Moab, Utah is synonymous with towering red rock formations and epic outdoor adventures. However, what lies beyond the iconic Arches National Park? Where to stay near Moab, UT? Luckily, several charming places shine just as bright and are not too far from the city. We’re huge road trippers, and it took just a one-to-three-hour ride for us to visit the following destinations. In this post, we’ll venture beyond the Moab city limits to unveil places that might pique your interest. Additionally, we’ll also show you our favorite accommodations in each city. This article will basically be your compass. So, buckle up, and let’s explore the following gems!
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Springville, UT
5
Best Small Town. North of Moab, you’ll find Springville, UT. The city is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing in the area. We were particularly impressed by the city’s unique attractions, including the Fifth Water Hot Springs, Legends Motorcycles, and Jaker’s Pumpkin Patch. Since this is a small town, it has a slower pace of life than some of the larger cities in Utah. We think it’s a really good place to unwind and enjoy the moment with your loved ones.
Distance from Moab, Utah: 184 miles via US-6 E (3 hours)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Springville-South Provo
Although the number of hotels in Springville is limited, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a proper place. Enter the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Springville-South Provo. This hotel has some nice amenities you can take advantage of. During our stay, we would spend around an hour (or maybe more) chilling in the indoor pool and hot tub. Want to sweat it out? Head to the in-house fitness center for a quick workout!
Free perks, you said? You can expect a complimentary breakfast buffet, parking, and Wi-Fi from this hotel. And while our King Room was nothing fancy, it was everything we needed. There was even a microwave and mini-fridge! However, if you’re traveling with a bigger group, we think the suite is worth it.
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Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springville
Next, we have the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Springville. Each morning while we were there, we would kick off the day with a delicious continental breakfast. On top of that, the staff at the 24-hour front desk was super friendly and helpful, too. They even helped us familiarize ourselves with the city, letting us know which places are worth visiting.
As we expected, our room was well-equipped. It had everything we wanted, including a coffee machine to start our mornings. What blew our minds was the bathroom, which was super-duper clean. The suites even have a seating area for extra space.
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Green River, UT
4
Best Charming Town. Deciding where to stay near Moab, UT can be harder than it looks. But if you want a rather unique place to stay, consider staying a day or two in Green River, UT. Although a small town, it’s a good launching point to explore the surrounding natural wonders of Utah. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park are all within driving distance of Green River. In addition to that, the unique local attractions are worth visiting too. We were genuinely amazed by the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, which tells the story of the early exploration of the Green River by Major John Wesley Powell.
Distance from Moab, Utah: 51.8 miles via I-70 E and US-191 S (1 hour)
Skyfall Guestrooms
Our trip to the charming Green River was made perfect because of the charming Skyfall Guestrooms. The real charm of this humble hotel comes from its intimate atmosphere. There are only three rooms, each decorated in its own unique style – a nice change from the cookie-cutter hotel rooms we’re used to. All the rooms boast modern amenities, including comfy sofas to relax on after a long day of exploring, flat-screen TVs to catch up on shows, and even minibars for a refreshing evening treat. The best part? Every room, including ours, has a view. We were able to wake up every morning to the view of the calming Green River.
The location is excellent, too. We were just a two-minute walk away from the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. With its water activities and stunning reserve, Green River State Park was also just a short drive of two miles. What more could we ask for?
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River Terrace Inn
If you love the Skyfall Guestrooms, you’ll also adore the River Terrace Inn. This humble hotel boasts simple rooms that are extremely comfortable. We had everything we needed, including free Wi-Fi, a minifridge for snacks and drinks, a microwave for easy meals, and cable TV for catching up on shows. You can even elevate your experience by booking a room that comes with a balcony or river views.
We were also pampered by the complimentary hot breakfast, which was super tasty. But the real show-stealer for us was the outdoor pool and hot tub. Nothing could beat relaxing in the water. There were also outdoor sitting areas so we could enjoy a glass of wine and unwind in the fresh air. Oh, the complimentary parking was a big plus, too.
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Provo, UT
3
Best College Town. Also known as the “Garden City,” Provo is one of the best towns near Moab, UT, especially if you love natural beauty. It’s located between the Wasatch Mountains to the east and Utah Lake to the west. This location provides stunning scenery and access to a variety of outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, fish, camp, boat, or rock climb in the surrounding area. We’ve been there twice and loved hiking in Provo Canyon and fishing on Utah Lake. Additionally, there are several museums in Provo, including the BYU Museum of Art and the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum.
Distance from Moab, Utah: 190 miles via US-6 E (3 hours)
Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Provo has plenty of great hotels, but the Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is a standout. We enjoyed our stay at this hotel. Getting around was a breeze, and the Utah Valley Convention Center was a mere 3-minute walk. Our King Room was comfortable and well-equipped with the essentials. Some rooms even offer gorgeous mountain views.
In addition to that, the hotel also offered us great amenities. We would enjoy delicious meals at the sleek on-site restaurant whenever we could, work out at the well-equipped gym, and spend some relaxing time by the unique indoor/outdoor pool complex. Here for work? The hotel also boasts over 20 meeting rooms, making it a great choice for conferences or events.
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Hyatt Place Provo
Another equally amazing accommodation in Provo is the Hyatt Place Provo. Right next door to the courthouse and just a short walk from the Utah Valley Convention Center, it offered us a convenient starting point for our trip. Plus, the mountain views from our room were ethereal. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed with this hotel.
Furthermore, the hotel offers plenty of amenities for its guests. Parking was included with our stay, which was a big plus. We started most mornings with their complimentary hot breakfast. Then, in the evenings, we would relax at the bar with some refreshing cocktails. For outdoor fun, you can dip in the outdoor pool and soak up the sun on the sundeck.
