Third of a Three Part Series
-Written by Samantha Bonsack

We’ve explored many activities to enhance your Moab break to make it feel more like a vacation (thus making it a “brea-cation”). In this concluding part of the three-part series, we round out the adventurous side of Moab with a look at the softer side and share some of our favorite ways to relax.

Image by Dan Norris

Photographers Paradise:
The unique buttes formations painted in deep red, the colorful wildflowers and the emotional skies as a backdrop make Moab one of the most photographic locations in the world. Combined with the excellent lighting of sunrise and sunset, even amateurs will have pictures that will proudly be converted into prints. Experienced photographers can explore the endless terrain or match the famous shots taken by world-renowned photographer Tom Till who makes Moab his home. Several photography tours offer a wide range of services, from simply helping you create an itinerary to week-long symposiums.  These are a wonderful opportunity to gain the most out of the constantly changing light of Moab, and get insider information on locations, timing and technical tips and tricks for shooting in Moab. 

Special Place on Earth:
Did you know that archeologists have found evidence of 12,000 years of continuous human occupation in the Moab region? Local museums take visitors through Moab’s long and sometimes sordid past from the Native Americans to the pioneers, bandits and those seeking to bring them to justice. The wild west runs freely in photographs of famous outlaws, stirring the imagination of the young and old alike. Also on display are curious artifacts from the early uranium boom challenge what we now know of radiation, and is sure to amuse and baffle. Visit our local museums and find our what you have in common with those who were attracted to this region long ago. The Moab Information Center (MIC) is a wealth of knowledge containing a multi-agency facility combining the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the US Park Service all in one place to make it convenient to check current conditions before exploring the thousands of acres surrounding Moab.

Main Street, The Last of the Independents:
The magical spirit attracts adventurers to the remote, rugged beauty and the unique combination of down-to-earth sophistication. Moab’s independent nature has always been woven through its history, and is now reflected in the charming independently owned shops along Main Street. Moab provides a shopping experience even non-shoppers will love with one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs next to clever outdoor gear proven valuable by experienced staff that happily share their experiences of the products and the area. Shops with exquisite home décor compliments shops with the latest camping supplies and stores in between offering the creations of our thriving local artist community. You won’t find the traditional, chain-store atmosphere here, but instead you will experience the rare and dying bred of the true independent spirit.

Relaxing, Moab Style:
Although it is widely recognized how hard Moabites play, a little known secret is how well we relax. Did you know we have spa services right downtown? After a hard day of playing, a little pampering at one of our spas is a wonderful reward. Facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, massages, aromatherapy, herbal compress, and more brings back the softer side and helps to balance the soul. Dinner at one of our award winning restaurants would be next, and then a stroll down the beautifully winding path through town to take in the night sky. Moab has one of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, and is a true delight to behold. Just a few miles out of town brings the calls of coyotes, a perfect compliment to a full moon evening. Several local award-winning wineries offer surprising delights for sale to be enjoyed at your leisure, perhaps taking in the full diamond night sky.

Skiing in the Desert?
The winters bring a quiet seclusion that locals share with the few tourist brave enough to explore this land in the cold months. Hiking trails are peacefully undisturbed, parks are empty from the hustle and bustle of the summer vacations but the most amazing find is the unexpected snow. The incredible dichotomy of Moab best captured from the vast desert valley to the fresh powder pack in the La Sal Mountains, offering endless snow play. Groomed trails through meadows and peaks take cross-country skiing into a paradise of solitude. Full moon brings ideal conditions for nighttime snowshoeing, and the miles of trails allow for snowmobiles to enjoy exploring the back county while also playing in the open meadows. Several romantic cabin rentals and even a few secluded mountain huts are available for over night adventurers.

Moab: An Oasis in the Desert:
The Matheson Wetlands Preserve just north of Moab offers some of the best wetlands wildlife watching in Utah and is a critical ‘steppingstone’ for migrating waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds. Wetlands across the United States are being lost at the astounding rate of roughly 300,000 acres each year, and the Matheson Preserve is the only on major wetland along the Colorado River in the entire state of Utah. More than 175 species of birds have been spotted here, with their numbers peaking during fall and spring migrations. Songbirds and shorebirds are abundant, and provide a beautiful backdrop to a picnic spot. The shifting nature of this wetland creates a patchwork of vibrant habitats and an accompanying diversity of life.

Hot Air Balloon Rides:
Since hot air ballooning is an activity that is best suited for areas away from major population centers, ballooning near Moab and Castle Valley is the perfect location. Balloon flights in this region encompass some of the most incredible and awe inspiring scenery in the country. Imagine ascending to greet the sunrise as you drift among geologic wonders created when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Behold the fragile sandstone formations of Arches National Park as the 13,000 foot La Sal Mountains cast long shadows upon the town of Moab and Canyonlands National Park. As you drift over the river carved canyons of the Colorado River, let the pilot and wind be your navigator while you capture photographic images that will last a lifetime.

Final Family Fun:
Hit the ice cream store before heading north to catch three fun-filled hours of true western spirit at the Bar-M-Chuckwagon, Offering a pre-show gunfight, games, shops and saloon, the show begins with a high-energy western dinner show full of folklore, humor and audience participation. If your looking to exercise that last bit of Moab energy before the car ride home, considering hiking up the sand hill across from the Arches National Park entrance and sledding down it’s soft, fluffy face or take a quick detour into Arches and do the short hike in the Window’s section. A beautiful path takes you beneath two large sandstone arches providing epic views and a great lunch spot.

Final Thoughts:
The amazing diversity of Moab is often overlooked by busy schedules of adventures and activities. A few hours to spend exploring some of the other sides of Moab will leave you with a greater appreciation of your visit, and an understand why it truly is one of the special places on earth. Consider expanding your horizons here, and allow Moab to touch you in surprising places. You’ll bring some of that Moab magic home with you, and will see what more there is to explore upon your return.

Scenic byway 128
Sheer walls of red sandstone contrast with the flowing waters of the Colorado River which runs adjacent to this Scenic Byway. The road connects US 191 with I-70, and features such attractions as Fisher Towers, which loom 1500 feet above the valley floor, and Dewey Bridge, a one-lane suspension bridge which was used until 1986. The bridge has been placed on the National Historic Register. Hittle bottom Homestead is located at a popular picnic and boat launch and was the turn-of-the-century home of a local mail carrier. Scenic Byway 128 begins 3 miles north of Moab and runs 44 miles to the junction with I-70 near Cisco. May be driven in conjunction with the La Sal Mtn. Loop Road.

- Written by Samantha Bonsack

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