Two Days in Moab

The area around Moab is definitely the highlight of this place.
Mountain biking and Hiking are the most popular activities, and Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are short drives away. For the casual sightseer, each can be done in one day, but much more if you like to hike. Arches is my favorite of all the National Parks I have been to. It is very accessible, and has lots of easy hikes that are extremely rewarding.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Moab is very 'walk around friendly.' I did not observe the availability of public transportation. We arrived from the south on Hwy 191 from Kayenta, AZ and the Monument Valley area (see separate Journal).

There are 2 Best Western Hotels on Main Street in Moab within 2-3 blocks of each other. We stayed at the southernmost one. I booked ahead of time, and did not notice if one was better than the other.

The accommodations were adequate. We were going more for comfort and value than luxury, since this was part of a 8-day trip.

After a day in Canyonlands Nat'l Park, we rested nicely for our big day at Arches Nat'l Park.

Right on the main drag (Main Street) within easy walking distance from hotels, is the Slickrock Cafe. You can't miss it....It has southwest logo and colors that catch the eye. Plus, it is adjacent to a neat gift shop.

Food and drinks were great. Food was American with a southwest twist to it. Upstairs were several PC's for surfing the net and checking email. I passed.

The name says it all. Moab Brewery has everthing you would expect in a brew pub... friendly people, copper tanks, logo T-shirts, and yes, great beer! Our visit was before dark on a slow day. We also had dinner ($10-20 per person), which was great. There are sport bikes and boats hanging all over the ceiling, apparently available for purchase or rental.

Moab is an amazing place to be situated between Arches (see other journal entry) and Canyonland National Parks.

Canyonlands NP is about 10 miles south of Moab. The park is divided into sections by rivers. We visited the "Island in the sky" district.

Awesome scenery abounds, and it is accessible by trails, roads, and even some four-wheel-drive road which were fun.

My daughter and I loved four-wheel driving (allowed with permit) in the creek beds, but my wife wasn't impressed. You do need to be careful, because you can become remotely stranded, and rescue/tow can cost thousands of dollars.

Arches National Park is a must-see if you are in southeast Utah.

It has breath-taking scenery, with red rock formations and natural arches everywhere. The park is well-organized and accessible so even short easy hikes are extremely rewarding.

Arches is the kind of park you can see in a day, but you could stay much longer, since it is so awesome.

Entrance fee was $10 per car....and you will need a car, unless you are very, very hardy. Of the national parks I have been to, Arches is my favorite. Absolutely incredible and must-see.