Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Moab (Grand County, Utah; pop. 5,235) sits at 1227 m (4026 ft) elevation near Moab Historic District, with regional transit access via Sunbird Airport (5.0 km). Visitors pair Moab landmarks with signature Utah specialties including Utah scones (deep-fried puffy bread with honey butter) and Pastrami-topped burgers & Dutch-oven camp dinners.
Within Utah, Moab (Moab, UT) serves as a major hub city in utah. Travelers exploring Utah often combine a stop in Moab with state highlights such as Utah's 'Mighty 5' National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands & Capitol Reef, plus Monument Valley, Bonneville Salt Flats & Park City.
| Fact | Details for Moab (Moab, UT) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Moab, UT |
| County & Role | Major hub city in Utah |
| State & Major Hubs | Utah (Salt Lake City, Moab & St. George) |
| Population | 5,235 residents |
| Elevation | 1227 m (4,026 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Sunbird Airport (5.0 km) |
| Coordinates | 38.5733°N, 109.5498°W |
Getting to Moab & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Sunbird Airport (5.0 km)): Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with TRAX light rail downtown; Las Vegas (LAS) is 2.5 hrs from Zion; Amtrak California Zephyr stops at SLC, Provo & Green River (near Moab).
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into SLC Salt Lake City International Airport & Amtrak California Zephyr? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Moab includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Moab (Utah)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Moab (Grand County, Utah), local tables feature: Signature Utah dishes—Utah scones (deep-fried puffy bread with honey butter), Pastrami-topped burgers & Dutch-oven camp dinners, and Funeral potatoes (cheesy hashbrown casserole) & fry sauce.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Moab and across Utah, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Utah: High-desert craft ales & artisan sodas, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Moab (Utah), look for: Local specialties across Utah: Bear Lake raspberry shakes & Green River melon, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Utah dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a smaller American town like Moab (pop. 5,235), dining centers around Main Street cafés, family diners, barbecue smokehouses, and seasonal farmers markets; note that rural kitchens in Grand County often wrap up dinner service by 20:30–21:00.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 1227 m (4,026 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Sunbird Airport (5.0 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Moab Historic Downtown · Grand County Courthouse Square
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Historic Downtown Moab, Grand County District
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Fruita, CO (96.4 km)
- Redlands, CO (97.1 km)
- Grand Junction, CO (102.3 km)
- Orchard Mesa, CO (103.0 km)
- Blanding, UT (105.7 km)
Regional Specialties Across Utah
- Utah scones (deep-fried puffy bread with honey butter) — a signature specialty across Utah.
- Pastrami-topped burgers & Dutch-oven camp dinners — a signature specialty across Utah.
- Funeral potatoes (cheesy hashbrown casserole) & fry sauce — a signature specialty across Utah.
- Bear Lake raspberry shakes & Green River melon — a signature specialty across Utah.
- High-desert craft ales & artisan sodas — a signature specialty across Utah.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Moab
Best time to visit Utah: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (parks), Dec–Mar (skiing).
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Moab exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Moab; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Moab (Moab, UT) located in the United States?
Moab (Moab, UT) is a us city in Utah, United States (coordinates: 38.5733°N, 109.5498°W, elevation: 1227 m (4,026 ft)). It has a population of approximately 5,235.
How do I get to Moab by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Moab via Sunbird Airport (5.0 km). Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with TRAX light rail downtown; Las Vegas (LAS) is 2.5 hrs from Zion; Amtrak California Zephyr stops at SLC, Provo & Green River (near Moab). You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Moab and Utah known for?
In Moab and across Utah, signature regional dishes include Utah scones (deep-fried puffy bread with honey butter), Pastrami-topped burgers & Dutch-oven camp dinners, Funeral potatoes (cheesy hashbrown casserole) & fry sauce, as well as Bear Lake raspberry shakes & Green River melon and High-desert craft ales & artisan sodas. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Moab?
Best time to visit Utah: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (parks), Dec–Mar (skiing). Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: