Moab

W HE R E A D V E N TUR E BE GIN S MOAB T W O NATIONAL P AR K S O NE D ES T I N A T I ON DiscoverMoab.com LOCATIONS ARCHES NATIONAL PARK MOAB TABLE OF CONTENTS S CE N IC L O CA T IO N S MOAB........................................................... 4-5 ARCHES NATIONAL PARK.............................. 6-11 CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK................ 12-17 DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK................. 18-21 COLORADO RIVER.................................... 22-23 SCENIC BYWAYS........................................ 24-27 SAND FLATS RECREATION AREA.................. 28-29 MOAB DINOSAUR TRAILS & MUSEUMS........ 30-31 FOREST LANDS.......................................... 32-33 A CT IVIT IE S HIKING...................................................... 34-37 BIKING...................................................... 38-43 4-WHEEL DRIVING & OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE USE....................... 44-47 THE ARTS IN MOAB......................................... 48 EVENTS........................................................... 49 OTHER ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES......... 50-51 S E R VICE S LODGING................................................. 52-54 TRANSPORTATION........................................... 55 GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS............................ 56-61 CAMPING................................................. 62-64 W H ER E A D V EN TURE B EG IN S 2 D isc ov er M oab .com | 435- 259- 8825 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................ 65 MAPS........................................................ 66-67 D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 3 S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S MO A B MOAB Moab’s unique combination of beautiful red rock scenery, along with the cool waters of the Colorado River, has made it one of the most sought after destinations in the southwest. Let Moab be your base camp for world famous mountain biking, hiking, 4-wheel driving or river expeditions of any length and experience level. For a more relaxing visit just sit back and enjoy the scenery along the beautiful scenic drives in our national parks or on Moab’s three scenic byways. Moab is home to several of Utah’s most diverse national parks. Within minutes of town you will find yourself surrounded by out-of-this-world red rock landscape of Arches National Park. Less than an hour’s drive will put you atop the mythical sounding Island in the Sky, a remarkable district of Canyonlands National Park that makes you feel as if you are on top of the world. The views from the Island encompass thousands of square miles of colorful canyons, mesas and buttes. MOAB will surround you with the WARMTH and HOSPITALITY of a Small Resort Town at the center of some of the MOST STUNNING RED ROCK LANDSCAPES ON EARTH. The great scenery, however, doesn’t end with our national parks. Dead Horse Point State Park is a short drive from Moab and offers visitors amazing views of the snaking meanders of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. All of the amazing scenery in this part of the world is why Moab has such a rich history of filmmaking. However, seeing it on the big screen is one thing, experiencing it for yourself will fill you with enough memories to last a lifetime. Moab’s perfect climate has also made it a magnet for year-round outdoor events and festivals, and the downtown business district has risen to the occasion with a great selection of shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and a microbrewery. Moab’s diverse cuisine will please any palate, from regional southwestern fare to world-class gourmet. For a list of Moab restaurants, visit discovermoab.com. Stroll through the downtown shops for a great selection of southwestern arts and jewelry, souvenirs, t-shirts and much more. Those who love to walk, run or cycle will love the Mill Creek Parkway, a paved pedestrian walkway that meanders through the heart of Moab. Once you arrive in Moab, your first stop should be the Moab Information Center (MIC). Conveniently located at the corner of Main and Center Streets in Moab, the MIC offers information on recreational opportunities and services throughout southeastern Utah. 4 D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 5 ARCHES N A T I O N A L P A R K The world’s LARGEST CONCENTRATION of sandstone arches. Distance from Moab 5 miles (8 km) Directions from Moab  The entrance to Arches is located 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, along Hwy 191. Park Hours Open year-round, 24 hours/day Entrance Fee $25/vehicle - Good for 7 days (Subject to change) Website nps.gov/arch LOCATIONS ARCHES NATIONAL PARK S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Although over 2,000 arches are located within the park’s 76,518 acres, the park also contains an astounding variety of other geological formations. Colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires dwarf visitors as they explore the park’s viewpoints and hiking trails. A paved scenic drive takes visitors to many of the major viewpoints within the park. The park’s rock formations delight children as well as adults, with easy trails providing many opportunities for kids to get out of the car and explore