As fas as your wife goes: I don’t think Moab is the ideal place for someone with zero mtb experience to learn. I can’t think of much I have ridden that I would consider “novice” level. Maybe some of the dirt roads and double-track, but these are not what you go to Moab for.

There are plenty of options for intermediate stuff. You mention riding in NC and CA, but trails in both states can range from novice to world class gnarly.

So I think you would find plenty to enjoy, but not so much for your wife unless she is pretty OK getting whooped.

You might consider doing a hike in Arches. Pretty amazing place.