Moab

Say the name “Moab” and what do you think of? Mountain biking, stunning arch formations, hiking, warmth, rock climbing, incredible views, rafting or how about a combination of them all with “Fun!”

Moab is one of those places where you reset to happy the minute you hit the city limits and, no matter how long you stay, it isn’t long enough.

Even if you are just sipping beers on a patio, listening to the conversations around you recalling the adventures of the day, Moab puts you in a fabulous mood.

Moab two a days

Moab can be quite warm mid-day, so a good method to fit it all in is to go to two-a-days.

Maybe a morning hike, some lunch in town and then a late afternoon mountain bike ride.

Or, perhaps, rafting in the morning and then some late day canyoneering?

Option 3 also works well: Get out there with a favorite morning activity, find a great patio for lunch with some cold beverages and then, read a book by the pool.

The combinations are nearly endless, but always add up to fabulous.

Moab hiking

With a wide variety of hiking available near Moab ranging from short strolls to strenuous, long hikes, Moab is a hiking paradise, with all trails leading to amazing opportunities for viewing some of nature’s most beautiful wonders.

Seven great Moab day hikes within 30 minutes of Moab include Corona Arch Trail, Portal Overlook, Moab Rim, Negro Bill Canyon, Fisher Towers Trail, Hunter Canyon & Hidden Valley. All seven are dog-friendly and offer terrain ranging from sandy, shaded stream side trails to slickrock hikes amidst sandstone arches.

Moab biking

Moab has a wide variety of road rides and mountain bike trails for all levels of experience.  

A mountain biking mecca, Moab’s mountain bike trials range from beautiful canyon rides, to mesa rim trails, to the world-famous, highly technical, Slickrock Bike Trail.

Road biking in Moab is over paved roads with terrain that varies from rolling hills and steep sections to casual, scenic rides for enjoying the views.

Moab attractions

Within 35 miles of Moab are Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Arches National Park is 5 miles north of Moab, just off Hwy 191. Arches National Park  boasts the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone, with over 2,000 arches & amazing rock formations within the park’s 76,518 acres.

Canyonlands National Park, located 35 miles outside of Moab, is the largest national park in the state of Utah and has over 20 miles of paved roads winding through the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze.

As with all national parks, they can get very crowded and are not dog-friendly, so while they may not be a great place for a hike they can be a perfect place for an air-conditioned mid-day drive during the heat of the day.

Moab eats

To start your day off right…

Moab Diner has a great breakfast that doesn’t break the bank. Biscuits & gravy are really good & the breakfast burrito with the Diner’s signature Green Chile sauce is huge & tasty. Can be crowded, but no shocker there.

Albeit a bit higher, the food is good at the Peace Tree Juice Cafe and it has a great patio on Main Street with a cool vibe.

The Peace Tree is also a good spot for afternoon drinks and light fare. Namaste.

Munchies and a brewskie or margarita

Moab Brewery is a must with a great staff, fun environment, good micro-brews and some tasty food.

The fish tacos, oddly served in crispy corn taco shells, are awesome.

Eddie McStiff’s is great place to grab a burger and beer on the dog-friendly patio and recount the adventures of the day.

And, if you’re in the mood for a margarita (ok, so when aren’t we?), head over to Fiesta Mexicana. The margaritas are really good and the staff is very friendly.

Winding down the day

If BBQ, beers & blues sounds like it would hit the spot, try the The Blu Pig, Moab’s barbecue and blues destination.

Some baby backs and beer are a great way to end a big day, while enjoying a bit of live music.

Going Gonzo in Moab

The Gonzo Inn is a cool, dog-friendly hotel just off Main Street in Moab.

The Gonzo Inn describes itself as an “eclectic expression of southwest influences, retro 70’s and industrial era that is entertaining and tantalizing to the senses,” and that is pretty spot on.

The one bedroom suite is large with a living room, dining room, kitchenette, large bedroom, bath and patio. Decorated with vibrant colors and outfitted with comfy bedding, the Gonzo is a perfect place to enjoy Moab down-time.

Beautiful landscaping, a relaxing pool and hot tub, bicycle wash and repair station, and a complimentary continental breakfast round out a stay at the Gonzo Inn.

More of Moab

Moab hiking: Corona Arch Trail 
Moab hiking: Negro Bill Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Moab: Arches National Park

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Article by Kim Hull

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