Jetsettersblog

Moab, Utah is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, the Colorado River and the beautiful La Sal Mountains.

Add to this the many attractions found within 200 miles, such as the Hovenweep & Natural Bridges National Monuments, Capitol Reef & Mesa Verde National Parks, Lake Powell and Monument Valley and the itinerary combinations that include Moab become virtually endless.

Once in Moab, daily itinerary possibilities are even more plentiful, making it possible to plan day after day without duplication. In addition to exploring the national and state parks, Moab offers an abundance of activities to enjoy, including hiking, mountain biking, road biking, four-wheeling, atving, canyoneering, canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, rappelling, bouldering, rock climbing, golfing, ballooning, skydiving and scenic flights.

The amazing scenery and activities make Moab a one-stop adventure destination for all levels, beginner to advanced, young to old, physically challenged to the extremely physically fit.

Whether you are seeking excitement, relaxation, or a combination of both, activities can be tailored to fit your group and can be enjoyed for a few hours, half a day, full day or several days. Due to Moab’s generally mild weather, most of these activities can be enjoyed year round. While river activities cease in the winter, they are replaced with amazing cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and sledding in the majestic La Sal Mountains. Rising to13,000 feet and creating a beautiful contrast to the red rocks of the desert floor, the La Sals also provide a cool respite from the summer heat.

A great three day summer itinerary could include a day hiking or biking an alpine trail, a day rafting the cool Colorado river, and a the third day enjoying an early morning hike in Arches National Park, such as the ranger led Fiery Furnace trail.

With so many things to see and do, the combinations are endless and choosing what to include could be the most challenging aspect of your itinerary. Do you fill one day with the excitement of white water rafting and the next relaxing at a spa after a round of golf; or go for the tranquility of a morning horseback ride and a thrilling hummer 4×4 tour in the afternoon?

For those seeking the more extreme activities, there is mountain biking on the famous Slick Rock Trail, rappelling from Morning Glory Arch, or paddling your kayak through the rapids of the mighty Colorado River. Many companies offer “package deals” making it easy to coordinate multiple activities into your daily itinerary.

The diversity of Moab’s cuisine is truly amazing and it easy to plan meals without duplicity. Choose from American, Southwestern, Mexican, Italian, Thai and Chinese, as well as world class gourmet served up in historical buildings. Moab’s two breweries will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds, while the quaint diners, delis and coffee shops fill in with specialties including smoothies, vegetarian dishes and delicious homemade sandwiches for picnic lunches.

Great evening entertainment for large groups can be found as well with old west fun at Bar-M Chuckwagon (featuring the Bar M Wranglers), with an authentic, high-energy western dinner show full of folklore, humor and audience participation in a western village setting. For a night to remember, enjoy a cowboy style chuckwagon dinner and a slow moving evening boat ride on the Colorado River. Canyonlands by Night offers one of the most unique sound and light shows in the world and is one of only two such shows that are performed on the water.

Complete your daily itineraries with a stroll along the Mill Creek Parkway or a nature walk in the Matheson Wetlands. Main Street shopping, museum hopping, art rock touring, or driving one of Moab’s three Utah Scenic Byways, should also be included, as should a wine tasting tour of Moab’s vineyards.

Detailed information on group friendly restaurants, meeting spaces, as well as additional itineraries, can be found at www.moabutah.info  or by contacting the Moab Area Travel Council at 1-800-635-6622.

For more information on the National Parks and other activities visit our tourist information website www.discovermoab.com