Named after an isolated area mentioned in the Bible, Moab, Utah, was a uranium-mining town in the 1950s. In recent years, Moab has become one of the biggest adventure-travel centers in the U.S. It is located 240 mi/385 km southeast of Salt Lake City.
Visitors interested in mountain biking, hiking, rafting, rock climbing and four-wheel-drive or motorcycle outings will find Moab an outstanding place to settle in for several days. Others will find it a pleasant town that serves as a good base for exploring nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Start with a visit to the information center, at the corner of Center and Main in the heart of town. It has oodles of brochures and maps that outline, among other things, the area's mountain biking, hiking and four-wheel-drive trails, movie locations (many feature films have been shot near Moab) and sites with Native American rock art.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles, mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks and most other outdoor equipment are available for rent in town, and outfitters offer guided tours.
There are several four-wheel-drive routes around Moab, some of which share space with mountain-bike or motorcycle trails. Those looking for an extreme vehicle climbing experience should head to the Lion's Back, near the beginning of the Slick Rock Trail. Although we would never attempt to drive this narrow, nearly vertical stone slope, some people do. Even if you're not participating, it's a great place to observe the drama of high-performance vehicles trying to overcome gravity.
After you've had your fill of thrills, Moab also offers a pretty good selection of restaurants, bakeries and espresso shops.
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
For a taste of local wine, visit Castle Creek Winery or Spanish Valley Vineyards and Winery. Tours and tastings are available.
If you prefer hops to grapes, try beer brewed on-site at one of the local brewpubs.
Bicycling
To mountain bikers, Moab is best known as the home of the Slick Rock Trail, a challenging route that loops for about 10 mi/16 km, longer if you take some of the side trails. Slick Rock is best for those with experience and a good deal of stamina, but there are plenty of other routes in the area.
Our favorite is the Gemini Bridges Trail, a 14-mi/22-km route that includes varied terrain, great views of the surrounding mountains and a visit to an unusual set of twin rock arches. Best of all, it's almost completely downhill—provided you pay for a shuttle ride to the top of the mountain. Several companies in Moab run shuttle services.
Boating & Sailing
Moab's rafting companies offer trips that vary from half-day outings to weeklong excursions. The stretch of the Colorado River on which many day tours are taken is quite placid (to make it somewhat adventuresome, try one of the inflatable kayaks).
Those looking for white-water thrills might consider Westwater or Cataract canyons, both of which can be experienced during day or overnight trips. The prime time for white-water trips is usually May, when the melting snows in the mountains create big rapids on the Colorado.
Calendar
Annual events in Moab include the Fat Tire Bike Festival (Halloween) and the Jeep Safari (Easter weekend).
