Swimming in Moab: Best Spots, Water Temperatures, and Safety Tips
Yes, you can swim in Moab, and the options are better than you’d expect for a desert town. The Colorado River runs right through town, several creeks feed natural swimming holes in nearby canyons, and a handful of lakes and reservoirs are within easy driving distance. Water levels and temperatures vary significantly by season, so timing matters.
The short answer on when: late June through September is prime swimming season. The Colorado River is too cold and fast during spring runoff (May-early June), and by October the desert nights cool the water below comfortable swimming temperatures.
Colorado River
The most accessible swimming in Moab is the Colorado River itself. Lions Park, on the north end of town along Highway 128, has a grassy bank with easy river access and is the most popular spot for casual swimmers. The water here is generally calm enough for wading and floating in summer, though the current is always present. Don’t treat it like a pool.
Further upstream along Highway 128 (the River Road scenic drive), several pulloffs provide river access with fewer people. The stretch between the Highway 191 bridge and the Colorado River Bridges is particularly popular for tubing and floating. You can rent tubes from outfitters in town for about $15-20 per day.
Water temperature in the Colorado River ranges from around 45-50°F in spring (too cold for most people without a wetsuit) to 65-75°F in July and August. The river is at its highest and fastest during spring runoff, typically May through mid-June. By late summer, water levels drop and currents slow significantly, making swimming much more accessible.
Mill Creek Swimming Holes
Mill Creek is the local favorite for swimming holes. Access is from the Powerhouse Lane trailhead on the east side of town (about a 5-minute drive from downtown). The trail follows the creek upstream through a narrow canyon, passing several natural pools along the way. The largest and most popular pools are about a 20-30 minute walk from the trailhead.
The pools are carved into sandstone and shaded by canyon walls, which keeps the water noticeably cooler than the Colorado River. On hot summer days, this is where Moab residents go. There’s no entrance fee, and the trail is easy to moderate. Bring water shoes for the rocky creek bed.
One important note: Mill Creek is fed by snowmelt and seasonal runoff. In dry years or late in the summer, water levels can drop significantly, and some pools may be too shallow for swimming. Check local conditions before making the walk.
Ken’s Lake
Ken’s Lake is a reservoir about 8 miles south of Moab off Highway 191, operated by the Bureau of Land Management. It has a small sandy beach area, making it one of the only places near Moab where you can actually lie on sand rather than rocks. The lake is warm enough for comfortable swimming from June through September.
There’s a day-use area with picnic tables and a vault toilet. No entrance fee, but no lifeguards either. The lake also allows non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards). It’s a popular spot for families because the beach entry is gradual and the water is calm. The La Sal Mountains provide the backdrop.
Negro Bill Canyon
The trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge in Negro Bill Canyon (trailhead about 3 miles east of Moab on Highway 128) crosses the creek multiple times over its 2-mile length. Several of these crossings have pools deep enough for swimming, particularly in spring and early summer when water levels are higher.
The swimming here is secondary to the hike itself, which ends at a 243-foot natural rock bridge. But on a hot day, the creek crossings are a welcome bonus. The canyon is narrow and shaded, which keeps temperatures lower than the surrounding desert.
Warner Lake (La Sal Mountains)
For a completely different swimming experience, drive up into the La Sal Mountains to Warner Lake, about 30 minutes southeast of Moab. At 9,400 feet elevation, the air temperature is 15-20°F cooler than in town, and the lake is surrounded by aspen and spruce forest rather than red rock desert. The water is cold (even in summer it rarely exceeds 65°F), but the setting is beautiful.
There’s a small BLM campground at the lake. The drive up from Moab via the La Sal Mountain Loop Road is scenic and mostly paved, though the last section is gravel. This is a good option when the desert heat is extreme and you want genuine cool air, not just cool water.
Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center
If the river is too cold, the creeks are dry, or you just want a straightforward pool, the Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center on 100 East has an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool. Day passes are about $5-7 for adults. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable year-round.
Safety Considerations
Desert swimming has specific risks that differ from ocean or pool swimming. Flash floods are the most serious danger. If you’re swimming in a canyon or creek bed, monitor the weather upstream, not just overhead. A thunderstorm miles away can send a wall of water through a narrow canyon with little warning. If the water suddenly turns muddy or rises, get out and get to high ground immediately.
The Colorado River has a current even when it looks calm. Don’t swim across it unless you’re a strong swimmer and aware of the current’s pull. Children should wear life jackets in the river. Sun exposure is intense at Moab’s elevation (about 4,000 feet) and in the reflective desert landscape. Hydrate aggressively and reapply sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Moab?
Yes. The Colorado River, Mill Creek swimming holes, Ken’s Lake, and several canyon creek crossings all offer swimming from roughly late June through September. The public aquatic center is available year-round.
Where is the best swimming hole in Moab?
Mill Creek, accessed from the Powerhouse Lane trailhead, has the most popular natural swimming holes. They’re about a 20-30 minute walk from the trailhead, carved into sandstone, and shaded by canyon walls.
Is it safe to swim in the Colorado River at Moab?
In summer when water levels are lower and currents are slower, yes, with caution. Avoid swimming during spring runoff (May-mid June) when the river runs high, fast, and cold. Always respect the current, even in calm-looking sections. Children should wear life jackets.
What is the water temperature in Moab?
The Colorado River ranges from about 45-50°F in spring to 65-75°F in late summer. Mill Creek pools are cooler due to canyon shade. Ken’s Lake warms to swimming-comfortable temperatures (70s°F) by mid-June. Warner Lake in the La Sal Mountains rarely exceeds 65°F even in summer.
When is the best time to swim in Moab?
Late June through September. July and August offer the warmest water and air temperatures. September is slightly cooler but has fewer crowds. Avoid spring runoff season (May-mid June) for river swimming due to cold temperatures and strong currents.
Is there a public pool in Moab?
Yes. The Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center on 100 East has an indoor pool (year-round) and a seasonal outdoor pool. Day passes cost about $5-7 for adults.
