8 of the Best Outdoor Adventures in Moab and the Heber Valley, Utah
From the red-rock canyons of Moab in Southern Utah to the snowy slopes and cozy hot springs of the Heber Valley in the north, Utah is packed with adventures for every adventurous traveller, including families. Whether you’re hunting for dinosaur tracks, hiking iconic arches or trying your hand at unique sports, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages.
Hike in Arches National Park
Delicate Arch, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, is a must-see in Arches National Park, though the park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches for families with time to explore further. The hike to Delicate Arch is a moderate five-kilometre round trip, while the upper and lower viewpoints are well suited to younger children or those who prefer a gentler walk and still want great views from a distance.
The Devil’s Garden Trail offers something for everyone, including families with older children that are experienced hikers. The full 12.6-kilometre loop delivers an unforgettable mix of arches and sweeping red-rock views, with eight arches along the way, including Navajo Arch and Double O Arch, though navigation can be tricky. For an easier option, a three-kilometre return walk leads to Landscape Arch, passing Pine Tree and Tunnel arches en route, making it a rewarding and manageable adventure for all ages.
Hunt for Dinosaur Tracks
Hikers and dinosaur fans should seek out the Dinosaur Stomping Ground Trail. This easy five-kilometre route winds through the Klondike Bluffs—kids will love following the yellow footprint-style markers—to a slickrock area showcasing thousands of remarkably preserved Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks.
Go Canyoneering with Moab Adventure Centre
The Morning Glory Arch Canyoneering Adventure with Moab Adventure Centre offers a unique way for adventurous families to experience one of Moab’s most spectacular landmarks. The massive alcove arch spans 70 metres across the canyon, making it the sixth longest natural rock span in the United States.
Designed for families with children aged 10 and over, the guided tour features two rappels of more than 30 metres into separate canyons, including a descent into the Medieval Chamber, a hidden grotto accessible only by canyoneering. After a second rappel and time to admire Morning Glory Arch from below, participants can refill their water at a natural spring flowing into the grotto before finishing with a 3.5-kilometre hike out to a waiting van for the return to Moab.
Hike in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is made up of three distinct districts: Island in the Sky, which offers accessible, family-friendly hikes; The Needles, known for dramatic spires and moderate to challenging trails, suitable for families with older children who are experienced hikers; and The Maze, the park’s most remote and demanding area.
If you only have time for one hike, make it Mesa Arch. This one-kilometre round-trip walk rewards hikers of all ages with sweeping views of Buck Canyon and the distant La Sal Mountains, perfectly framed by the park’s iconic sandstone arch.
Ski Deer Valley
Deer Valley, one of only three skier-only resorts in the U.S., is delivering a bold new chapter this winter with its East Village expansion—the largest in ski industry history—which has doubled the resort to more than 4,000 acres, added 10 new lifts (31 total), and expanded the terrain to 202 runs. Skiers can conveniently upload to the East Village from the Heber Valley.
The expansion introduces Park Peak, a high-alpine beginner area with sweeping views, alongside standout terrain for advanced skiers, including Redemption Ridge, offering nearly 800 metres of fall-line vertical. Families are well catered for with Deer Valley’s excellent kids’ ski school, known for its small group sizes and attentive instruction, as well as a Kids Ski Free Week, making it easier for younger skiers to learn and enjoy the mountain alongside experienced adults.
Try Biathlon
If you’ve ever been curious to try the sport of biathlon—or simply want to learn more about its history—a visit to Soldier Hollow Nordic Center (the Nordic venue for the 2002 and 2034 Winter Olympic Games) is a must. Programs are available for participants ages 10 and up, offering an introduction to how biathlon came to be, a guided Nordic ski and the chance to experience target shooting as part of the sport.
Float in Utah’s Crater
One of the most unique activities in Heber Valley is the Utah Crater, a geothermal hot spring located on Homestead in Midway. This natural spring maintains an average temperature of around 35 degrees and reaches a depth of nearly 20 metres, making it a popular destination for families with kids of all ages to go for soaking, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. It is also the only warm-water scuba diving location in the continental United States where families with kids aged 10 and over can earn certification on site, with trained staff available to assist both certified and non-certified divers.
Wasatch Mountain Sauna
Enjoy the comforting heat of an eight-person sauna while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and nearby pond in Wasatch Mountain State Park. Sessions (including communal, private or couple’s sessions) can be booked online for up to 90 minutes, with optional cool-down experiences including an outdoor cold shower, a cold plunge tub and a spacious deck with Adirondack chairs for relaxing in the crisp mountain air.
Where to Stay
In the heart of Utah’s red-rock country, Slackline Moab, Outset Collection by Hilton, offers adventurers a gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with thoughtfully designed rooms stocked with gear and amenities tailored for explorers ready to hit the trails. For a mountain-meets-relaxation escape, Homestead in Heber Valley has been fully renovated and sprawls across 183 scenic acres in Midway, just minutes from Park City. Guests can soak in the hot pools, tee off on the championship golf course and enjoy light meals or indulge in home-churned ice cream at the Milk House.
Where to Eat
Moab has a relaxed, family-friendly food scene that’s ideal before and after a day on the trails. For fresh, easy meals, Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro is a favourite for breakfast, sandwiches and home-baked treats to grab to go before heading out on a hike. Sultan Mediterranean Grill offers flavourful Middle Eastern dishes that are great for sharing and suit a range of tastes, including kids and vegetarians. For a cozy dinner option, Antica Forma is known for its wood-fired pizzas and welcoming atmosphere, making it an easy win for families looking to wind down over a comforting meal.
Enjoy a slice of local history by dining at Midway Mercantile in Midway, a family-friendly restaurant within a reimagined heritage building that once housed the Bonner Brothers Mercantile nearly 150 years ago. The food, described as “new American gourmet,” offers a variety of dishes that blend creativity with comfort.
“I try to create dishes that are unique but accessible,” says John Platt, owner and head chef. This philosophy is evident in the restaurant’s “hearth to table” approach, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Standout offerings include griddled Heber Valley Artisan juustoleipa cheese, lightly seasoned with truffle and served atop a garden salad, as well as tender bison garnished with a creamy chanterelle mushroom butter sauce, supplied by local rancher George Hansen.
For a satisfying breakfast or lunch, pop into the charming Harvest Midway where dishes are made from scratch and polish off your meal with a freshly brewed coffee at Olive Press Café. Kids would love the Süss Cookie Company, which serves up melt-in-your mouth treats that range from the classic chocolate chip to the more adventurous CocoNut Joy.
This article was sponsored by Visit Utah
Utah has the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake City to the north, the salt flats and Great Basin Desert to the west, red rock country and national parks to the south—and mountains, rivers, forests and state parks everywhere in between. Wherever you’re headed, there’s a local community and basecamp town to provide you important amenities and insider knowledge along the way. Without a several-week road trip, it’s hard to experience it all, so pick a region and itinerary to start with, then come back again and again.
