First of a Three Part Series

Only have time for a short Moab break but want to feel like a vacation? Try a Moab brea-cation! There are endless ways to spend those few extra hours that will leave you with breath-taking memories. In this first part of a three part series, we offer activities that will stimulate your sense and sooth your soul. From a kid-friendly walk in ancient dinosaur tracks, cool river running to experiencing the famous Slickrock mountain bike trail as it was originally created, on a dirt bike; the options will ensure your next visit to Moab will be unlike any other.

Rivers (summertime cool-down):

Dinosaurs in Moab (worlds most complete record of prehistoric life):

We all know dinosaurs are intrinsically fascinating to adults as well as kids, but did you know Moab is located in what is called the Dinosaur Diamond, Moab is part of a 512-mile geographical range that features the most complete record of prehistoric life than any other area on the planet. Moab is part of a real-life "Jurassic Park".  If you only have a few hours, consider a trek back into time and explore ancient footstep, including the Allosaurus, Camptosaurus and the Stegosaurus dinosaurs. The Potash Road Scenic Byway, State Highway 279, offers impressive dinosaur tracks reachable by a 200-yard stroll across a rocky hillside.  Contact the Moab BLM office for more information.

Motorized Adventures (25 creek crossings through hidden canyons):

If you'd like a break from being your own motor, there are a plethora of tour and rental companies to give you a break. An ATV ride down Onion Creek is a popular family trail with over 25 creek crossings to keep you cool. The trail goes through one of Moab's best-kept secret canyons; the views of Fisher Towers and the Totem Pole are breath-taking. For more excitement, try the Slickrock Bike Trail, - on a dirt bike. Originally established by dirt bikes, this famous multi-use route offers an incredible Colorado River overlook, reachable by dirt bike in just a few hours. Ever wondered where the name slickrock reference came from? This incredibly sticky terrain has been made famous by every kind of activity that involved tires due to the grip and traction it provides. But the early cowboys herding cattle on horses with shoes couldn't find any traction at all. Their reference of this 'slick-rock' stuck, and the particular sandstone in Moab has been known as slickrock ever since.

Moab Classic (will the real Delicate Arch please stand up?):

Before you pack your bags and head out of town, be sure you have at least driven through Arches National Park. World renowned as a geographical wonderland, Arches National Park contains the highest number of naturally formed arches in the entire world, many visible right from the pavement. The famous Delicate Arch is an unbelievable sight in person, and can be accessible from a trail right to it or a shorter trail to a viewpoint for those with less time. A quick drive into the Windows section offers a remarkable short hike up to, and under, impressive arches that provide a 'window' view to the rest of the park. If you have a bit more time, the hike at Devils Garden to Landscape Arch is well worth it. Originally named Delicate Arch, the first maps of the Park had accidentally switched the name with Landscape Arch, and much like the slickrock reference, the name stuck.

So whether you're a 'windshield tourist' who would like to entertain your kids with dinosaur tracks and spectacular arches or an extreme adventurer who wants to take on the mighty Colorado and see Slickrock Bike Trail as originally established, Moab can impress and entertain even if only for a few minutes.

Part Two in the series will continue with La Sal Mountain adventures, Native American rock art tours, world-class climbing and much more. So stay tuned and remember; life is not about how many breaths you take, but the moments that take you breath away.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment 2.0.3!