Off the beaten path in the American southwest, nestled in a lush green valley beneath towering red rock rims, is a hidden gem called Moab, Utah, a unique little town where you could spend weeks and awaken to a new adventure each day.

Where else in the west, or perhaps the world, can one hike in the warmth of the desert sun one day and cross-country ski the next, or raft the wild Colorado River one day and mountain bike on a cool aspen trail the next, without changing cities or even hotels! Days full of exhilarating adventures, and scenic beauty that will permeate your soul, are but a taste of what makes Moab one of the most sought after destinations of the southwest.

You can spend one day doing multiple activities or spend multiple days doing one activity...or even multiple days doing multiple activities, and along with the amazing number of combinations to be considered, are numerous outfitters who will put together a great package.

Internationally known for its mountain biking, Moab also offers an amazing array of activities including, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, road biking, fishing, hunting, golfing, 4-wheel driving, ATVing, horseback riding, skate parks, disc golf, skydiving and ballooning.

Nature is continually altering the surrounding landscape, using wind and rain to shape beautiful red desert rock into magnificent spires and arches; while the Colorado River carves a meandering masterpiece creating deep canyons and beautiful vistas. So it should be no surprise that Moab is also unique in that it is the only city in the nation where you will find two National Parks in such close proximity that you can bike to them.

Arches National Park, just 6 miles from downtown Moab, is a red rock wonderland containing some of the most scenic and inspiring landscapes on Earth, with over 2,000 arches and an astounding variety of other geological formations. Colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires dwarf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints and hiking trails.

Paved roads make it easy for visitors to enjoy the park on their own as just a nice scenic auto tour or days hiking the many marked trails. Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah, and is divided into three districts by the Green and Colorado Rivers - the Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze. Named for their most prominent geologic characteristics, these districts are quite diverse, and to take a "seen one, seen them all" attitude would be a great mistake. Entrance to the Island, which sits atop a massive 1500 foot mesa - quite literally an Island in the Sky, is just 35 miles (51.5 km) from Moab. This district, with twenty miles (32.2 km) of paved roads, is the easiest and most popular way to see Canyonlands National Park. It contains some of the most spectacular views, presenting visitors a view of over 100 miles (161 km) in any given direction, resulting in astounding panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country.



The Needles District, located 75 miles (116 km) southwest of Moab, was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. The district's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight trip, making it a backpacking haven. The Maze District is the least accessible area of Canyonlands National Park and due to the district's remoteness and the difficulty of roads and trails, travel to the Maze requires more time, as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency.

In addition to these beautiful national parks, Moab is also home to Dead Horse Point State Park, which is one of Utah's most spectacular state parks.

Located just 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab, the view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Visit Moab and learn about the numerous tales of how the park got his unusual name and why it is often referred to as the "Little Grand Canyon".

Add to all of this, three Utah Scenic Byways, the mighty Colorado River with Class V rafting, and the Manti LaSal National Forest, which offers cool reprieve from the desert heat during summer months and great snowboarding and cross country skiing in the winter. A few astonishing finds in this quaint western town are gourmet restaurants that rival those found in New York, two wineries, two breweries and several fine art galleries. Unique again describes the world renowned sound and light show that transports you to another world with Indian stories and legends, the natural wonder of the canyons and patriotism, with words and music. Floating on a large boat with theater seating, the stage is southeastern Utah's amazing night sky, 300 to 500-foot canyon walls illuminated with lights, and the mighty Colorado River.

Amidst all this cultural magnificence, you will still find the soul of a small western town as you talk with the friendly locals, shop the trading posts, stay at one of the river ranch resorts, go horseback riding, translate Indian writings, or have a chuckwagon dinner where you are transported to the old west.

Whether you want an adrenaline rush, a soul revival, or just need to relax and unwind, Moab will deliver. With so much to see and do, the question is not "Why would anyone" take a little extra time and effort to reach Moab, Utah, but rather "Who wouldn't".

