A perfect adventure weekend in Moab, Utah
Moab Utah is the adventure capital of the west. The hardest part about visiting Moab will be choosing what adventures you want to do. If this is your first time to the desert here is a guide to a perfect weekend.
Hike to Delicate Arch for a Sunset. Delicate arch is an easy but beautiful 1 mile hike in Arches National park. The reward is an other worldly type landscape. A beautiful Arch with snow capped La Sal mountains. I have done this sunset hike at least a dozen times and it never gets old especially when the other hikers start clapping when the set sets.
Paddle Board the Colorado River. There are a number of outfitters in town to rent SUP boards from. For a few extra dollars they will shuttle you to the put in spot and pick you up 8 miles downriver. For a little extra adventure continue another 8 miles to Gold Bar and hitch hike back to your car, which is what I did. Hitchhiking is not for everyone but I have met some of the nicest people by smiling and asking for a ride.
Mountain Bike The whole Enchilada. The. Whole Whole Enchilada covers every type of riding and scenery that Moab has to offer in one massive, magical, mind-blowing sensory overload. There are outfitters on every corner who will rent you a good bike for the day. At just over 30 miles the Enchilada is not an easy ride. Even though the shuttle version is mostly downhill, There are a couple of big climbs and if you've ever ridden in Moab before, you know that descending here is no walk in the park.
Explore the many slot canyon. This will require some technical gear or a guide service but is absolutely worth it. You will need a harness, a belay/rappel device and a 60 meter rope and a thirst for adventure. There are at least 10 fantastic slot canyons to explore in the moab area. Upper Granary and Tierdrop canyon are great for beginners. Lost and Found Canyon is a great adventure with a little bit more technical scrambling required. If you have two ropes and two cars and an experienced partner try Medieval Chamber. The rappel off morning Glory arch is not to be missed.
The King Swing. This might be the highlight of your weekend. If you have the technical gear Looking Glass Rock is great outing for beginners. The Cowboy Route is a three pitch route offering bolt protected face and friction pitches and belays. There is a 120 ft free hanging rapel through a keyhole slot and down through an amphitheater formation. Once all parties are on the ground, keep the rope hanging. One person can keep the rope in your rappel device with a back up brake on the rope, and walk to the terminus of the giant cave. Then take the leap and enjoy the King Swing!
If this sounds like a great adventure weekend to you, be sure to check out our upcoming adventure retreats.