If you’ve spent any time in the van life community, you know that Moab has a reputation as the red rock capital of the Southwest.
Two national parks, world-class mountain biking, and some of the best stargazing in the country, all within minutes of abundant dispersed camping. It’s the destination that belongs on every van lifer’s bucket list.
Tom, Geotrek’s Digital Marketing Manager, has witnessed Moab’s magic more times than he can count, even spending a month living there in a van. Here’s what he’s learned about making Moab work for van life, from the best camping spots to the sunrise you can’t miss.
The Magic of Mesa Arch
There’s something about sunrise at Mesa Arch that you can’t quite capture in photos, though everyone tries.
The sun rises right through the arch, creating this surreal moment where the sandstone glows from within. Standing there as the desert comes alive, you understand why people set their alarms for 5 AM.
After watching that sunrise, Tom was grateful for the Geotrek’s heater. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab, but those desert mornings can be brutally cold. Being able to warm up the van while making coffee made all the difference between a miserable pre-dawn wake-up and an adventure worth repeating the next day.
Two National Parks, Endless Possibilities
Moab sits between two completely different national park experiences, and that’s part of what makes it special.
Arches National Park is what most people picture when they think of Moab. Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, each one catching the light differently as the sun moves across the sky. The hike to Delicate Arch is the iconic experience, but don’t sleep on the Windows Section and Double Arch. Shorter trails, but those massive rock formations hit just as hard.
Tom recommends getting there early. The park fills up fast, and there’s nothing quite like having these ancient formations mostly to yourself at sunrise. Timed entry tickets are required in addition to your Park Pass from 7 am to 4 pm daily, April 1-July 6 and August 28-October 31.
Canyonlands National Park is a different beast entirely. Just 40 minutes from town, it opens up into vast mesas and winding canyons that seem to stretch forever. The Island in the Sky district offers overlooks that make you feel like you’re standing on another planet.
For quieter trails and incredible rock formations, the Needles District south of Moab is worth the extra drive.
Dead Horse Point: The Overlook That Stops Traffic
Between the two national parks sits Dead Horse Point State Park, which might have the most jaw-dropping views of them all. The overlook at sunset is unbeatable. The cliffs and Colorado River below light up in gold and crimson as the sun drops. There are short hikes, picnic spots, and van-friendly campgrounds with electric hookups for those wanting a night with power.
Where to Park for the Night
One of Moab’s best features for van lifers? Abundant dispersed camping just outside town.
Tom’s go-to spot is Klondike Bluff Road, about 15 minutes north of Moab. Yes, it’s a washboard road. Yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
Epic night skies, red rock bluffs, and a perfect middle ground between Arches, Canyonlands, and downtown. The best part? It rarely fills up completely. You can roll in late and still find a spot.
After a few days off-grid, a reset at Field Station Moab hits the spot. They’ve got an outdoor pool, hot tub, coffee shop, retail area, and clean showers. You can van camp right in the parking lot with power hookups. It’s the perfect “civilization day” between desert adventures.
Cooking and Coffee in the Desert
There’s nothing like cooking breakfast outside when the red rocks are caught in the morning light. Geotrek’s Happy Hour Table made meal prep easy for Tom.
For meals out, these are the local favorites:
Doughbird for legendary donuts and breakfast sandwiches that fuel a full day of hiking. The Garage has Moab’s best breakfast burrito. The Food Truck Park is perfect for a quick lunch, especially Quesadilla Mobila.
For dinner, Sunset Grill offers elevated dining with views overlooking town. Pasta Jay’s and Fiesta Mexicana are solid downtown options for comfort food and margaritas after a long day on the trails.
For van cooking, Tom recommends stocking up at City Market or Moonflower Community Cooperative for great local goods and produce.
The Rhythm of Desert Days
Moab has a rhythm all its own. Early mornings at Mesa Arch. Midday hikes through Delicate Arch or Double Arch.
When Tom needed to catch up on work, he’d head to Lions Park in town (great cell signal, public bathrooms, easy trail access). Sunsets at Dead Horse Point. And nights under the Milky Way that make you understand why people chase dark skies.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, Tom notes that Moab is legendary. The Slickrock Trail is the ride that started it all. Bar-M Loop Trail near Arches is perfect for sunrise spins with unreal views.
Practical Reset Moments
Logistics matter. Tom’s recommendations: Lazy Lizard Hostel or Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown for showers, Moab Laundry Express for laundry (clean and modern), and City Market or Moonflower Co-op for groceries.
Why Moab Works Year-Round
Unlike some van life destinations that have a narrow visiting window, Tom notes that Moab works almost year-round. Mild winters, crisp spring mornings, and golden fall evenings make it one of the most rewarding spots in the Southwest. Summer gets hot, but those who can handle the heat will have the place more to themselves.
The Bottom Line
What keeps bringing people back to Moab isn’t just the scenery, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s the way this place makes you feel small in the best possible way. The ancient rock formations, the endless sky, the silence of the desert at night.
Having a van that can handle cold mornings and provide a comfortable basecamp makes all the difference. The Geotrek’s heater, the cooking setup, and the ability to stay out at Klondike Bluff for days at a time—that’s what turns a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, Moab has something new to show you. Pack your gear, fuel up, and point your van toward red rock country.
Want all the details? Download our complete Moab Van Life Guide with GPS coordinates, camping spots, daily itineraries, and everything you need to plan your own red rock adventure.
