| A red rock wonderland containing
some of the most scenic and inspiring landscapes on Earth, Arches
National Park contains the world's largest concentration of natural
sandstone arches. Although over 2,000 arches are located within
the park's 76,519 acres, this Utah 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. Popular activities include auto touring, hiking, photography,
and biking. Arches contains a 52 site campground. |
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| Canyonlands is the largest Utah park,
and its diversity staggers the imagination. It is divided into
three districts by the Green and Colorado Rivers - the Island
in the Sky, the Needles and the Maze. Named for their most prominent
geologic characteristics, these districts are quite varied in
what they have to offer. The Island in the Sky District, located
35 miles from Moab, sits atop a massive 1500 foot mesa and is
quite literally an Island in the Sky. 20 miles of paved roads
lead to many of the most spectacular views in Canyon Country.
From these lofty viewpoints visitors can see nearly 100 miles
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. The Island
in the Sky features a 12 site campground. |
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| Dead Horse Point is arguably the
most spectacular Utah park. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado
River, the park provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands'
sculptured pinnacles and buttes. Enjoy clear desert skies creating
landscape visibility spanning 80 to 100 miles across mind boggling
expanses. There is a visitor center at the park with interpretive
exhibits, modern rest rooms, meeting room, a trail tracing the
escarpment to the actual site for this park’s namesake, and a
21 unit campground. The Intrepid Trail system opened 2009. This
Utah park sports Moab's only single track, non-motorized mountain
bike trail. Enjoy the scenery of the Great Pyramid Loop (4.8 miles)
or the Big Chief Loop (10 miles). Created with the beginner biker
in mind. |
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| Just 20 miles south of Moab is the La Sal Mountains, which are part of Manti-La Sal National Forest. The second highest mountain range in Utah, the La Sals attain heights of nearly 13,000 feet, adding climatic and scenic contrast to the red rock landscape below. Spring brings spectacular wildflowers to the cool forest. In the middle of summer the higher elevations afford a cool respite from the warmer temperatures below. Fall is colorful with brilliant golden aspen leaves interspersed with dark evergreens. Winter brings solitude, snow fall and winter sports. |
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| The Slickrock Bike Trail has become very popular in recent years, and is known worldwide. The trail head is located in the center of the mountain bike mecca of Moab. The loop is 10.3 miles of wild ride with the route marked by slashes of paint on raw rock. First-timers should try the 1.7-mile practice loop - a good ride in its own right. The Slickrock Bike Trail is physically and technically challenging, but the giant vistas and the thrill of the ride are worth the effort. The BLM publishes a trail guide and administers the land. A day-use fee is charged for the Sand Flats Area where the trail is located. |
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| Utah’s Colorado Riverway is a scenic wonderland of colorful cliffs, river-carved canyons, lush riverside habitat and massive sandstone formations. The Colorado Riverway includes the public lands along Scenic Byways 128 and 279, and along Kane Creek Road. Activities include hiking, rafting, jet boating, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, sightseeing and camping. Well preserved panels of ancient rock art line the Riverway and provide insight into the ancient cultures that once populated this area. |
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