Moab, UT – I didn’t realize!

Five years ago we planned a little road trip with a loop from Texas through the Grand Canyon, up through eastern Utah and finally Colorado before heading home. I was using my remaining vacation before retiring from the military and the timing didn’t allow Gayla to go, just the kids and I went. We packed up the Suburban with camping gear and off we went. While this trip ended up making so many amazing memories, this post is intended to focus on Moab and the incredible scenery this little slice of Utah has to offer.

Initially, the idea of seeing Arches National Park is what put Moab on our road trip map. When making the plan, I failed to realize how much more there is to see and do there. When we arrived, it became readily apparent is that this would not be the last trip to Moab and it will continue to be a road trip destination in the future. Experiencing the geology alone both in it’s magnificence and history is worth the trip. But the incredible scenery, phenomenal sunrises and sunsets, and night skies that can literally transform how you see life. This area is the ultimate playground for outdoor adventure experiences. Here’s a glimpse, or more appropriately…a tease!

The Windows area of Arches NP. The La Sal Mountains make a great backdrop with both the scenic beauty and interesting contrast with the desert-like foreground. Sunrise and sunset lighting transform this naturally beautiful landscape into magical!

Mesa Arch sunrise in Canyonlands National Park. This happens every morning (unless it’s cloudy)! The sun rises in different locations with the changing seasons, more northerly in the summer and southerly in the winter…always a different photo opportunity.

Sunrise on the trail to Landscape Arch

What Moab has to offer could easily be a series of books. Whether it is peaceful solitude or high energy adventure you desire, the area surrounding Moab will exceed every expectation. In addition to the endless photography opportunities, there is an abundance of hiking, biking, camping, river rafting, and rock climbing. Probably should also mention stargazing, canyoneering, and even skydiving. While much of the area is protected to preserve the natural beauty, there are also several areas set aside for ATV use.

Wonderful ride with great friends. Stopped to take in the view along Porcupine Ridge.

This has the potential to sound overwhelming if you haven’t spent a lot of time outdoors. The good news is there is something for all skill levels. If the idea of remote backpacking is your thing, plenty of places to go. Within the national parks, the iconic places are either roadside accessible or a short walk over well marked trails to see some amazing scenery.

Pretty cool to watch my daughter climb her first rock face. Way to go, Rachel!! 🙂

While we chose to camp in town at a private campground, there are many campgrounds on public land in the area in either state parks or managed by the Bureau of Land Management. If roughing isn’t your idea of fun, there are plenty of hotels in town.

The national parks do a great job of helping plan your visit and guide services within the town of Moab to help fully experience this natural playground. Some seasons are definitely more crowded than others so plan ahead as places do fill up.