July 19, 2026

203. Moab, Utah - Where Red Arches Meet Endless Sky

Show Notes
Transcript

Episode 203: Moab, Utah - Where Red Arches Meet Endless Sky takes you straight into the heart of red rock country with practical tips, tasty stops, and landmark adventures. We walk you through Arches National Park and the iconic Delicate Arch sunset hike, pedal the legendary Slickrock Trail for mountain biking thrills, and point out panoramic overlooks at Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. Highlights include a Delicate Arch sunset, a Slickrock mountain bike run, a Colorado River rafting float, and stargazing beneath astonishing night skies. Travel tips cover the best seasons (spring and fall), early starts to beat the heat, hydration and sun protection, reservation and entrance fee notes, and when a 4WD or permits are useful for backcountry exploration. For food, we recommend grabbing craft brews and hearty comfort food at Moab Brewery, sampling seasonal Southwestern dishes at local bistros, and hunting down food trucks after a long day on the trails. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer exploration of Utah’s redrock playground, this episode is your friendly guide. "This episode was prepared with the assistance of AI tools, giving us more time to travel and bring you even more destinations." Travel Is Back -- over 200 episodes covering destinations across America and beyond.

Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.

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Hey, we made it to Moab, Utah. Nestled in the

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heart of Red Rock Country, this small town is an

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outdoor enthusiast dream picture yourself here. Surrounded by stunning landscapes

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and dramatic rock formations, Moab has become a go to

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destination for those seeking adventure, tranquility, or a mix of both.

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As you stroll down the main street, you'll notice the

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town's laid back vibe with the local shops, cafes, and

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a few friendly faces waving hello. First things first, the

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national parks. You've got arches and canyon lands right in

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your backyard. Let's start with Arches National Park. As you

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drive through the entrance, the scenery becomes otherworldly. Over two

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thousand natural stone arches are scattered throughout the park. The

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delicate arch is the star attraction here. To get there,

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you'll enjoy a moderate three mile round trip hike. As

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you trek along the well marked path, the anticipation builds.

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When you finally reach the arch. It's like stepping into

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a postcard. The natural sandstone arch stands majestically against a

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backdrop of blue skies and sprawling desert. Another must see

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in Arches is the wind Wind Section. This area offers

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a shorter and easier walk. You'll be treated to panoramic

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views of the north and south windows and the Turret Arch.

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It's a great spot for an early morning or late

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afternoon visit when the light is just right for photography.

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If you're here at sunset, the rock formations glow with

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a warm, rich color. You might want to linger a

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bit and just soak it all in. Now, let's shift

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gears to Canyonlands National Park, just a short drive from Moab.

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This park is vast with dramatic canyons and towering maces.

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It's divided into different districts, but the Island in the

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Sky is the most accessible. Start with the Mesa Arch Trail.

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It's a quick half mile loop, and as you reach

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the arch you'll find a jaw dropping view of the

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canyon below. Sunrise here is something special. The light spills

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over the arch and illuminates the canyon in a way

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that's almost magical. If you're up for a more adventurous day,

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consider doing the Schaefer Trail. It's a drive that's not

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for the faint of heart, with steep switchbacks and narrow roads,

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but the views are worth every heartbeat, you'll feel like

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you've stepped onto another planet. With expansive views of the

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vast canyon landscape. Make sure to check weather conditions and

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vehicle requirements before heading out, as it's not your typical

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Sunday drive. After all that exploring, you'll probably be hungry.

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Moab has a surprisingly good selection of eateries. For breakfast,

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head to Moab Diner for some good old fashioned comfort food.

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Their green chili omelet is a favorite, packed with flavor

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and a nice kick to start your day. If you're

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more of a sweet tooth, their pancakes are fluffy and delicious.

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For lunch, check out the Quesadilla Mobila. It's a food truck,

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but it's got some of the best questidillas you'll ever taste.

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The Red Rock Chicken Quesadilla is filled with grilled chicken,

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cheese and a tasty sauce that makes you want to

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come back for more. Grab a spot at one of

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the nearby picnic tables and enjoy the casual vibe. Dinner

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time presents another opportunity to try something local. The Moab

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Brewery is a solid choice. It's a casual spot with

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a fun atmosphere perfect after a long day of exploring.

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Their dead horse amber ale is a popular choice among

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the locals, and for food, try the fish and chips

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or the bison meat loaf for something a bit different.

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Don't forget to explore downtown Moab It's self. Stroll through

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the local shops and art galleries. You might find a

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unique souvenir or piece of art that captures the essence

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of the area. The Moab Rock Shop is an intriguing

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place to stop by, offering a wide range of rocks, fossils,

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and minerals. Even if you're not buying, it's an interesting

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spot to learn about the geological history of the region.

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For those looking to dive deeper into the culture, consider

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visiting the Moab Museum. It's a small but informative place

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that gives you a sense of the local history and

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the indigenous cultures that have called this area home. They've

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got some fascinating exhibits on the uranium boom and the

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Moab of yester years now. If you've got a sense

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of adventure and a love for the outdoors, you might

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want to try your hand at some of the activities

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that make Moab famous. Mountain biking is big here, with

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the Slick Rock Trail being one of the most renowned.

