Varied Skies

After thousands of miles, the time came to get off the road. We headed south out of Vernal, UT, on US 191. Facing a long steady climb and 9% grades, we unhooked the car in Duchesne before crossing Indian Summit at over 9100 feet. With pedal to the metal and the 8.1 liter beast screaming beneath my feet, we summited doing 25 mph, validating the decision to unhook.  Not having an extra 4000 pounds behind us while negotiating the long descent was also comforting. Though taxing for our motorhome, the climb and descent from Indian Summit proved tame compared to what we would encounter in Moab, UT.

Outdoor adventurists from all over the world flock to Moab (pronounced like “Mike needs Mo’ Ab(s)”) to test their skills on slickrock bike trails and gnarly 4×4 trails. Some even base jump from cliffs, scale vertical cliff walls, and swing from natural bridges or arches hundreds of feet in the air. Others come purely for the scenery, anxious to see Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. In Moab, the land is either part of a park or being used for extreme outdoor adventures (or the lodging and feeding of visitors engaged in those activities).

We planned to stay in Moab a week. After setting up in our cushy RV Park rimmed by redrock cliffs and sporting a primo pool, hot tub*, and pond, we extended our stay to ten days.

We needed every bit of those ten days to enjoy all that Moab has to offer.

A thrilling Hummer ride on the Hell’s Revenge Trail set the tone for our stay. Guided by our capable driver, Woody, we crawled up and down tall rocks, sometimes on two wheels.

We climbed steep sandstone fins. This is what it looks like going up.

A look back after reaching the top.

Here’s what lies ahead.But first a little relaxation at the top to prepare for the trip down.

That exciting tour prepared us to drive our own 4x4s. Later that week, we rented RZRs and headed out on a trail system north of town to see some sights, climb rocks, and speed down sandy trails.

Uranium ArchThe Monitor and Merrimack Buttes

Tusher Tunnel

We especially enjoyed high-speed flights over sandy whoops.

When not engaged in motorized fun, we took advantage of several of Moab’s many great hiking opportunities. These hikes involved more than just your typical walk along a trail and they invariably ended with a great payoff. The hike to Delicate Arch, an iconic symbol of Utah, traverses a steep exposed rock face before wrapping around a large sandstone butte on a narrow path carved high into the side of the rock. On this particular day, a 25 mph wind challenged us to avoid making news.

Venturing under Delicate Arch provided unique views.

Windows in the distance from the Delicate Arch trail

The cable and ladder-assisted hike to Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch was worth the effort.  Props to Pops for completing the trek in style.

Buoyed by the confidence inspiring treks to Delicate Arch and Corona Arch, we ventured to Devils Garden for the 4+ mile hike to Double O Arch. The trail begins with an easy hike out to Landscape Arch.

A “primitive” trail traverses sandstone fins on the way to Double O Arch.

Climbs along narrow rock fins with steep drop-offs on both sides kept our adrenaline flowing.

Thanks to Pops for doing some trail maintenance.

Of course, much of the beauty of the surrounding area can be observed from the car or from overlooks within easy walking distance.

Balanced Rock

The Windows

Dead Horse Point

Mesa Arch and Islands in the Sky at Canyonlands

One of our favorite stops, Moab offers something for everyone.

*Additional hot tub pictures omitted to protect the innocent