Zion vs Moab | Which one should you visit?
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for your next adventure, Zion vs Moab should be at the top of your list. These two destinations offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States, with challenging hikes, unique rock formations, and breathtaking views.
I love traveling out west because the landscape is so vastly different than here on the East Coast. Utah is definitely a special place for us.
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is known for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and the Virgin River, which winds through the park. Visitors can explore the park on foot, with hikes ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs up steep cliffs. Zion also offers opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, and canyoneering.
Moab, located in eastern Utah, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with its red rock formations and unique desert landscapes. The area is known for its challenging mountain biking trails, off-road jeep tours, and hikes that take visitors through narrow canyons and past stunning arches and spires.
Both Zion and Moab offer a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike with your family or a challenging climb up a steep cliff, these destinations have something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Utah, you might be wondering which national park to visit: Zion or Moab. Both offer breathtaking views and unique activities, but they are quite different from each other. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two amazing destinations to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Hiking and Rock Climbing in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations, deep canyons, and challenging hikes. If you love hiking, you’ll find plenty of trails to explore here.
The park’s most famous hike is Angel’s Landing, a strenuous 5.4-mile trail that takes you to the top of a 1,500-foot cliff. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, but the trail is not for the faint of heart.
You must have a permit to even be able to hike Angel’s Landing today (find information on that here). My husband and I were at Zion the summer before permits were mandatory. We hiked all the way up the West Rim Trail to Scout’s Lookout. This is where the Angel’s Landing hike begins with its chains. I went up the first row of chains and then turned around when there was a spot where you had to walk across sandstone without chains. My husband however, went all the way! It was incredibly crowded, and quite dangerous without the permit system.
If you’re not up for that challenge, you can still enjoy other scenic hikes like the Riverside Walk or the Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
For those who love rock climbing, Zion is a world-class destination. The park is home to more than 2,000 climbing routes, with something for every skill level. Some popular spots include the East Temple, the Sentinel, and the Streaked Wall. Even if you’re not a climber yourself, watching others climb these impressive rock faces is a sight to behold.
Zion National Park and Moab are two of the most popular destinations for hiking enthusiasts. With stunning views and challenging terrain, both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Here are some of the best hikes in each park:
Zion National Park Hikes
1. Angel’s Landing – This 5.4-mile round-trip hike is the most famous in the park. The trail is strenuous and includes a steep climb with chains to hold onto, but the views from the top are worth it. From the summit, you’ll have a panoramic view of the park and the Virgin River far below. Again, you must have a permit to even be able to hike it today (find information on that here).
2. The Narrows – This hike takes you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with towering walls on either side. The trail follows the Virgin River, and you’ll need to wade through the water for much of the hike. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience.
3. Observation Point – This hike is a little less crowded than Angel’s Landing but offers equally stunning views. The 7-mile round-trip hike is strenuous, but the panoramic views of the park from the summit are well worth the effort.
4. The Subway – This hike is a bit more off the beaten path, but it’s worth the effort for the stunning scenery. This is a very strenuous 9.5-mile through-hike that requires rappelling skills, 60 feet of rope, and extensive route finding experience. The trail takes you through a narrow slot canyon, ending at a natural rock formation that looks like a subway tunnel.
5. Canyon Overlook Trail – If you want all the views but the least amount of effort to get it, then the Canyon Overlook Trail is the way to go. It is only 1 mile roundtrip. It was a super simple hike with cliffs and high drop offs. The end of the hike was a beautiful lookout through a MAGNIFICENT canyon.
Hiking and Off-Roading in Moab
Moab Hikes
1. Delicate Arch – This 3-mile round-trip hike is one of the most famous in the park. The trail takes you to the iconic Delicate Arch, a freestanding arch that has become a symbol of Utah. The hike is strenuous, with steep climbs and rocky terrain, but the views from the top are breathtaking.
2. Fiery Furnace – This hike is a bit more challenging, with no marked trail and a maze-like series of canyons to navigate. The stunning rock formations and narrow passageways are well worth the effort, but a permit is required to hike this trail.
3. Tower Arch Hike – This is a moderate 2.6-mile round-trip trail that takes hikers through a remote desert landscape to a stunning natural arch. The trail begins with a gradual climb through a sandy wash before ascending steep switchbacks to a high plateau with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The final descent takes hikers through a narrow canyon to the base of Tower Arch, a massive sandstone formation that stands out against the blue sky. The Tower Arch Hike is a secluded and peaceful adventure that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of Arches National Park.
4. Devil’s Garden – This hike is a bit longer, at 7.2 miles round-trip, but offers a range of stunning rock formations to explore. Along the way, you’ll see arches, spires, and hoodoos, with plenty of opportunities for photography.
