Roadtrip!
Table of Contents
One of my favorite places in Utah is a small remote desert town off the main highway about 60 miles and hours from any other town. As you make the turn from I70 and begin the drive through flat expanses of sage covered earth, there is no hint of what lies ahead. If you look hard enough out in the middle of nowhere, you may catch a glimpse of strange looking rock formations. As you keep driving, red cliffs start to jet up from the flat earth. Now you are feeling the excitement and are just about to arrive in Moab. The first thing you will notice about Moab and the surrounding area is the color. The vibrant rust colors of the rock and sometimes of the Colorado River is a feast for the eyes. You have now entered Red Rock County!
There is magic that happens in this area and it happens every time I go. It may be the fresh desert air, the cactus blossoms, the expansive views, the majestic rock formations, the illuminating light of sunrise and sunset, the glowing canyons, the flowing rivers, the isolation, the quiet, calm and soothing nature of this desert getaway. This special place is Moab. Moab is further east than the more popular Bryce Canyon but well worth a visit. The first thing you will notice about Moab and the surrounding area is the color. The vibrant rust colors of the rock and sometimes of the Colorado River is a feast for the eyes. You have now entered Red Rock County!
Like many other outdoor havens, Moab has had a huge boost in tourism so planning ahead is key. I have pulled into Moab thinking I would find a camp spot and there was none. That trip my kids and I made our way to the La Sal mountains and pitched a tent right off the road, which worked out great. Luckily there are many options on both camping and hotels if you plan ahead. When planning a trip to Moab you can sleep under the stars in one of many camping sites in Moab and the weather is dry and temperate throughout the season. During busy times and holidays a reservation is a must because the camp sites fill up. It is quite wonderful to sleep under the gazillions of stars in the Moab desert and wake up to the sunrise over the peaceful and colorful desert expanse.
Get busy in Moab.
Recreation enthusiasts flock here in the summer for off road four wheeling, mountain biking, hiking, river rafting, paddle boarding, rock climbing etc. I think the highlights are the natural wonders of this area. A National Parks which are not to be missed: Arches and Canyonlands
- Activities
There is so much to do in Moab. There is literally something for everyone.
Here are the top 10 activities to get you started on your epic journey in Moab:
- Visit Arches National Park. This NP is stunning and is def a must visit. For those who do not want to hike, there is a scenic drive around the park in which you could park your car and walk short distances to see some beautiful sites. Recommended though would be to bring your hats, sunscreen and lightweight hiking shoes and plan to do a couple of hikes. There are several you could check off in a day including the most popular (pictured above) The Delicate Arch. PRO TIP: Your day pass is good for two day entry. Sunset is an amazing time to visit and may include free entry if after 7.
- Visit Canyonlands for stunning views
- River rafting down Cataract Canyon
- Deadhorse point State Park
- Rent or bring paddle boards and SUP down the Colorado River
- Explore the petroglyphs and Indian Ladder
- Make sure to check out the visiters Center
- Mountain bikers paradise with slick rock and deserty sights like Dinosaur Footprints
- Motorcycle mahem – many trails for off road fun
- Jeep 4 wheel drive off roading with scary and challenging roads not for the faint of heart
- Horse back ride through the desert