My real concern is not knowing what I don't know and ending up over my head before I realize it
Wise comments - as an East Coaster, it's REALLY easy to mess up and get into real trouble AND you are FAR from help. For my 50th birthday, I flew to Moab, rented a dirt bike and headed off into the desert alone. I had food/water and it was February, so not too hot.
I tried to be ultra careful but you never know, one bad fall and you break a leg. Looking back, it was a memorable trip and nothing went wrong.
To the OP - Moab is a wonderful place, uncanny beauty and remoteness. Listen to some of the sound advise from folks on this thread, be safe and have a memorable experience.