Travel & Lodging
Getting to
Moab.
Moab in April is one of the best times to be here — warm days, clear skies, and the canyon country before the summer crowds arrive.
Where to stay
Lodging in and around Moab.
The symposium’s home base — all presentations, field workshop departures, and PhotoJAM gatherings take place here. Staying on-site means you’re never scrambling for parking or worried about timing. A block of rooms is held for MPS attendees at a group rate, available to reserve up until 30 days before the event. After that, rooms release to the public. Booking details and code are included in your registration confirmation.
Several solid motels line Main Street within walking distance of the symposium venue. Book directly for best rates.
A good range of houses and casitas in and around Moab — ideal for small groups of 3–4 sharing costs. Search very early; April availability disappears quickly.
Safari-style tents with real beds, private bathrooms, and views of the La Sal Mountains. Located ~9 miles from town — a car is required each day.
Multiple developed campgrounds within 2–4 miles of downtown — Moab Valley RV Resort and several BLM sites along the river corridor. Reserve well in advance.
Small B&Bs and rentals in Castle Valley and the La Sal foothills offer extraordinary settings with a 20–30 minute daily drive to the symposium.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Email us before booking. We’re happy to help you think through the tradeoffs based on your travel plans.
hello@moabphotographysymposium.com →Getting to Moab
By air, by road, at your own pace.
Flying In
Moab’s own small airport with direct flights from Salt Lake City via SkyWest/United. Eighteen miles from town — the most convenient option when available. Flights are limited and book up fast.
~18 mi / 25 min from venueThe closest major airport with broader flight connections. A scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Colorado River canyon on I-70 south to US-191. Car rental available on-site.
~1.5 hrs from venueMost connected regional hub — flights from nearly everywhere. A 4-hour drive south through Price and Helper. The route through Castle Gate is particularly good in spring.
~4 hrs from venueGood option for East Coast and Midwest travelers. The drive west on I-70 through the Rockies and across the plateau is excellent in April — snow may linger in higher passes.
~4.5 hrs from venueGetting Around Moab
Moab has no meaningful public transit. Most symposium sessions depart from the Moab Valley Inn, but having your own vehicle is important for meals, mornings, and any extra exploring.
Uber and Lyft operate in Moab but with few drivers. Don’t rely on them for time-sensitive arrivals or early field workshop departures.
The main strip — restaurants, coffee, the symposium hotel — is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Many attendees staying nearby walk to sessions without issue.
Registered attendees get access to an MPS community forum before the event. It’s a great place to coordinate shared rides from Grand Junction or SLC with fellow attendees.
Around Moab
A real town with good food, good coffee, and extraordinary surroundings.
Where to Eat
Coffee & Breakfast
Worth Seeing
Arches National Park requires timed entry reservations from late March through October. If you plan to visit during your stay, book in advance at recreation.gov. MPS field workshops do not use Arches — sessions take place in less-visited areas.
Questions about getting here?
We’re happy to help point you in the right direction before you book.