Utah’s national parks — Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands — have become synonymous with crowds. From 2011 to 2021, visitation grew by 74% at Arches, reaching a high of 1.8 million visitors in 2021 (Zion broke 5 million!). Savvy travelers often repeat the tired refrain of simply avoiding these national parks come summer, but they’re not telling the full story: Moab, Utah, the gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, actually sees fewer visitors come summer.
The visitor numbers tell the story: In May 2024, Moab’s Grand County saw over 1 million visitors, while July dropped to just 677,000. (It picks back up in September and gets even busier, passing 1 million again in October.) Why? The common belief is that from June–August, it’s just too darn hot. This seasonal exodus has created an unexpected — and rare — opportunity for smart travelers willing to embrace a little heat on their national parks road trip.
Hotels are slashing prices up to 30% — here are the deals and promo codes
The summer slowdown has prompted Moab’s hospitality industry to roll out aggressive deals, making this high-end destination surprisingly affordable. Check out these summer 2025 deals:
Gonzo Inn: Free bottle of wine with a direct booking (June, July, August)
Sunflower Hill Inn: 20% off with the promo code SUMMER
Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites: Save 10% when you book a trip with NAVTEC
Red Cliffs Lodge: Stay two nights, get your 3rd night free, June 21 – August 28
River Canyon Lodge: Stay 3 nights, save 20%
Quality Inn Slickrock: SUMFUN: 5% off any booking; CORONA: 10% off one night of your stay if you hike Corona Arch while here (must have a photo for proof upon checkout); PICTURE_PERFECT: 5% off your first night with a photo of you at the Moab welcome sign; COMBO_STAY: 10% off for guests who do a local tour with any company in town (10% off the night on the day they do a tour); plus offers available by calling the hotel directly
Wolfe’s: Stay three nights, save 30% off your entire stay
Aarchway Inn: 20% with promo code SWEETSUMMERTIME
Beyond convenience (spots like Wolfe’s are just 5 miles from Arches) and deals, the Hoodoo recently added new casitas (where Oscar-winning director Martin McDonagh’s film crew stayed while shooting Wild Horse Nine), Moab Springs Ranch renovated their cabins, and Under Canvas offers their signature glamping experience seven miles north of the city. In Moab, if you can dream it, you can sleep in it.
Arches National Park at night
Days by the pool, nights under the stars
Yes, it’s hot — July and August regularly exceed 100°F. Josh Surkes, who owns Paddle Moab, argues this creates the ideal conditions: “While many visitors don’t think about visiting Moab during the hottest months of the year, it’s actually the best time because there’s tons of availability, and it has never been easier to stay cool.” This new wave of hotels has prioritized pools and cooling amenities, transforming summer from a survival challenge into a luxury experience. In other words, the heat that once deterred visitors has become your excuse for poolside lounging, river floating, and embracing a more relaxed pace than the faster-paced spring and fall seasons.
The summer strategy is beautifully simple: flip your schedule. Start with early-morning adventures when temperatures are manageable — hiking, biking, or rock climbing before the heat peaks. Spend blazing afternoons by the pool or floating the Colorado River. As evening approaches, head into town for dinner at one of Moab’s excellent restaurants.
Then comes the real magic: nighttime in the parks. Surkes is leading “noctourism” offerings, including special Buck Moon experiences during July’s full moon on the 10th — though you can also go at it on your own. The desert comes alive after dark, with comfortable temperatures perfect for stargazing and night hiking through Arches’ otherworldly formations. (Bring a flashlight covered in red cellophane to keep your eyes well-adjusted and not disturb the wildlife.)
This perception-bending approach to Moab travel offers everything the destination is famous for — stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and memorable experiences — with the added benefits of great deals, luxury amenities, and blissful solitude. Sometimes the best travel secrets are simply about being bold, flipping the script, and keeping the iced coffee within reach.