the arches up close. Hikers can choose from a wide variety of trails, from short 20 minute walks leading right up to many of the largest arches in the park to more adventurous hikes into lesser seen areas. Insider Tip - From March through October the parking lots at popular viewpoints and trailheads are frequently full between 9am and 4pm. During these peak hours, expect travel times to be longer than expected along the scenic drive. To avoid the crowds try entering the park either before 8am or late in the day. Carpool if you can. Also note that parking for oversize vehicles (RVs, trailers) is limited. Leave oversized vehicles in town or in the Arches Visitor Center parking lot. D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 9 educational kiosks, a 150-seat auditorium and a bookstore featuring guide books, maps, DVD’s, postcards and much more. The park is open 24 hours/day, 365 days/ year; however, the visitor center hours vary by season. 435-719-2299 GEOL OGY T AL KS AND RANG E R G UID E D WALKS Daily free programs include geology talks and ranger guided walks. Fiery Furnace walks are offered daily, spring through fall. These three-hour hikes wind through terrain that requires scrambling up and through narrow cracks and along narrow ledges above drop-offs. Children under five are not permitted. You can reserve a ticket for morning tours up to six months in advance by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting recreation.gov. Afternoon tour tickets are only sold in-person at Arches Visitor Center. Tours sell out quickly; stop by the visitor center to ask about the next available hike. For the latest schedule of ranger-led hikes, visit go.nps.gov/ArchesPrograms. C AMPI NG The Devil’s Garden campground has 50 individual sites which will accommodate up to ten people each. These sites may be reserved for nights between March 1st and October 31st. Reservations must be made no less than four days and no more than 180 days in advance. To make a reservation, visit recreation.gov, or call 877-444-6777. Sites often sell out months in advance. During the winter months (November 1st to February 28th) sites 1-24 are available first-come, first-served. For a complete list of nearby camping options check out the campground listings in this guide. S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK VI SI T OR C ENT ER & HO URS The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, PHOT OGR APHY Arches National Park is a photographer’s paradise. Low SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES 2-3 H O UR S Drive the 36-mile (58 km) round trip scenic drive. sun angles at sunrise and sunset can add brilliant color to the red rock. Scattered clouds can also add depth to an image and a passing storm can provide extremely dramatic lighting. Early morning is a great time to photograph The Three Gossips, Turret Arch, Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. Late afternoon is best for Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, The Garden of Eden, North and South Windows and Delicate Arch. HA LF DA Y Drive the scenic drive and hike some of the easy short trails in the park, such as the Park Avenue Trail and trails in the Windows Section of the park. F U LL D A Y Drive the scenic drive and hike some of the longer trails in the park, such as the trails to Double O Arch, Tower Arch, Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Sign up for a ranger guided hike into the Fiery Furnace (3 hours – see the next page for details). SEV ERA L D A Y S Hikers can experience a wide variety of hiking trails, including some of the lesser-seen, yet equally spectacular areas of the park such as the “Primitive Loop” Devil’s Garden ofothe 10 in the D i scover MSection oa b . c m park. | 435-259-8825 D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 11 CANYONLANDS N A T I O N A L P A R K The LARGEST NATIONAL PARK in Utah and its DIVERSITY STAGGERS the IMAGINATION. Distance from Moab 32 miles (51.5 km) Directions from Moab  Take Highway 191 9 miles (14.5 km) north to Highway 313, and then drive southwest 22 miles (35 km). Driving time to the visitor center from Moab is roughly 40 minutes. Park Hours Open year-round, 24 hours/day Entrance Fee $25/vehicle - Good for 7 days (Subject to change) Website nps.gov/cany 12 D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 13 S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S CA N Y O N L A N D S N A TI O NAL P ARK 14 CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK The easiest way to see the park is with a visit to the Island in the Sky district, only 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab. The Island in the Sky offers many pullouts with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive. Hiking trails and 4-wheel drive roads access backcountry areas for day or overnight trips. The Island in the Sky sits atop a massive 1,500foot mesa, quite literally an Island in the Sky. 20 miles (32.2 km) of paved roads lead to many of the most spectacular views in canyon country. From these lofty viewpoints visitors can often see over 100 miles (161 km) in any given direction resulting in panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country. Take a short day-hike or spend a relaxing late afternoon enjoying the sunset. Whether you have a few hours to spend or a few days, the Island in the Sky provides an unforgettable canyon country experience for the entire family. D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 15 S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S CA N Y O N L A N D S N A TI O NAL P ARK SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES A F E W HOUR S Drive the park’s 20 miles (32.2 km) of paved roads and enjoy the spectacular views. