Moab is a town where people actually seek out adventure. Unlike many towns in the West where people who wear outdoor gear more as a costume than the function, Moab is a place for those who are not afraid to get dirty in the Utah desert.
Walking along Main Street, downtown, one sees visitors stepping out of cars with hiking boots covered in red dust from local hiking trails. Jeeps drive by covered in mud from four-wheeling on jeep trails, while other cars and trucks have multiple mountain bikes strapped to the back or latched to the roof.
It’s no wonder, with Moab being home to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, there is a lot of acreage available for those seeking adventure. There are also opportunities for rock climbing on nearby cliffs, and white water rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River. For those who want the adventure but don’t have much experience or equipment, Moab has several guide services that can accommodate the visitor, including both human-powered sports and motorized safaris.
In the evening, there are restaurants on Main Street for a tasty meal of hamburgers, steak, or pizza, and for dessert, a fruit smoothie. There are also coffee shops with wireless internet access to relax and surf the internet.
After dinner, take in a bit of culture and learn more about the area by visiting the Dan O’Laurie Museum of Moab. Here one can discover the rich history of Native Americans, settlers, miners, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and modern tourism. On display are arrowheads and pottery, mining tools, medical instruments from Moab’s first modern hospital, even running outfits from torchbearers from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. One Saturday evening each month is devoted to displaying local artists, with free admission and wine and cheese to taste.
Finding a place to stay for the night can be difficult if reservations haven’t been made in advance. Although there are several chain and locally owned hotels and motels, it can be next to impossible to get a room last minute on a busy Saturday night in the Spring or Summer months.
To get more information for planning a trip to Moab, check out
the official Moab Visitor’s site. This website has links for lodging, guide services, maps, and more for those looking for an adventure in this unique and beautiful part of the United States.