viewpoints Worth Planning For

• Dead Horse Point (Day 1)
  
• Kane Creek Pullouts (Day 3 or 6)
  
• Potash Road Boat Ramp (Day 4)
  
• Wilson Arch (Day 5)

Safety, Permits & Trail Etiquette

• Navigation: Download maps ahead of time (no service on trails)
  
• Recovery: Bring tow straps, full-size spare, jack, and know how to use them
  
• Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. Don’t bust crust!
  
• Season Tips:
  
  • Spring/Fall = best temps
    
  • Summer = scorching; avoid midday trail runs
    
  • Winter = icy in shade, check conditions
    

Accessibility Note: Most trails require physical mobility; Arches NP and town walks offer paved alternatives

Packing Checklist

• High-clearance 4×4 vehicle (rental or own)
  
• GPS app (Gaia, onX Offroad)
  
• Water (1 gal/day/person min)
  
• Food/snacks
  
• Sun protection (hat, UPF layers, sunscreen)
  
• Paper maps/printed itinerary
  
• First aid kit
  
• Recovery gear (strap, shovel, tire repair)
  
• Cooler + dry bag

Suggested Table: Daily Breakdown

Moab 7-Day Itinerary FAQs