Moab Travel Guide, Utah

Set in a green valley at 4,000 feet elevation, close to Colorado River and SE of Salt Lake City, Moab came into existence first time, in 1855 when the first Mormon pioneers set camp here. They chose this location not for its beauty but mainly to preach to the people who lived in the region of Utah. They weren’t very successful the first time and they were driven back to where they came from, some of the missionaries being even killed by the locals.

Next time they came, some 20 years later, they managed to establish a small community they called Moab named for the biblical kingdom at the edge of Zion.

The town has not developed much, remaining a small community of about 4,000 residents. But its size is not so small taking into consideration that all Utah towns are of relatively small size. That doesn’t seem to bother all those people who choose Moab as their touristy destination, as Moab has different attractions to those of a big metropolis: the beautiful outdoors at the outskirts of the town including: the Arches National Park, the Canyonlands National Park and the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

Besides tourists there were other people who saw the area as a great opportunity to meet their needs: the film makers. The familiar red sandstone cliffs you have seen in movies like: Indiana Jones, The Comancheros and The Greatest Story Ever Told are part of the region’s landscape.

The town’s area is a promised land, just as its name suggests. It is a promise land especially for the outdoor lovers and the sports buffs that come here by the thousands every year to enjoy the opportunities this land provides. You will mostly meet rafters and kayakers exploring the area on the Colorado River, while the mountain bikers and hikers explore the mountain areas. There are other outdoor lovers who find Moab their favorite outdoor playgrounds for horse riding or other less exhausting activities as there is plenty of room for everybody.

Those who have been to the area before know what kind of safety precautions to take, but for the first timer enthusiast there is some useful information he should take into consideration. First the very fact that this is a desert area and it can get really hot in summer and especially in the afternoon. So the hikers and the bikers should lay low in this part of the day, enjoy the refreshing opportunities the river and the swimming pools provide and do most of the activity during the morning and evening. Those who want to be active the whole day should come in the other seasons when the temperature will allow it.

Other useful information is connected to getting around. The area further from the town being quite remote and wild could give tourists a hard time finding their way without the necessary maps, guidebooks, compasses, and other supplies. Most of the information for getting around can be found at the Moab Information Center.

One of the most visited Moab area landmarks is the Castle Rock, but the only way to get to the top is by rock climbing or helicopter. If you don’t have the possibility to take either of the options, viewing it from the ground will also give you a pleasant experience.

When the night falls the entertaining options are quite a few even if this is a small town. The local’s favorite is the Rio Colorado Restaurant and Bar where they come to listen to some music and cool down after a hot day. Another favorite is the Eddie McStiff's where you can taste some local beer, watch TV and play some games. Bar- M Chuckwagon Live Western Show and Cowboy Supper is the perfect place for those keen on excellent food.

A wonderful way to end your day is by taking an evening river trip called Canyonlands by Night. You can watch the sunset and the beautiful landscape.

With its wide variety of activities, the great outdoors at the edge of town, the town makes an ideal base for exploring much of southern Utah.