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Glenwood Springs, CO
2
Best Hot Springs Town. In the heart of the Rocky Mountains is Glenwood Springs, CO. This charming town offers something for every type of traveler. But one thing it’s most famous for is its hot springs. When we were there, we visited the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the biggest hot springs pool in the world. Many also love this city for its exciting outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Distance from Moab, Utah: 198 miles via I-70 W (3 hours)
“Glenwood Springs is one beautiful destination. We would love to return when we have the chance.”
WOW Travel
Hotel Glenwood Springs
We think Hotel Glenwood Springs is among the best hotels in the city. It was located right next to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and was an ideal spot for our mountain getaway. The best part? It has an indoor water park! The 1,600 sq ft pool, with cozy 85-degree water, is perfect for relaxing. It’s shallow enough for little ones to enjoy safely, with a zero-depth entry and a fun kiddie water slide. We even had some friendly competition with the deck-side basketball hoop!
For the thrill-seekers in our group, the two-story, 100-foot figure-eight water slide was a favorite. We also enjoyed soaking in the hot tub, which was kept at a perfectly toasty 102-104 degrees with strong massaging jets. Afterward, we relaxed on the spacious deck before heading back to our room. Speaking of which, ours was clean and comfy. It wasn’t anything fancy, but we had everything we needed.
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Hotel Colorado
If you want something fancier, Hotel Colorado is the place to be. We were lucky enough to have managed to spend a few nights here. Stepping into the grand lobby felt like entering another era. The building dates back to 1893, and you can practically feel the history around you. Apparently, famous faces have graced these halls before us, which just added to the excitement.
The hotel had plenty to keep us busy. We enjoyed dining outdoors, and there was a bar, too. You can even host your wedding for up to 300 guests here. Our room, the King Studio, was everything we could’ve asked for. It was decorated in a style that reflected the hotel’s history. Some even come with exposed brick walls. If you book a certain suite, you can spend your morning on the balcony.
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Grand Junction, CO
1
Best Wine Country Launchpad. Sitting on top of this list is Grand Junction, CO, a fantastic place for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed atmosphere. This city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa National Forest, and the Palisades. We loved to hike, which was why we enjoyed our time here. But it’s also a great place for biking, fishing, and rafting. It’s also home to Grand Valley, which houses over 20 wineries. It’s a must-visit if you like wine tastings and tours.
Distance from Moab, Utah: 113 miles via I-70 W and US-191 S (2 hours)
Hotel Maverick
When in Grand Junction, you should definitely stay at Hotel Maverick. This hotel is located on a quiet, leafy street, with Colorado Mesa University just a stone’s throw away. One of our stay’s highlights was the chic rooftop restaurant and bar. We loved sipping cocktails on the terrace and enjoying the breathtaking views and delicious food. But if you’re looking for something more casual, the laid-back cafe on the ground floor offers a great selection of coffees and snacks. Plus, there was a well-equipped fitness room for those who like to stay active on vacation.
Our King Room was beautifully decorated with reclaimed wood accents, giving it a modern yet somehow cozy feel. If you want, you can upgrade your room and enjoy the exclusive lounge area, and some lucky guests can enjoy private balconies, which are great for soaking up the fresh air.
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Wine Country Inn
Another great place to consider is the Wine Country Inn. Nestled amidst rolling vineyards, this elegant Victorian-style hotel offers a sense of tranquility just 1.6 miles from the buzz of the Colorado River. The most memorable thing about our stay was the daily afternoon wine tasting. We were able to sample local wines and discover new favorites. Beyond that, we were also spoilt by the outdoor pool, soothing hot tub, and fitness center.
Best of all, our room boasted stunning vineyard views. For extra space and luxury, you can book one of the suites, which comes with a whirlpool tub, full kitchen, and dedicated dining area. Plus, thanks to the room service, we could indulge in a delicious meal without leaving the comfort of our room.
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Our Verdict!
Every destination above has its own charm. To help you pick the right one, we’ve categorized each of them based on the following criteria:
- Best Wine Country Launchpad: Grand Junction, CO
- Best Hot Springs Town: Glenwood Springs, CO
- Best College Town: Provo, UT
- Best Charming Town: Green River, UT
- Best Small Town: Springville, UT
Other cities worth mentioning
- Durango, CO: Nestled in southwestern Colorado, this charming mountain town offers a delightful blend of history, outdoor adventure, and scenic beauty. Durango’s downtown area is a delight to explore. Historic buildings, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and breweries will be found. This city is 158 miles (2.5 hours) from Moab.
- Aztec, NM: 190 miles (3.5 hours) from Moab; Aztec is another place that you might like. It’s home to the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived there centuries ago. It’s a small town with a friendly atmosphere that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Montrose, CO: Also known as “The Gateway to Adventure,” Montrose is a small city in western Colorado. It’s surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers a variety of outdoor fun. It also has a charming downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s 172 miles and less than 3 hours away from Moab.
Read Also
- Our Favorite Campgrounds in Moab, Utah
- 11 Best Cabins for Rent in Moab, Utah
- 11 Best Boutique Hotels in Moab
- 11 Best Condo Rentals in Moab, Utah
- Top 15 Things to Do in Moab: From Romantic to Family-Friendly
What is the closest big city to Moab?
Grand Junction, CO, is the closest major city to Moab, Utah, at about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive.
What towns are close to Arches?
When it comes to Arches National Park, the closest town is Moab, which is just a 10-minute drive from the park entrance. Other nearby towns will need hours to arrive at the park.
Why is Moab so famous?
Moab is famous for its dramatic desert scenery, especially the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which have mind-blowing natural arches and canyons. It’s also an adventurer’s paradise, with world-class mountain biking and off-roading trails.
