Why Moab is a great place to spend spring break

Why Moab is a great place to spend spring break

(Amber Linebaugh)


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MOAB — As a family, we visit Moab at least once annually. We love to hike, swim, and go jeeping together. Here is a list of the must-do in Moab:

Rafting down the Colorado

This deep and mellow river is so much fun for adults and kids. The best part- jumping in (with your life jacket on) and floating. There are several rafting companies in Moab. We like to rent rafts from Canyon Voyages, load them on our own trailers, and float without a guide.

Explore Left Hand Canyon

From downtown Moab, head east on center street, turn right on 400 E, then left on Mill Creek Drive. Make sure to go right when Mill Creek Dr. turns right and the Sand Flats Rd. goes straight. Finally, take a left on Powerhouse Lane until it ends at a dirt parking area.

From the pullout is a trail heading East, up Mill Creek canyon on the right side of the stream. Close by you'll see a dam in the river that is a great swimming hole. Continue up the canyon, stay to the left. (hence the name Left Hand Canyon.)

From there you'll continue up the canyon past the swimming hole dam. Always stay to the left while hiking up the canyon. Enjoy splashing in the shallow stream along the way. Left Hand Canyon is a hiker's playground. Go cliff jumping (if you dare!) into a beautiful pool, or soak in the smaller basins above.

If you continue past the jumping spot, and I recommend that you do, you'll find an ancient Anasazi granary tucked into an alcove on your left. It's a steep climb, but worth it. The view from the alcove is amazing, and you will find scattered petroglyphs on boulders and grain grinding stones. Below just off the trail to the right are some large petroglyphs on a sheer red cliff.

Arches

You can't go wrong choosing any arch or trail in this park. My favorites are:

Double Arch — It was featured in an Indiana Jones movie. The hike to Double Arch is a short easy walk from the parking lot. There is a playground of fallen boulders beneath the arches for your kids to climb around on. I think these double arches are the most spectacular of them all.

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Sand Dune Arch — This is an easy walk through sandstone finger slots. Bring sand toys for the kids. The high walls create shade, and the kids can play in the sand for hours! Windows Arches — The Windows Arches trail is fun, easy walk and it is possible to climb around and through most of the arches. They are all in the open and away from steep ledges so it has a natural playground feel.

Indian Ladder — This is a short activity that is unusual and memorable. Petroglyphs are right next to the parking lot, and to the left in the large cliff crack is the "indian ladder". Fun for teens and adults, it's a challenging climb up logs w/carved notches in them. The short climb will get you to the top of a red sandstone cliff!

Directions to Indian Ladder: Drive S on Main, Turn by McDonald's on Kane Cr. Drive 3.1 miles southwest. The petroglyphs will be on your left.

For the Jeepers

My favorite trail is Hells Revenge. Another favorite, Poison Spider, is fun and challenging. A third great Jeeping experience experience is driving on the short Fins and Things trail just at or before sunset. This is the perfect location to enjoy a panoramic desert view.

Rock climbing

On the cliffs near Potash road are some good rock climbing routes. However, do your research to find safe and appropriate climbs for your skill level.

Petrogylphs in Left hand canyon (Photo: Amber Linebaugh, 
www.globecandy.com)
Petrogylphs in Left hand canyon (Photo: Amber Linebaugh, www.globecandy.com)

Mountain biking on Slickrock TrailWe've all heard of this activity, if you're a biker you will be your heaven.

In Town:

The T-shirt shop on Main is fun for kids and adults. Choose from hundreds of design options on the wall, pick a T-shirt or hat in a color you like, then get the design ironed on. (I'm a fan of the 70s prints near the door).

Moab Rock Shop on Main

Some items may be overpriced, however your kids will love to wander through the indoor and outdoor tables of fossils, semi-precious stones, and other fascinating finds.

Moab Rec Center

This indoor/outdoor pool facility is fairly new and impressive. A deep pool for diving is great for adults and teens. Children will love the water slide and splash pads.

Lodging

Sorrel River Ranch — You will definitely pay much more than you would in town, however if you want a nice upscale place near Moab, this is it. It has a nice pool, and private cabins located near the river, surrounded by stunning red mesas. The drive to town will take 20-30 min.

Aarchway Inn — Comfortable rooms, nice location, and the pool is a fun one for the kids. Breakfast included.

Holiday Inn — (next to Aarchway) I have yet to stay here, but I like the location, the newness, and the look of the pool.

*Check out VRBOs in Moab, this may be a great option for a family vacation.

Good Eats

Quesadilla Mobilla — A truck, usually in the parking lot near the t-shirt shop on Main. Yummy grown-up gourmet quesadillas!

Pasta Jays — The Pesto chicken tortelloni is so tasty. The kid's french bread pizzas were a hit.

Zax Pizza — All-you-can-eat salad and pizza if you're really hungry.

Milts — An old time burger joint. This is the place to grab a burger, onion rings and a shake. The picnic tables under the trees make for a fun location.

Moab is the perfect place for spring break. It's searing hot in the summer, which is alright if you plan to swim or go rafting. I like to go in May, early June, September or October. Enjoy this rustic desert gem!


Amber is co-founder of the travel blog Globecandy.com. She currently resides in Cedar Hills, Utah with her husband and three boys. Email: amber@sldestinations.com

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