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times of day to enjoy these lofty panoramic views of canyon country. H AL F D A Y Drive the paved scenic drive and hike some of the shorter trails, such as the Mesa Arch or Upheaval Dome Trails. A recent theory suggests that Upheaval Dome was created by a meteor impact. FUL L D A Y Drive the paved scenic drive and hike some of the longer trails in the park, such as the 5-mile (8 km) round trip Neck Spring Trail. Those with high clearance/4-wheel drive vehicles can drive down the Shafer Trail to the White Rim and explore Musselman Arch, or drive all the way down to the Colorado River via Lathrop Canyon (day-use permit required). SEV E R A L D A Y S Backpackers can experience the solitude of Canyonlands by hiking some of the trails from the mesa top to the White Rim (steep & strenuous) and spend the night in the backcountry. 4-wheel driving enthusiasts or mountain bikers may want to travel the 100-mile White Rim Trail which loops below the Island in the Sky mesa. Reservations for White Rim campsites and Overnight Backcountry Permits are required. Visit nps.gov/cany or call 435-259-4351 for permit information. V ISI T OR C E N T ER & H O U R S Canyonlands is open year-round, 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. Visitor center operating hours vary depending on the season. 435-719-2313 PH O TOGR A PHY Low sun angles at sunrise and sunset add tremendous color and depth to the views from the Island in the Sky. Because of the vast distances seen at the overlooks, morning views often have calm atmospheric conditions and thus have less haze than late day views. Scattered clouds, and the shadows that they cast, can also add depth to any image and passing storms often provide extremely dramatic lighting. 16 D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 C AMPI NG The Willow Flat Campground is a short walk from one of the finest sunset spots in the park, the Green River Overlook. Twelve sites are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Willow Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October. F OR K I DS The Island in the Sky district offers an engaging toolkit for kids eager to explore and learn about the area. These backpacks contain many useful items, including binoculars, a hand lens, a naturalist guide and a notebook. Before you set out for the day, stop by the visitor center and check one out (deposit required). D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 17 S T A T E P A R K S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK DEAD HORSE POINT The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SCENIC VISTAS in the world. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES A F EW HOUR S Drive the scenic drive and walk out to the main overlook. HA L F – F UL L DA Y: Drive the scenic drive, hike some of the trails in the park and have a picnic. Browse the Bighorn Gallery at the Visitor Center for exhibitions by regional artists. Alternately, if you enjoy mountain biking, ride the Intrepid Trail System. (Bring your own mountain bike or rent one in Moab.) 18 D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 Distance from Moab 32 miles (51.5 km) Directions from Moab  Drive 9 miles (14.5 km) northwest of Moab on US 191 then 23 miles (37 km) southwest on Utah 313. Driving time to the visitor center from Moab is roughly 45 minutes. Park Hours Open year-round, 6a.m. to 10p.m. Visitor Center hours vary by season. Entrance Fee $10/vehicle with up to 8 passengers (Subject to change) Website stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 19 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park is one of Utah’s most spectacular state parks. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Millions of years of geologic activity created the spectacular views from Dead Horse Point State Park. Deposition of sediments by ancient oceans, freshwater lakes, streams and windblown sand dunes created the rock layers of canyon country. Igneous activity formed the high mountains that rise like cool blue islands from the desert below. The legend of Dead Horse Point states that around the turn of the century the point was used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the mesa top. Cowboys herded them across the narrow neck of land and onto the point. The neck was then fenced off with branches and brush. One time, for some unknown reason, horses were left corralled on the waterless point where they died of thirst within view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. verMo | 4|3 54-2 D isco i scover M ab. oa bcom .com 3 5 -92-85892-58 8 2 5 VI SI T OR C ENT ER & HO URS The visitor center is open year-round, has facilities for the disabled, an information area, exhibits, restrooms, water, publications and souvenirs. Food is available at the visitor center. Visitor center and restaurant hours vary by season. 