Moab, UT Summary

photo by jn1234

Fifty years ago, Moab was just a tiny ranching town on the edge of the Colorado River. First settled by Mormon farmers in 1852, the town is now a verdant oasis of fruit trees encircled by sandstone cliffs, 238 miles south of Salt Lake City along Hwy 191. Moab’s name was borrowed from the biblical kingdom at the edge of Zion. During the 1950s, the town became the very road to paradise with the discovery of uranium. But its fortunes did not last long when a few short years later, the boom went bust. Oil and potash mining soon replaced uranium as the town’s mainstay natural resources, but they remain secondary to tourism, the largest revenue-generator.

By virtue of its superb position, Moab is the gateway to the brilliant wilderness domain of Canyonlands National Park. Every summer, Moab’s population of nearly 6,000 grows to a huge number as tourists, campers, and cyclists converge on the town to soak up the red-rock scenery and hot dry climate. Hollywood producers similarly discovered Moab’s natural charms and years ago transformed the independent community into the quintessential Western center. Its backyard of red-rock country has been used in numerous television commercials and movies.

Worth a visit is the Monument Valley Film Commission and Museum. Here visitors can glimpse the mystical West through the lens. Film location maps are provided for the curious hoping for a John Wayne look-alike to pop out from among the rocks. There is also a collection of movie paraphernalia and photographs. In addition, a tour can take you to the region where epic features such as Geronimo, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Rio Grande, and Thelma and Louise were shot on location.

Moab is the mountain biking capital of the world, offering some of the region’s most challenging treks and awesome scenery. Slickrock Bicycle Trail, Hurrah Pass Trail, and the Gemini Bridges Trail are the most popular tracks. The recently completed Kokopelli’s Trail, located between Moab and Grand Junction, attracts only the fittest cyclists. There are countless back roads winding through barren canyons and across the rocky riverbed, but you must obtain a permit before entering. Most of the land is controlled by either the Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service.

For very fit hikers, Devil’s Garden Trail traverses Arches National Park. Canyonlands National Park provides gentler hiking trails that take in the backcountry of the Island in the Sky region. The most popular trail for 4WD vehicles is a 100-mile track that leads past elegant arches and pocket canyons along the White Rim Trail. Heading south toward Needles is the formidable Elephant Hill Trail offering optional 4WD-vehicle treks or hiking.

Whitewater and flatwater rafting has long been Moab’s other principal recreational pursuit. There are numerous outfitters offering guides and floats for rafting along the Colorado River into Cataract and Westwater Canyons. Also along the river is an 875-acre wetland reserve, which harbors a wealth of wildlife. Moab’s reputation for providing great outdoor adventure extends to several rock-climbing sites at Fisher Towers and Castle Valley.

Moab is worthy of an evening stroll, even if just to soak up its lively bars and Western hospitality under a canopy of brilliant stars. And if the summer sun is too hot for viewing Canyonlands during the day, visitors can embark on a nocturnal spotlight tour. The town never lacks entertainment and outdoor festivities. Two popular attractions are the October Fat Tire Festival for cyclists, and the Labor Day Jeep Jamboree. During September, the Moab Music Festival utilizes the natural acoustics of its various outdoor venues.

The Moab Information Center, on Main Street, is the best place to become acquainted with the local touring companies and National Park Service. General information, scenic maps, and recommended trails can all be obtained. Salt Lake City International is the closest major airport. There is daily shuttle bus service to Moab. Motels line Moab’s Main Street; reservations are recommended during the peak summer season.