Moab, Utah is known as one of America’s greatest
(and most remote) natural playgrounds. Here beyond the limited network of
roads which generally keep to the perimeter is the true wilderness of two
national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, plus Utah’s Dead Horse Point State
Park.
Escapists can immerse themselves for days at a time in
these backcountry regions with the proper equipment and guidance from the
staff at Moab
Adventure Center, the region’s go-to source for outdoor adventure. They
offer a variety of ways to experience the parks that are suitable for all
ages and levels of fitness.
For active adventurers, fat
tire mountain biking is a great way to fathom the mysteries of millennia
ensconced in the iconic red rocks that symbolize the area’s parks. Those new
to mountain biking may opt for the Courthouse
Loop trail with commanding views into Arches National Park ($95 for age
5+). The Intrepid
Trail inside Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Moab's newest routes
and features countless vistas of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National
Park ($95 for age 12+).
One way to explore Arches National Park is on a guided
hike into the maze-like Fiery Furnace (Adult: $89, Youth 5-15: $67). Best
accessed in the company of an experienced guide, this hike twists and turns
among contorted orange-tan fins, towers, spires and arches. Moab Adventure
Center guides lead two-hour hikes in this trackless area, pointing out hidden
attractions such as Surprise and Twin Arches. Although the hike is moderately
strenuous in places, it can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good physical
condition.
When it comes to exploring Canyonlands, visitors should
keep in mind that in this wilderness of stone there are no roads that link
from one “district” or iconic point to another. Although these points may
appear close on a map, the distances are between two to six hours by car. For
this reason, most visitors find it impractical to visit more than one area in
a single trip.
One solution is a scenic
flyover based out of Moab (tours start at Adult: $123, Youth 3-15: $123,
2 & Under: Free). In a high-wing Cessna aircraft equipped with
voice-activated headphones passengers enjoy conversations with the pilot who
is also the tour guide. Everyone has a window seat to take in views of
Arches, Canyonlands or Monument Valley, depending upon the tour. The pilot
will describe the geology and dynamics of the Colorado River and Green River,
the Island in the Sky, and the rugged Maze and Needles Districts of
Canyonlands, the Windows of Arches and more.
Moab Adventure Center can also arrange for a sunrise hot
air balloon flight over the Moab backcountry. Flights last about an hour
and are priced at $300 for participants age 6 and up
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Liz is a travel writer who travels the West and beyond in search of the highs and lows of the travel experience.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Truly Get Away from it All: Unique Ways to Explore Moab, Utah
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