435-259-2614. C AMPI NG The 21-site Kayenta Campground features electrical hookups, tent pads, sheltered tables and charcoal grills at each site. Three yurts are also available. Reservations can be made by calling 800-322-3770. PET F RI ENDL Y T RAILS Like all of the Utah State Parks, Dead Horse Point is dog friendly! You may bring your furry friends on all hiking trails in the park and into the campground. Note that pets must be leashed at all times, even while in the campground, and they are not allowed in the yurts (or in vehicles outside the yurts). MOU NT AI N BI K ING The Intrepid Trail System at Dead Horse Point State Park offers 16.6-miles of non-motorized singletrack trails. The trails wind through juniper and pinyon trees, over slickrock and mixed terrain and offer spectacular views into the canyons below. Trail difficulty ranges from moderate to intermediate and can be enjoyed by beginners, families and expert riders. The trailhead is located in the visitor center parking lot. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this trail system. D i s cov erMoa b .c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S D EA D H O R S E P O I N T S TATE P ARK S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S D EA D H O R S E P O I N T S TATE PARK 20 DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK 21 Moab has an abundance of river recreation opportunities available to suit any taste. While the area is known for its family oriented whitewater trips on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River, there are several wilder single and multi-day trips available in Westwater and Cataract Canyons. Additionally, canoes and kayaks are the perfect way to explore the calm water segments of the Colorado. Individuals or groups may raft the river on their own or with a professional river outfitter. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES H AL F D A Y Stand Up Paddle Boarding is one of the fastest growing watersports in the world, and most people can get the hang of it after just a few minutes of instruction. Whether it’s your first time paddle boarding or you’re a regular, there is no better place to experience Stand Up Paddle Boarding than the calm waters of the Colorado River near Moab. A morning or afternoon rafting trip (afternoon includes lunch) on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is also a great way to cool off. This mild rafting trip is suitable for everyone from children (40 lbs) to senior citizens willing to get their feet wet. If you don’t want to get wet, consider a morning or afternoon calm water jetboat tour on the Colorado River. These relaxing trips are perfect for photographers, families with toddlers and senior citizens. S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S CO L O R A D O R I V ER COLORADO RIVER FUL L D A Y A mild full day rafting trip on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River is the perfect multigenerational family trip and a good value since it includes lunch. For a wilder adventure, consider a whitewater trip in Cataract or Westwater Canyons. Those with river navigation skills can rent their own canoe, raft or kayak and do a self-guided trip. SEV E R A L D A Y S Camp on the river bank on the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado, or in Westwater or Cataract Canyons. Camp more nights to experience a non-motorized Cataract Canyon river trip, a canoe trip on the Green River, or consider rafting with Moab’s Outfitters on the nearby San Juan River or in Desolation and Gray Canyons on the Green River. MOA B R I V ER GU IDE S & O U T F IT T E R S Boating equipment can be rented in Moab. Permits to use specific sections of river are often required for private use. Moab is home to many tourism companies with the expertise to skillfully guide visitors wanting a river experience. 22 D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 23 The Moab area is blessed with three State Scenic Byways. State Scenic Byways help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. This Scenic Byway provides great views of the Colorado River, ancient rock art and dinosaur tracks. A late afternoon start is rewarding as the sunset on the reddish-orange sandstone cliffs along the route is especially beautiful on the return drive to Moab. This byway begins 4.1 miles (6.6 km) north of Moab, where Potash Road (U279) turns off of Highway 191. After 2.7 miles (4.3 km), Potash Road enters the deep gorge of the Colorado River. At the 4-mile (6.4 km) point, look for rock climbers on the cliffs along the section of Potash Road, locally referred to as Wall Street. At 5.1 miles (8.2 km), several petroglyph panels are visible on cliffs on the right side of the highway. Marked pull-offs on the left side of the road provide parking to view these panels. An interpretive sign provides additional information. Further down the road visitors will find parking for the Poison Spider Mesa Trail. A short walk to the tracks also includes a loop past more rock art. The hike can also be extended to Long Bow Arch. See the kiosks in the parking area for details. S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S S CEN I C BY W A Y S S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S S CEN I C BY W A Y S SCENIC BYWAYS POTASH-LOWER COLORADO RIVER SCENIC BYWAY (U-279) Trailhead parking for the trail to Corona and Bowtie Arches is available at 9.9 miles (15.9 