Say the word “Moab” to any four when drive enthusiast, and they will typically beam with excitement. In recent decades, Moab, Utah has become a mecca of four wheeling adventure. Located in Eastern Utah, near the Colorado border, Moab is famous for its dramatic red rock scenery and wealth of four wheeling trails.
Fortunately, the people of Moab have recognized their town’s synonymous association with off road adventure and offer a welcoming environment for four wheel drive thrill seekers. Individuals living within driving distance may choose to drive, or tow, their rig into town. However, those that live greater distances from Moab can find adventure by renting a Jeep from one of the town’s many tour operators, or participating in a guide-led tour.
The flexibility, perhaps, is the best part of Moab. Regardless of whether you brought along your own rig, or the amount of four wheeling experience under your belt; there’s an adventure waiting for you. The trails around Moab vary widely and offer everything from a simple scenic drive to novice obstacles and advanced challenges for the old pros. Trails are well mapped, and marked, providing out-of-towners with reliable reference points for finding their way back home and keeping the pristine territory in tip-top shape.
Where can you find information about trails? The majority of public lands around the Moab office are controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, whose Moab Field Office offers free designated trail maps both online, and at their physical location. Locals, and BLM officials, highly recommend stopping by the Field Office before heading out to tour Moab’s trails for up-to-date information on trail closures or environmental concerns.
Fortunately, there’s plenty to do around Moab when you’re not on the trails, as well. Both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are within just miles of downtown, and offer incredible vistas of some of Mother Nature’s best work. The area also offers an array of great dining options ranging from the typical sit-down diner to a chuckwagon meal complete with an Old West show. On the resting end of the spectrum, accommodations are available to suit most any budget and style whether you’re looking for a basic hotel, secluded camp site or upscale resort.
So, next time you’re looking for a great place to get the family out for a vacation, or plan a weekend with the boys, don’t overlook Moab. This four wheeling destination is an accessible, friendly site with more than its fair share of four wheeling, dining, and tourist attractions….All set against an awe-inspiring natural background.
