What Is the Elevation of Moab, Utah?
Moab sits at 4,025 feet above sea level in the heart of Utah’s red rock country. That is the official downtown elevation.
Quick Stats at a Glance
Downtown Moab: 4,025 ft
Colorado River near Moab (Potash): ~3,926 ft at the USGS gage, the lowest point most visitors see. USGS Water Data
Arches National Park: 4,085 ft at the visitor center, up to 5,653 ft at Elephant Butte. WikipediaNational Park Service
Island in the Sky, Canyonlands: about 6,200 ft on the mesa top.
La Sal Mountains: up to 12,721 ft at Mount Peale, the skyline you see from town. Wikipedia
Why Elevation Matters for Your Moab Trip
At four thousand feet, Moab’s air is drier and the sun hits harder than most visitors expect. You will feel the difference on climbs and when you are out all day on slickrock.
What elevation feels like here
Breathing: You may breathe a little faster on uphill sections until you settle in.
Hydration: Dehydration sneaks up quickly in our dry desert air. Drink before you feel thirsty.
Sun exposure: UV is intense. Long sleeves, sun hat, and high SPF go a long way.
Temperature swings: Desert nights can feel cool even after hot afternoons.
Elevation Benchmarks Around Moab
Use these as reference points when choosing hikes and planning your day:
Arches Visitor Center sits just above 4,000 ft, so many classic arches hikes start close to town elevation and step up gradually. National Park Service
Elephant Butte is the highest point in Arches at 5,653 ft and gives a sense of the park’s upper elevations. Wikipedia
Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point perch around six thousand feet with cooler breezes and huge canyon views.
The Colorado River corridor runs roughly one hundred vertical feet below town, which is why riverside paths can feel warmer and more sheltered. USGS Water Data
Looking south and east, the La Sal Mountains rise above twelve thousand feet and create our snow capped backdrop for much of the year. Wikipedia
Local Tips for Hiking at Elevation
Start early. Cooler temps and empty trailheads make a big difference on routes like Delicate Arch and Corona Arch.
Sip all day. Aim for three to four liters per person on moderate hikes; add electrolytes on longer outings.
Pace your first day. If you are coming from sea level, stick to easier, shorter hikes before stepping up to longer routes on day two.
Layer smart. A breathable sun shirt and light wind layer handle most desert days.
Know your numbers. A mile of hiking here can feel longer than a mile at home because of heat and elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moab considered “high altitude”?
Moab is moderate altitude at about four thousand feet. Many visitors notice mild effects like quicker breathing on climbs. If you head up to Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point around six thousand feet, you will feel a bit more of that altitude effect.
What is the elevation of the Colorado River by Moab?
Near Potash, the USGS gage lists about 3,926 feet. This is one of the lowest places most travelers visit in the Moab area. USGS Water Data
How high are the La Sal Mountains I see from town?
The La Sals top out at 12,721 feet on Mount Peale. In summer they offer cool air and alpine trails with views back toward Arches and Canyonlands. Wikipedia
How high is Arches National Park?
Arches spans from roughly 4,085 feet at the visitor center to 5,653 feet at Elephant Butte. Wikipedia
Suggested Itineraries by Elevation Feel
Stay close to town elevation: Sand Dune Arch, Park Avenue, Courthouse Wash
A touch higher for breezes and big vistas: Windows Area to Double Arch, Balanced Rock loop, Skyline Arch
Cooler mesa top: Island in the Sky viewpoints and short rim walks, Dead Horse Point rim trails