Thinking about a Wild West Honeymoon?? Well you’ve come to the right place! I always imagined my honeymoon on the beach somewhere but when we had to shift gears I stumbled upon Moab, Utah and let me tell you, it was one of the best choices I ever made! From hot air balloon rides to sunset UTV tour to Arches National Park, Utah remains one of my favorite destinations to date.

How do you get there?

First on the list…Road Tripppppp

So Moab is a 4-hour drive from the Salt Lake City airport (SLC). I love a good less than 5-6 hour road trip, so this was perfect. Cruising through the mountain scenery, listening to your favorite playlists, and enjoying meaningful conversations with your spouse is an amazing way to start your honeymoon.

If I didn’t know anything else, I knew I wanted to rent a white Jeep for this trip, so I headed to Turo, and luckily, one was available!

CAUTION: This drive contains many hills, so make sure that whatever vehicle you rent has enough power to handle steep climbs with ease. Also, plan for a full gas tank, as there are long stretches between gas stations.

Pack Snacks and Essentials for the Drive

• Stock up on water and snacks for the journey, especially since the drive offers limited stops in some areas.
• A travel playlist or a list of conversation starters can also make the trip fun!

Plan for Scenic Stops Along the Way

• Take advantage of the stunning scenery by planning quick stops to stretch your legs and snap a few photos. Look out for pull-offs or marked viewpoints along the route.

Where to stay?

One of my favorite parts of our honeymoon was this gorgeous Airbnb called The Petroglyph Guest House. It was beautiful, private, and had in incredible mountain view!

Depending on your vibe, and budget, you have a lot of options when choosing where you want to stay.

Cozy Airbnb’s for a Romantic Getaway

• Moab offers a wide range of unique Airbnb’s, from stylish modern casitas to rustic desert cabins. Many come with amenities like private hot tubs, fire pits, and stunning views of the red rocks—perfect for a honeymoon vibe.
• Check for options near downtown Moab for convenience or choose a more secluded property for added privacy and immersion in nature.

Comfortable Hotels with Convenient Amenities

• For those who prefer traditional accommodations, Moab has several mid-range and upscale hotels. The Hoodoo Moab, a Hilton Curio Collection hotel, offers luxury and proximity to local attractions.
• Many hotels provide pools, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Outdoor Adventures with Camping and Glamping

• Now if you’re more on the adventurous side, consider camping under the stars at sites like Dead Horse Point State Park or along the Colorado River.
• If you love the outdoors but want a bit more comfort, glamping options like Under Canvas Moab provide safari-style tents with beds, private bathrooms, and even wood-burning stoves for a cozy night in the wild.

What to do?

So much to do, so let’s start with the hot air balloon!

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

There’s no better way to start your day in Moab than with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride. We booked with Canyonlands Ballooning and it was a great experience. My husband was a little nervous at first, but as soon as we were airborne, he relaxed and took in the incredible views.

Pro tip: Try to snag a spot near the edge of the basket for unobstructed sights and avoid standing directly under the burners because the top of our heads were burning every time they lit that fire.

The takeoff was so smooth I hardly realized we’d left the ground, and we were fortunate enough to have a gentle landing. To top it all off, the ride ended with a celebratory champagne toast—a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable adventure.

Secure Your Devices

• If you’re planning to take photos or videos during the ride, use a wrist strap for your phone or camera. It’s a long way down if something slips out of your hand, and this simple precaution ensures you can capture the stunning views worry-free.

Arrive Early for the Full Experience

• Hot air balloon companies typically recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight. Watching the crew set up and inflate the balloon adds to the excitement, gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the process, and is a time to catch some great pics and footage.

Sunset UTV Tour

Now just let me say, this is the activity that really puts the ‘adventure’ into adventure honeymoon…or Adventuremoon 😜. We booked with High Point Hummer & ATV, a local tour company that offers a variety of tours to fit your vibe. We chose the UTV tour, where you get to drive your own vehicle while following a guide through rugged terrain. Now, don’t be fooled if they tell you it’s “just like driving a golf cart”—it’s way more intense than that! My husband and I thought we’d take turns driving, but once we hit the trails, I happily stayed in the passenger seat, delivering a mix of excited screams and top-tier cheerleading.

Dress for the Adventure (and the Photos!)

• Comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still look cute! Opt for breathable, flexible clothing like leggings or shorts and a stylish yet practical top. Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety.

Hydrate and Stay Cool

• The desert heat can sneak up on you, even during a morning ride. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and make sure to apply sunscreen before heading out.

Secure Your Belongings

• Keep your phone, camera, and other valuables in a zippered pocket or bag. The ride can get bumpy, and the last thing you want is to lose your essentials on the trail.