Mountain Biking and Off-Roading in Moab
Moab is known for its incredible mountain biking and off-roading trails. The terrain here is rugged and otherworldly, with unique rock formations and stunning vistas. Some of the most popular trails for mountain biking include the Slickrock Trail and the Porcupine Rim Trail. Both offer challenging terrain and stunning views.
If you’re more of an off-roading enthusiast, Moab has plenty of options for you as well. The Hell’s Revenge Trail is a popular spot for 4×4 enthusiasts, with steep climbs and challenging obstacles. The Fins and Things Trail is another great option, with sandstone fins and steep drops that will keep your heart racing.
Scenic Drives and Photography in Zion vs Moab
Both Zion and Moab offer plenty of opportunities for scenic drives and photography. In Zion, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a must-do. This scenic drive takes you through a mile-long tunnel carved into the rock, and offers stunning views of the park’s iconic red cliffs.
In Moab, the drive along the Colorado River is a popular choice. This scenic drive offers stunning views of the river, with plenty of pullouts for photo opportunities. The La Sal Mountain Loop Road is another great option, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to stop and take lots of photos!
Zion vs Moab: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between Zion or Moab really comes down to what you’re looking for in an adventure. If you love hiking and rock climbing, Zion is the clear winner. The park’s stunning red rock formations and deep canyons offer some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the country. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, you can still enjoy the park’s scenic drives and photography opportunities.
On the other hand, if you’re a mountain biking or off-roading enthusiast, Moab is the clear choice. The park’s rugged terrain offers some of the most challenging and exciting trails in the country. And if you’re more of a photographer, both parks offer plenty of stunning vistas and scenic drives.
Ultimately, both Zion and Moab are incredible destinations that should be on any nature lover’s bucket list. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply stunning views, both parks offer something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to both and experience the best of both worlds?
How far apart are Zion and Moab?
Zion National Park and Moab are located in the same state, Utah, but they are approximately 300 miles apart. It takes about 4.5 to 5 hours to drive from Zion National Park to Moab, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Visitors can take several routes to travel between the two destinations, including highways I-15 and I-70, or scenic routes that take you through smaller towns and state parks. It’s important to plan your travel time accordingly and take into account any stops or detours you may want to make along the way. Additionally, it’s important to note that the drive between Zion and Moab is quite scenic, with plenty of stunning vistas and unique rock formations to see along the way.
Is Zion better than Arches?
It’s difficult to say whether Zion is better than Arches, as both parks offer unique and stunning landscapes that are worth visiting. Zion National Park is known for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and the Virgin River that winds through the park, while Arches National Park is known for its stunning arches and unique rock formations. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels, and there are plenty of opportunities for photography and outdoor activities in each park.
Ultimately, which park you prefer may depend on your personal preferences and interests. If you’re looking for challenging hikes through narrow canyons and along steep cliffs, Zion may be the better choice. If you’re more interested in exploring unique rock formations and stunning arches, Arches may be the better choice. However, both parks offer incredible natural beauty and opportunities for adventure, making them both must-visit destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
What is so special about Moab?
Moab is a unique and special destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its stunning red rock formations, challenging hiking and mountain biking trails, and unique desert landscapes. The area is known for its incredible arches and spires, which have been formed over millions of years by the forces of wind and water.
Additionally, Moab offers plenty of opportunities for off-road jeep tours, rock climbing, and camping in the wilderness. The area’s rugged beauty and remote location make it a popular destination for those seeking adventure and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Which is the most beautiful park in Utah?
Utah is home to several stunning national parks, each with its own unique beauty. It’s difficult to determine which park is the most beautiful, as it ultimately depends on personal preferences. However, many people consider Zion National Park to be one of the most beautiful parks in Utah, thanks to its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and the stunning Virgin River that winds through the park.
The park also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a chance to explore the great outdoors.
Both Zion National Park and Moab offer incredible natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure that are well worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in hiking through narrow canyons, exploring unique rock formations, or simply taking in the stunning vistas, these destinations have something for everyone.
While each park offers its own unique beauty and experiences, both are sure to leave visitors in awe of the natural wonders of Utah. So whether you choose to visit Zion or Moab, be sure to bring your hiking shoes, camera, and a sense of adventure, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible landscapes and experiences that await you.
Whether you’re visiting Zion vs Moab, there’s no shortage of incredible hikes to explore. From challenging trails with stunning views to more relaxed hikes through unique rock formations, both parks offer something for hikers of all levels. So lace up your boots, pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and hit the trail to experience the beauty of these incredible destinations.
More Resources:
Ultimate List of West Coast Parks
Must See National Parks in Utah
