Anybody who is serious about outdoor adventure has heard of Moab, Utah.  Sitting on the banks of the Colorado River and nestled close to the La Sal Mountains in the Spanish Valley, this little town of roughly 5,000 residents is big on welcoming anyone who loves anything to do with the open air.  Approximately one million visitors pass through Moab each year, most of them on their way to visit nearby Arches or Canyonlands National Parks.  But the serious outdoor enthusiast knows that the national parks are just a part of what this incredible town has to offer.  Here are some of my favorite things to do:

Arguably the most famous mountain biking trail in the world, Slickrock Bike Trail is part of the Sand Flats Recreation Area (SFRA).  Slickrock isn’t your typical bike trail.  It rates a class 4 on a scale of 1-4, with 4 being the hardest.  Providing challenges for the even the most experienced bikers, this trail is for the serious biking addict.  That is precisely why more than 100,000 people a year ride Slickrock.  If you’ll excuse the pun, it rocks!  And if you’re not too busy dealing with the technical challenges, take a few moments to experience the panoramic vistas; you won’t regret it.

If you’re new to mountain biking, you may want to consider trying out one of the many other biking trails around Moab, but if you just have to try out Slickrock, SFRA strongly recommends the practice loop for all first time visitors.  This is a 2-mile trail that gives you a taste of what you can expect; however it still rates as difficult and is not for novice bikers.  Otherwise, go out there and have a great time!

If biking isn’t your thing, then consider hiking one of the trails near Moab.  Between the trails on BLM land and in the national parks, there are dozens from which to choose.  Most trails near Moab range from 1.5 to 3 miles in length and experience elevation gains of between 240 to 980 feet.  Whether you’re a novice hiker or a hardcore backpacker, there is something for everyone here, and the scenery is spectacular.  Views of the Colorado River, slickrock canyons, and natural arches are just some of what you can expect to see.

This is the high desert, so when going hiking make sure you take plenty of water, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking boots or tennis/running shoes with rubbery soles, and food.  Of course, to minimize impact on the surrounding environment, be sure you take out what you take in!

Moab is located on the Colorado River, and there are plenty of activities you can enjoy on the river itself. You can try anything from high-speed jet boat rides to leisurely floats. Most visitors who opt for a river adventure use one of the many tour operators in Moab, but you do have the option of organizing your own private river trip if you prefer. Before striking out on your own, you should check with the Bureau of Land Management office for the latest rules and regulations because you will be floating primarily through federal lands.

If you decide to use an outfitter, you have the option of a simple day trip or a multi-day adventure. The “Daily” is the most popular river trip because it allows you to experience the breathtaking scenery of southeastern Utah without the hassle of breaking out the camping equipment. On the other hand, many outdoor adventurers prefer the longer river trips precisely because they get to experience nature in a way that permanently etches the event into their memories.

To get the full river experience, I highly recommend a trip through Cataract Canyon. The canyon is a wild whitewater trip, but there are sections that consist of stretches of calm water that wind through gorgeous scenery. Float time can range from 3 to 7 days depending on the trip you choose.

While Moab offers a wide selection of hotels and lodging, those who prefer to “rough it” can select from dozens of campsites around the area. Campsites range from “deluxe,” meaning they have a complete range of amenities like full service RV hookups, wireless Internet, flushing toilets, showers and Jacuzzis, to “primitive” campsites that only offer a place to pitch your tent.

Private campgrounds offer more conveniences, while the campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) tend to be more basic. Camping fees range from $17.00 to $25.00 a night, however be warned that most private campgrounds limit you to 1-3 people per site and they charge nominal fees for each extra person sharing the site. Many campgrounds also offer group spaces.  For more information about group rates, contact each campground directly.

If you choose to camp at a private campground, you can reserve your space in advance, while BLM campgrounds go on a “first come, first served” basis (more information about how to reserve campsites to follow). You can reserve some campsites in the national parks in advance, however many are set aside for the first come, first served crowd. To reserve a campsite in one of the national parks, go to www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.

With so many choices, you’re virtually guaranteed to find a campground to fit the experience you seek!

Utah has an incredible 5 national parks within its borders, 2 of which are close to Moab. Arches National Park is the more well known of the parks, and it is home to the world-famous Delicate Arch (you know, the arch featured in all the tourist brochures and on the Utah license plates). Arches National Park’s claim to fame is that it holds the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches.

Some of the more spectacular arches and views require you to hike a fair distance (Delicate Arch being one of them), so be prepared to wear your hiking boots and carry plenty of water. If you plan to visit the park during July or August, you may want to skip the hikes, because summer temperatures reach well past 100 degrees and the desert heat can be brutal.

Canyonlands National Park is the lesser known of the national parks in southeastern Utah, but its scenery is no less spectacular. The park itself is divided into several districts, but there are no roads that connect the districts to each other. Canyonlands is for the true outdoor adventurer because most visits to the park involve hiking, biking, boating or four-wheel driving into the park’s backcountry. For day trips, the Island of the Sky district is the most accessible, offering breathtaking views from multiple overlooks along the paved road. There are also several short hiking trails you can try out.

After your outdoor adventure, you should definitely check out the dozens of restaurants, museums and shops in Moab. For a town of only 5,000 residents, you’ll be amazed at the diversity of its population and the cultural offerings you’ll find.

Prior to your visit, I suggest that you do your research to maximize your experience. There are several great websites that offer abundant information, with my two favorites being www.discovermoab.com and www.moab-utah.com. You’ll find links to hotels, campgrounds, restaurant guides, and virtually everything you can think of.

The next time you’re looking for multiple outdoor experiences in a single place, check out Moab. You’ll find yourself going back for more!