White Winter in the West - Moab Utah's Update

Basking in the azure blue made bright by a beaming sun. Squinting and embracing the awe of distant red rock features, snow scattered in the pockets of deep shadows. Trails consist of packed snow and are slippery in spots. Take hold of the hand of a travel companion to steady the walking on those nefarious spots. Many stretches of trail also bask in the warmth of sunshine, melting snow away. Walk with care and enjoy the rarer white winter of Moab.

In the canyons:

Sightseeing is always appropriate in canyon country. Stick to the pavement on wet days to preserve backcountry trails. Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open all year round. The visitor centers at Dead Horse Point and Arches are open all winter. In town, the Moab Information Center has trail appraisals to help visitors with locations for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities when conditions merit exploring beyond the paved surfaces. This time of year accommodation rates are reduced in Moab. Local companies are prepared to guide mountain biking, climbing, hiking, off-roading, or horseback riding. Spanish Valley Winery will provide wine tasting and Redtail Aviation scenic flights. All activities require advance reservations.

In the mountains nearby:

Talking Mountain Yurts opened in the midst of a terrific snow season in the La Sal Mountains. The Lower Utah Nordic Alliance is keeping busy grooming the cross country ski access at Geyser Pass into the Gold Basin. Besides staying overnight at the yurt, there are plans for full moon ski trips for fondue periodically. On the other side of the mountain, Moab Moto Tours is running snowbike tours. Those are trail bikes with a Timbersled kit to adapt the motorcycle to snow. Snowshoes and cross country skis are available for rent from Gearheads, Moab Cyclery, Moab Cliffs and Canyons, and Pagan Mountaineering. Moab Gear Trader has ample winter gear for sale for forgotten items needed for a winter visit.

Have other needs to address about winter in Moab? The Moab Travel Council can be reached phoning 435-259-8825 or emailing events@discovermoab.com. A plethora of travel knowledge can also be found on DiscoverMoab.