Near Moab

Near Moab

Moab: The early history of the Moab area can be traced back 10,000 years and is visible in the area's many panels of ancient petroglyphs. A permanent pioneer settlement was not established until 1880. Today Moab supports a diverse population and economy and is considered one of the most cosmopolitan small towns in Utah. Enjoy the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame, The Dan O'Laurie Museum, Slickrock bike trail, and a wide variety of restaurants and lodging accommodations. Population: 5,000 Elevation: 4,300.

Arches National Park - Features the greatest concentration of natural stone arches in the world, offering spectacular displays of the natural forces of erosion at work. Hiking trails lead to the world famous free-standing Delicate Arch, the impressive 306' span of Landscape Arch and other features. The visitor center and campground are open all year. Entrance fees are collected. Located 5 miles north of Moab, off of US 191. Allow 2 hours for a short auto tour, longer for hiking.

Island in the Sky District - Canyonlands National Park. From the high broad mesas of the "Island", the canyons of the Green and Colorado Rivers are showcased from easily accessible viewpoints along a paved road. There are no services or water available on the Island, but the visitor center and primitive campground are open all year. An entrance fee is collected seasonally. Located 36 miles northwest of Moab via State Highway 313. Allow 3 hours, longer for hiking.

Colorado and Green Rivers - The lifelines of the Canyonlands Region are its rivers which offer spectacular views of the forces of nature at work, and exhibit millions of years of geologic history.

Dead Horse Point State Park - Offers spectacular views of the LaSal Mountains, Canyonlands National Park, and the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. An almost isolated island-mesa, the area was at one time used as a natural corral for wild horses. A visitor center, museum and campground are open year-round. Fees are collected. 34 miles NW of Moab. Allow 3 hours.

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 1-70, and features such attractions as Fisher Towers which looms 1500 feet above the valley floor, and Dewey Bridge, a one-lane suspension bridge which was used until 1986. Now open to foot traffic, 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. Begins 3 miles north of Moab and runs 44 miles to the junction with 1-70 near Cisco and may be driven in conjunction with the LaSal Mtn. Loop Road.

La Sal Mountain Scenic Loop Road - From its junction with Scenic Byway 128, this road passes through Castle Valley, popular for filming movies and commercials, and leads into the forests, lakes and streams of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. North portion of loop may be closed in winter, some tight turns. Allow 2 hours for the 65-mile loop.

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail - An outdoor paleontological museum providing an opportunity to view dinosaur bones and fossils in situ along a short self-guiding trail. A short distance from the trail are the stabilized remains of the Halfway Stage Station which served as a rest area for the traveling public between Moab and the railroad at Thompson from 1883 to 1904. 13 miles N of Moab off US 191, 2 miles of dirt road to trailhead. Allow 1 hour.

Scenic Byway 279 - Travels through the red rock gorge of the Colorado River. Attractions include dinosaur tracks, Indian petroglyphs, and arches. 3 miles north of Moab off of US 191. Allow 1 hour for the 36-mile round trip.

Wilson Arch - A beautiful natural arch located adjacent to US 191. A parking area provides convenient access. 26 miles southeast of Moab. Allow 1 hour.