Off the beaten path in the American southwest, nestled in a lush green valley beneath towering red rock rims, is a hidden gem called Moab, Utah, a unique little town where you could spend weeks and awaken to a new adventure each day.

Where else in the west, or perhaps the world, can one hike in the warmth of the desert sun one day and cross-country ski the next, or raft the wild Colorado River one day and mountain bike on a cool aspen trail the next, without changing cities or even hotels! Days full of exhilarating adventures, and scenic beauty that will permeate your soul, are but a taste of what makes Moab one of the most sought after destinations of the southwest.

You can spend one day doing multiple activities or spend multiple days doing one activity...or even multiple days doing multiple activities, and along with the amazing number of combinations to be considered, are numerous outfitters who will put together a great package.



Internationally known for its mountain biking, Moab also offers an amazing array of activities including, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, road biking, fishing, hunting, golfing, 4-wheel driving, ATVing, horseback riding, skate parks, disc golf, skydiving and ballooning.

Nature is continually altering the surrounding landscape, using wind and rain to shape beautiful red desert rock into magnificent spires and arches; while the Colorado River carves a meandering masterpiece creating deep canyons and beautiful vistas. So it should be no surprise that Moab is also unique in that it is the only city in the nation where you will find two National Parks in such close proximity that you can bike to them.

Arches National Park, just 6 miles from downtown Moab, is a red rock wonderland containing some of the most scenic and inspiring landscapes on Earth, with over 2,000 arches and an astounding variety of other geological formations. Colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires dwarf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints and hiking trails.

Paved roads make it easy for visitors to enjoy the park on their own as just a nice scenic auto tour or days hiking the many marked trails. Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah, and is divided into three districts by the Green and Colorado Rivers - the Island in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze. Named for their most prominent geologic characteristics, these districts are quite diverse, and to take a "seen one, seen them all" attitude would be a great mistake. Entrance to the Island, which sits atop a massive 1500 foot mesa - quite literally an Island in the Sky, is just 35 miles (51.5 km) from Moab. This district, with twenty miles (32.2 km) of paved roads, is the easiest and most popular way to see Canyonlands National Park. It contains some of the most spectacular views, presenting visitors a view of over 100 miles (161 km) in any given direction, resulting in astounding panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country.

The Needles District, located 75 miles (116 km) southwest of Moab, was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. The district's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight trip, making it a backpacking haven. The Maze District is the least accessible area of Canyonlands National Park and due to the district's remoteness and the difficulty of roads and trails, travel to the Maze requires more time, as well as a greater degree of self-sufficiency.

In addition to these beautiful national parks, Moab is also home to Dead Horse Point State Park, which is one of Utah's most spectacular state parks.

Located just 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab, the view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Visit Moab and learn about the numerous tales of how the park got his unusual name and why it is often referred to as the "Little Grand Canyon".

Add to all of this, three Utah Scenic Byways, the mighty Colorado River with Class V rafting, and the Manti LaSal National Forest, which offers cool reprieve from the desert heat during summer months and great snowboarding and cross country skiing in the winter. A few astonishing finds in this quaint western town are gourmet restaurants that rival those found in New York, two wineries, two breweries and several fine art galleries. Unique again describes the world renowned sound and light show that transports you to another world with Indian stories and legends, the natural wonder of the canyons and patriotism, with words and music. Floating on a large boat with theater seating, the stage is southeastern Utah's amazing night sky, 300 to 500-foot canyon walls illuminated with lights, and the mighty Colorado River.

Amidst all this cultural magnificence, you will still find the soul of a small western town as you talk with the friendly locals, shop the trading posts, stay at one of the river ranch resorts, go horseback riding, translate Indian writings, or have a chuckwagon dinner where you are transported to the old west.

Whether you want an adrenaline rush, a soul revival, or just need to relax and unwind, Moab will deliver. With so much to see and do, the question is not "Why would anyone" take a little extra time and effort to reach Moab, Utah, but rather "Who wouldn't".

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For more information to help you plan your own amazing vacation itinerary, visit the Moab Travel Council website www.discovermoab.com or call 1-800-635-MOAB.