km). Corona Arch, with an opening of 140 by 105 feet, is also known as Little Rainbow because of its resemblance to Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell. Just 300 yards (.27 km) further is parking for the Jeep Arch Trail. Look for Jug Handle Arch, adjacent to the highway, at 13.5 miles (21.7 km). Shortly beyond Jug Handle Arch, the canyon widens and the sheer cliffs below Dead Horse Point State Park become visible in the distance. The paved highway ends 1.4 miles (2.3 km) past the Intrepid Potash Mine at the Potash Boat Ramp and Picnic Area. Potash, a mineral often used as a fertilizer, is extracted by flushing large volumes of water through an extensive system of underground tunnels and then evaporating the water in ponds. From the end of the byway, drivers with high clearance vehicles can continue on a dirt road to Canyonlands National Park. A day-use permit from the National Park Service is required for 4x4s, bicycles and trail motorcycles. Every trip to Moab should include a drive along at least one byway, although driving all three is a great way to spend a relaxing day. 24 D i scover M oa b . c o m | 4 3 5 - 2 5 9 - 8 8 2 5 Length 17.0 mi / 27.4 km Time to Allow 1 hour D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 25 DE AD HOR SE ME SA SC E NI C BYWAY (U -313) This spectacular route along the Colorado River gorge begins at the Colorado River Bridge on the north end of Moab. For the first 13 miles (20.9 km) it parallels the Colorado River within a narrow section of the gorge, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding red sandstone cliffs. Popular attractions along this portion of the route include viewpoints of the river, a paved pathway and public camping areas. Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway, on Utah Highway 313, takes you through miles of incredible red rock canyon country. To reach the byway, head north from Moab on US-191. After about 9 miles (14.5 km), look for the “Dead Horse Point State Park” sign and turn left (west) onto SR-313. This is the start of the byway. After a series of hairpin curves as you begin to ascend the plateau, paved pullouts allow you to park and photograph the scenery. At about 14.6 miles (23.5 km) from the beginning of SR-313, a fork to the left leads to Dead Horse Point State Park. Note that a fee is required to proceed to the viewpoints. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes. At 13 miles (20.9 km) the gorge widens as the highway proceeds past Castle and Professor Valleys, which have been the shooting locations for many western films including Wagon Master and Rio Grande, along with numerous television commercials. The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission has a museum at the lodge located at Mile Marker 14. Admission is free. Popular hiking trails along this stretch of road include the Sylvester Trail, which is 18.4 miles (29.6 km) from Highway 191, and the Amphitheater Loop, 22 miles (35.4 km) from Highway 191. See discovermoab.com for detailed trailhead directions. After 24.7 miles (39.8 km) the highway passes a viewpoint for one of the grandest views in the west, the red rock spires of the Fisher Towers set against the often snow covered peaks of the La Sal Mountains. After leaving the valley, the road winds farther up the river gorge until arriving at the site of the historic Dewey Bridge at 29.8 miles (48 km). Unfortunately, Dewey Bridge was destroyed in April 2008 by a brush fire. The road then follows the northern bank of the river for a few more miles before exiting the Colorado River gorge. At this point the highway proceeds across open desert toward the ghost town of Cisco at 44 miles (70.8 km). Cisco was founded as a water refilling station for steam locomotives along the main line of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. After another 5 miles (8 km), the route intersects Interstate 70. Length 44.0 mi / 70.8 km Time to Allow 2 hours 26 D isco verMo ab. com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 Length 35.0 mi / 56.3 km Time to Allow 2 hours minimum, but several additional hours are recommended to enjoy the state and national parks. S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S A R CH ES N A TI O N A L P A RK S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S S CEN I C BY W A Y S UPPER COL O R AD O R I VE R SCENIC BYW AY ( U - 1 2 8 ) After leaving Dead Horse Point State Park, backtrack to Highway 313, turn left, and head toward the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, ultimately ending at Grandview Point. This section of the park sits atop a massive 1,500-foot mesa, quite literally an Island in the Sky. 20 miles (32.2 km) of paved roads lead to many of the most spectacular views in canyon country. D iscov erMoab.com | 4 3 5 -2 5 9 -8 8 2 5 27 RECREATION AREA Located just two miles east of Moab, the Sand Flats Recreation Area is home to the world renowned Slickrock Bike Trail and the popular Hell’s Revenge 4x4 Trail. Both are famous for their combination of challenging terrain and incredible scenery. Sand Flats maintains 40 miles of pet friendly trails throughout its 8,000 acres, trails shared by both motorized and non-motorized users. Sand Flats’ mission goals are to protect the natural features of the area from adverse recreational impacts while providing access to