Arches National Park Hike and Photoshoot

When I started planning our Moab adventure, one thing immediately caught my eye: Arches National Park. The Delicate Arch is iconic! Then, as I scrolled through Pinterest, I stumbled upon these dreamy elopement photoshoots under the arch, and I thought, yep, that’s exactly what I want! So I went straight to Airbnb Experiences and found Alex—a fantastic tour guide and photographer who would make it all happen. I picked out our outfits, did my makeup, and showed up ready to do it big… or so I thought.

Now, listen carefully to what I’m about to say because it might just save you some sweaty surprises: Do your research. Look up the difficulty of the Delicate Arch trail and, honestly, reflect on your own physical fitness. Now we’re not in the worst shape but I wouldn’t describe us as ‘fit’, so we rolled in thinking we’d walk about a mile or so, snap some stunning pics, and call it a day. Nope. The second we arrived and saw all the actual hikers—with their poles and hydration packs—we exchanged one of those what-the-heck-are-we-doing -here looks, I was just trying to look cute on a mountain 😆.

But don’t get me wrong—did we make it? Absolutely! Was it worth it? 100%! Our guide was incredible, shout out to Alex!, and the experience left us with a true experience on our Adventuremoon checklist, a sweaty, laugh-filled, slightly exhausting adventure—and you’ll love every second of it.

Salt Lake City

Now as our adventure filled honeymoon had only a few days left, we decided to spend the last few days in Salt Lake City, Utah because there was no way we were going to get up and drive 4 hours on the same day that we had to take a flight home. Road trip part 2! So the theme for the honeymoon is now “relaxation”.

We stayed in a lovely Mid-Century Home near downtown and the most important thing for me was the kitchen, because I wanted an in-home private chef!

I turned to Cozymeal excited to live out the image in my mind of us sitting on those stools watching a chef prepare a luxurious italian seafood menu while we drank wine and listened to music…until the chef hit me with the “I came down with a bad cold” message and we had to cancel, you know I was mad. So instead we took our refund and spent the night walking downtown eating restaurants and enjoying a cocktail bar, night saved!

Salt Flats!

Before heading to Utah, I had never even heard of salt flats. But let me tell you—they turned out to be one of the coolest and most surreal places I’ve ever experienced! Miles and miles of flat, shimmering white terrain that looks like something straight out of another planet. (If you’re wondering, salt flats are vast, natural deposits of salt left behind by ancient lakes that have evaporated. It’s like walking on a giant, glittering crust of salt. Crazy, right?)

We hopped in our rented Jeep and drove straight onto the flats, and it felt like we were in a movie. We took so many pics, drove around, and just enjoyed being there. It was one of those moments where you just stop and go, Wow, this exists?!

Tips for Visiting the Salt Flats:

1. Wear Bright Colors for Photos
   • The stark white of the flats makes for a perfect natural backdrop, so wear something colorful or vibrant to really pop in your pictures. Trust me, the contrast looks stunning!
   • Bring a phone tripod and get some great honeymoon pics!
2. Bring Water and Sunscreen
   • The flats are wide open, with zero shade and a whole lot of sun. Pack water to stay hydrated and use that sunscreen

Couples Massage

To wrap up all the adventure and excitement, we dedicated our last day to unwinding with our very first couples massage. We made our way to The Spa Lounge, and let me just say—it was exactly what we needed. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was serene and calming, with soft music playing and a cozy vibe that instantly made us feel at ease. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, taking the time to explain the process and ensure we were comfortable every step of the way.

The massage itself? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Lying side by side with my husband while being pampered was such a relaxing and bonding experience. We laughed about how tense we both were at first, but by the end, we felt completely relaxed and recharged. If there’s one thing I’d recommend after all the thrill-seeking activities in Moab, it’s treating yourselves to this peaceful and rejuvenating experience.

Tip for Your First Couples Massage:

Communicate with Each Other and the Therapist

• If it’s your first time, don’t be shy! Talk to your therapist about pressure preferences or areas to focus on. It’s also fun to check in with your partner afterward to compare experiences—you might learn something new about each other!

Arrive Early to Fully Relax

• Get there at least 15–20 minutes before your appointment to enjoy the spa’s amenities (if available) or simply to transition out of “go-mode.” This extra time lets you fully soak in the peaceful vibes and mentally prepare to relax together.

Thanks so much for sticking with me all the way to the end! I hope you’ve found some fun and inspiring ideas to plan your honeymoon—or even just a dreamy getaway with your honey. I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s your favorite part of the post, a question, or your own travel tips, drop a comment below! And don’t forget to check back for more posts packed with adventure, romance, and all the good vibes for your next big escape. 💕