Moab in summer is stunning. It is also hot. We are talking average highs of 100 degrees in July and close behind in August. But here is what a lot of visitors do not realize: with a little planning, the summer heat does not have to slow you down. In fact, some of the best experiences in the Moab area are built around working with the desert schedule rather than fighting it.
Escape to the La Sal Mountains
Just 20 miles from downtown Moab, the La Sal Mountains (home of Whispering Oaks Ranch) are one of the best-kept secrets for summer visitors. These peaks rise to over 12,000 feet, and temperatures up there run 20 to 30 degrees cooler than on the desert floor. On a 102-degree afternoon in Moab, the La Sals can feel like a completely different world.
Manti-La Sal National Forest offers miles of hiking trails through aspen groves, alpine meadows, and past crystal-clear lakes. Popular options include the Warner Lake to Oowah Lake trail and the Gentry Canyon trail, both offering wildflower-lined paths and sweeping views of the canyon country below. If you prefer two wheels, mountain biking in the La Sals draws riders all summer long for the cooler air and forested terrain. Anglers will find good trout fishing in several mountain lakes and streams as well.
A half-day drive up into the La Sals makes for an easy and dramatic change of scenery when the desert heat is at its peak.
Get on the Water
The Colorado River runs right through Moab, and summer is prime time to take advantage of it. River rafting keeps you cool while delivering some of the most dramatic red rock scenery you will find anywhere. For a more relaxed experience, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore a calmer stretch of the river at your own pace. Local outfitters can help you choose the right section based on your group’s experience level.
Chase the Shade Through the Canyons
Canyoneering is perfectly suited to summer because slot canyons stay shaded and cool even in the middle of the day. The narrow walls block direct sun, the rock holds lower temperatures, and many canyons have water at the bottom. It is one of the few activities where midday is actually a great time to head out.
Live by the Desert Clock
Desert dwellers have a simple rule: be outside early and late, rest in the middle. Aim to start hikes or activities by 7 or 8 a.m. before temperatures climb, then take a break during the hottest hours. Late afternoon brings the light that photographers chase, and the evenings near Moab are genuinely magical. Temperatures drop into the mid-60s after sunset, making outdoor dinners, stargazing, and evening walks around the property a pleasure.
The heat is real, but Moab in summer rewards those who plan smart. Between the cool elevation of the La Sals, the Colorado River, shaded canyon adventures, and those long, soft summer evenings, you will find plenty of ways to make the most of every hour.