Moab Utah

Sep was good for us. It wasn't hot and it wasn't cold and it wasn't to crowded.

We were there in May of last year--beautiful area!! We stayed at Spanish Trail RV Park just south of town and took day trips to the following:

1.Arches Natl Park--lots of pull-off viewing areas. At the stop to see the Arch you see in most pictures is a place to see some Indian carvings.
2.Cloudland
3.Dead Horse Point State Park (the last scene of 'Thelma & Louise' was filmed here) lots of beautiful scenery.
4.Just south of town is a unique place 'Hole in the Rock'
5.Just north of town is a road that follows along the river. Two things to be sure and see--a lodge with a free museum of memorabilia from movies shot in the area....and a short drive from the main road leads to Fisher Towers formations, one you will recognize from the Citibank commercial about the girl climbing that rock.

It was hot even in May when we were there, but because it's a dry heat, it didn't bother us because we are used to muggy Mississippi heat! October might be a very good time to go.

I think you will really like the area.

The later in September the better. It can still be pretty hot early in the month. We usually go in early October. We stay at Portal RV Resort in the owners area. Bit pricey but nice pool, hot tub and dog yard.

We were there in mid to late September one year, and there was some kind of a bicycle rally or outing. Quite busy at that time and some campgrounds were full for the weekend. You might want to check if this is an annual event, or it was a one time thing. Really liked the area and there is a lot to see there.

I've done a few trips heading out there starting Labor day weekend. Still warm in the canyons but was pleasant up in the La Sal mountains. Maybe time it when the Aspens start to change color. Then do the loop drive up into the La Sals.
Get up before daybreak and watch the sun come up at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands.

It's a great area with so many scenic places nearby. Don't miss Canyonlands Island in the Sky district, either.

Plenty of place to stay either outside or inside the NPs or State Park, but reserve ahead for Arches or Dead Horse Point SP.

There's a good large grocery store in town, and the Moab Brewery, good food and craft beers.

I'd go back any time.

Mid to late Sept is a good time. The weather is mild and more important, the kids are back in school so you can really enjoy the park and the town. Any of the RV parks are going to be good and there are enough day trip possibilities to keep you rolling for a week or more. Spend some time in town and go to Tom Till's photo gallery, you'll leave amazed.He has spent years photographing the Southwest. If you are a photographer, take a good photo guide, it's a photographer's paradise. There are many on Amazon, but the best ones are by a French guy named Laurentz Martres' or something like that. Just Google Photographing the Southwest.
You may want to consider making the big loop that includes National Parks as well as some state parks and ends at Zion.

We quite enjoy that are starting about mid September to mid to late November. You have to be prepared though, as by late October you could end up with a cold snap, or it might be warmer than expected. You tend to get swings in temp. For the Moab area, it's always wise to check the web calendar of events to make sure there are no bike ride event, atv, 4X4 or even car shows going on as it can get quite crowded during the many events that take place there.

Been there a half dozen times and look forward to the next visit. I agree with Thunder Mountain (and I know the meaning behind his online handle!). We had a bad experience at Portal - we also stayed in the high end section and it had a run down look and lots of knee high weeds. But might go there again next time. Spanish Trail changed hands a couple of years ago so we might give that a try - only downside it is that is is south of town and Arches and Island in the Sky is north. For some pix go to www.LaurenBarbara.com and click on the Wanderings link and then UT and National Parks. Love Utah!

Lots to do in Moab............We were very disappointed in the after dark river cruise.....WE thought it was very over rated....