sustainable and enjoyable recreational opportunities. C AMPI NG Over 120 campsites in nine campgrounds are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Amenities include picnic tables, metal fire rings and nearby vault toilets. Campers need to bring drinking water and firewood. Reservations can be made for two 16-person group campsites by visiting grandcountyutah.net or calling 435-259-2444. SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES 1- 2 HOU RS Drive 7 miles (including 6 miles on an improved dirt road) on the Sand Flats Road from the Entrance Station to the Porcupine Rim Trailhead and then back and/ or walk some or all of the Slickrock Bike Trail Practice Loop (2 miles) for stunning views of petrified sand dunes, canyons, mesas and the La Sal Mountains. If you are an experienced mountain biker, try out the Slickrock Bike Trail Practice Loop. If you are into off-road motorcycling, you can ride the entire Slickrock Trail in this time. If you would like to do some OHV riding, but want a professional guide, there are many companies that will take you on a tour of “Moab’s 4x4 Daily”- the Hell’s Revenge Trail, for one of a kind scenery and terrain. Shorter trips take about 2 hours. Distance from Moab Hours Entrance Fee Website 28 information, maps, trailheads with toilets, kiosk displays, shade structure, picnic tables. Note: There is no water. 2 miles Open year-round, 6a.m. to 10p.m. $5/day or $10/7 days per vehicle (Subject to change) sandflats.org verMo | 4|3 54-2 D isco i scover M ab. oa bcom .com 3 5 -92-85892-58 8 2 5 S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S S A N D FL A TS R ECR EA TI ON AREA S CE NIC L O C A T I ON S S A N D FL A TS R ECR EA TI ON AREA SAND FLATS DAY U SE F AC I L ITIE S Entrance Station, HAL F DAY - F U LL D AY Hike the Slickrock Bike Trail Practice Loop and the Main Trail out to the Abyss and back (4 miles round trip) and/or hike the Porcupine Rim Trail to the Rim viewpoint for spectacular views into Castle Valley (6 miles round trip, 900-foot elevation gain). If you are an experienced mountain biker, ride the Porcupine Rim Trail, or the one that started it all, the Slickrock Bike Trail. Accomplished riders of all types both motorcycle and 4x4 will find the Fins and Things and Hell’s Revenge trails both scenic and challenging. 29 Southeastern Utah has a prolific fossil record of bones, and especially tracks, that has been exposed in the sedimentary record of Mesozoic age all around Moab. Moab is also part of the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway, a National Scenic Byway that passes through some of the world’s most significant locations for dinosaur fossils, tracksites and museums. The best way to start your dinosaur journey is in downtown Moab at the Museum of Moab. Check out a full cast skeleton of Gastonia, one of the armored dinosaurs that lived in this area during the Early Cretaceous. The museum also features numerous dinosaur displays, including a cast of the leg of the terrifying Utahraptor. Moab’s Dinosaur Park & Museum (intersection of Highways 191 & 313) takes you on a journey back through time, starting with a 3D cinema that introduces you to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. You can then make your own tracks on a half-mile hiking trail populated with state-of-the-art life-size dinosaurs! The Tracks Museum features interactive learning touch screens, games to play and visually stunning exhibits. After learning about the dinosaur species that once walked these lands, continue north of Moab to one or more of the Moab dinosaur sites described on the next page. A variety of hiking trails will take you to some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks and bones in the country! MI L L C ANY ON D INO S AUR TRACKS ITE The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite is a short walk with interpretive panels along the trail and boardwalk. Each panel describes unique dinosaur tracks that can be seen at this site, including eight different types of dinosaurs and a crocodile resting trace. The trailhead is 15 miles north of Moab on US 191. Turn left on the dirt road marked “Mill Canyon.” Follow signs for the next 0.8 miles to the parking lot for the trail, located to the right in the rock lined parking area. MI L L C ANY ON D INO S AUR BO NE TRAIL Get a glimpse of an era when huge creatures roamed the earth. Dinosaur bone still encased in rock may be viewed in Mill Canyon by following this short self-guided interpretive trail. To get to the trailhead, drive 15 miles north of Moab on Hwy 191, turn left onto a dirt road marked “Mill Canyon.” Proceed 0.6 miles on this dirt road past a gravel parking lot. Keep left for 0.5 additional miles to reach the intersection to the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Bone Trail. The trailhead will be 0.6 miles farther. The dirt road crosses a short sandy wash. DI NOSAU R ST OM P ING G RO UND S A gradual uphill 1.7-mile (2.7 km) hike is required to get to this site. The pedestrian trail first parallels a well-established mountain bike trail and then branches off, finally following rock cairns to the Jurassic age tracksite. There is a net elevation gain of 459 feet. From Moab, go north on US 191 for 23 miles (37km). Turn right 3/4 mile (1.2 km) past milepost 148. Cross the railroad tracks and follow the main road fo