Moab Utah - The Unusual, the Less Known

Moab

Moab was once a mining town for Uranium. In recent decades, Moab has unwrapped that past to become the quintessential location for iconic beauty and big adventure.

Deep Desert Expeditions has ties to mining today. Try out the exclusive Azurite Mine Tour to find geodes, rosettes, malachite, as well as, azurite. You will get to keep some specimens too. There is an Annual Moab Rock Gem and Mineral Show held in October at the Old Spanish Trail Arena with terrific displays, demonstrations, field trips, and sales to check out. Then take advantage of Sunset Grill's free shuttle from downtown hotels to the former home of millionaire uranium miner, Charlie Steen. Converted into a restaurant, the Sunset Grill is perched on the Moab valley wall with a 'million dollar view'. Adorning the restaurant walls are around a hundred photographs which can be viewed. They commemorate that mining era. Call the restaurant to make shuttle arrangements 435-259-7146.

Explore the back roads of Moab, many etched into canyon country as past mining roads. The following are dispersed Bureau of Land Management campsites near Moab out along 4WD roads. These are free to use. Firewood, toilet and water must be brought in to use at these locations.

• Gemini Bridges Road - There are six campsites located in Bride Canyon.
• Picture Frame Arch Area - There are four sites located six miles from Highway 191.
• Mill Canyon and Dubinky Road Area - There are about 40 sites located in this area.
• Dripping Spring near Ten Mile Wash - There are several large campsites on the west side of the road and within the riparian fences.

Some out-of-the-ordinary trip opportunities to consider:

Pedal Paddle Pedal with Desert Highlights is a combination of mountain bike and pack raft. The pack raft deflated is the size of a football. Inflated it is used for passage on a water course to connect land sections, which means covering more backcountry territory and getting a whole lot of sightseeing and exercise. http://www.deserthighlights.com/trips/packraft/packraft.htm

Rock Art Tours can be enjoyed by people of all ability levels. The Moab Travel Council provides a free pamphlet to allow visitors to undertake a do-it-yourself tour. Many of these are roadside, perfect for sightseeing. Local tour companies lead visitors to additional sites not found on the free literature. The panels are protected by Federal Law, only look and record with a camera or in a sketch book.

Americans with Disabilities

Provision for adaptive gear is the essence of a SPLORE trip, bringing the outdoors to those with disability. That outdoor magic in Moab is rafting. There is financial aid available for persons meeting the essential eligibility criteria. Many participants could use additional help. Qualified people could apply to volunteer and will receive training after passing a background check. Read www.Splore.org for more details.

Tag-A-Long Expeditions has been hosting military veterans for Cataract Canyon raft trips since 2011. Fred Solheim created Warriors on Cataract, a trip reserved for any level of disability, one with wheel chair, service dog, multiple amputations, post-traumatic stress (PTS) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). A therapist accompanies the trip to extend the empowering results of this awesome opportunity.

Disc Golf

This well-thought-out course is adjacent to Moab's Old City Park. It covers some terrific ridges, dotted with sage and juniper. The course has a variety of obstacles making holes unique and challenging. A spotter will be helpful to keep track of where discs land. The terrain is rugged. Wear shoes, rather than flip-flops. There is very little shade on the course. Carry a sufficient volume of water. Restrooms, water and shade are back at Old City Park. Plan accordingly. The shops, Gear Heads and Pagan Mountaineering, have discs for sale; Pagan also rents sets of discs.

Moab

Adventure spins off of history at times in Moab. Modern life enables opportunities to delve into remote sections of vast canyons and lengths of rivers. Caring individuals share their expertise to make Moab's tourism an unforgettable destination. Plan your trip to southeastern Utah using www.DiscoverMoab.com.