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It's an eleven mile loop mostly on sandstone. The name

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is a bit of a misnomer because the rock isn't

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slick at all. It's actually grippy and fun to ride on.

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But be sure to gauge your skill level as it

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can be challenging for beginners. If you prefer a bit

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of speed with your side seeing, consider renting a four

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or four or joining a guided off road tour. The

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Hell's Revenge Trail is one of the most popular routes.

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It's a thrilling ride over steep inclines and descents with

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incredible views at every turn. Just make sure to hang

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on tight. For a more serene experience, consider a float

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trip down the Colorado River. There are several outfitters in

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town that offer guided trips. It's a relaxing way to

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see the stunning Red Rock cliffs from a different perspective.

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Plus it's a great family friendly activity if you've brought

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the kids along. Speaking of family friendly, there's a natural

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playground just outside of town at the Sand Flats Recreation Area,

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known for off roading and biking. It's also a great

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place for a simple picnic or to let the kids

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run around. The views are expansive and the air smells

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of juniper and sage. When the sunsets. In Moab, the

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adventure doesn't have to stop. The night sky here is

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a spectacle of its own. Remember to look up. Because

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Moab is all about starry nights. You might want to

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bring a blanket and find a quiet spot to lie

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down and gaze at the stars. The Milky Way is

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often visible, and if you're lucky, you might catch a

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shooting star or two. For those who want to learn

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more about the night sky, there are several stargazing tours available.

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These are led by knowledgeable guides who can point out

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constellations and tell you all about the celestial wonders above.

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It's both educational and awe inspiring. If you're visiting in

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the summer, make sure to keep hydrated and carry plenty

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of water. The desert climate can sneak up on you,

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especially when you're out exploring the parks. Speaking of which,

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early mornings or late afternoons are the best times for

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hikes to avoid the heat and catch the best light

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for photos. Back in town, if you're looking for a

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little treat, swing by the Moab Coffee Roasters. They've got

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fantastic coffee and their gelato is a local favorite. It's

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a great stop for an afternoon pick me up or

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a cool treat after day in the sun. For a

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unique experience, consider taking a scenic flight over the area.

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Several companies offer flights over the national parks, providing a

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bird's eye view of the stunning landscape. The flight offer

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is a perspective you just can't get from the ground

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as you soar over arches, canyons, and rivers. If you're

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into history and geology, a visit to the Dinosaur Museum

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in Blanding, just a bit of a drive away, is

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a good call. It's a fascinating place where you can

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see fossils and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once

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roam this region. It's especially exciting if you're traveling with kids.

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Let's talk about accommodations. Moab offers a range of options,

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from camping to comfortable motels. If you're looking to stay

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close to nature, there are several campgrounds in the area.

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Make sure to book in advance, as spots can fill

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up quickly, especially during the peak season. If camping isn't

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your thing, there are plenty of hotels and motels in town,

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like the Bowen Motel or the Gonzo Inn. These places

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are friendly and welcoming, offering a comfortable base to rest

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after your adventures. Before you leave, make sure to take

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a moment and appreciate the unique beauty of this place.

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Moab's combination of awe inspiring landscapes and small town charm

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creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you're here for a weekend

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or a longer stay, there's always something new to discover,

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so pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get

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ready to create some incredible memories. As you wander around Moab,

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you'll find that the downtown area is perfect for a

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casual stroll. Main Street is the heart of the town,

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bustling with shops, galleries, and eateries. It's a great place

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to pick up some local art or souvenirs, maybe a

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piece of handmade jewelry or a quirky T shirt to

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remind you of your time here. Pop into one of

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the art galleries, where you can find works by local

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artists capturing the stunning landscapes and all their colorful glory.

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When hunger strikes, head over to the Moab Diner. It's

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a beloved spot among both locals and visitors, serving up

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comforting classics. Try their green chili cheeseburger if you're in

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the mood for something hardy, it's got just the right

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amount of kick. If you're more on the breakfast side

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of things, their pancakes are a hit. Plus. The diner's

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retro vibe adds a touch of nostalgia that makes your

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meal feel special. For a different dining experience, check out

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the Love Muffin Cafe. It's a fantastic place for a

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quick bite or a leisurely brunch. Their breakfast burritos are legendary,

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packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. Pair it

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with one of their smoothies for a refreshing finish. It's

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a wonderful way to fuel up before heading out for

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a day of exploration. Speaking of exploration, don't miss the

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chance to visit the famous Arches National It's just a

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stone's throw from Moab and filled with incredible natural rock formations.

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You'll want to set aside several hours to wander the

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park's trails. Delicate Arch is the star attraction here, a

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stunning natural arch that's become a symbol of Utah itself.

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Catching it at sunset is a magical experience as the

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changing light paints the arch in warm hues. There's also

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the Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and passages.

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It's a bit of a maze, so consider joining a

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guided tour to get the most out of it and

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to ensure you don't get lost. You'll be amazed by

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the shadows and patterns created by the sun as it

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filters through the rock formations. If you're looking for a

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bit of thrill, Moab is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,

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consider renting a mountain bike and hitting one of the

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area's numerous trails. The Slick Rock Bike Trail is world famous,

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offering challenging terrain with spectacular panoramic views. Even if you're

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not an experienced mountain biker, there are plenty of easier

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trails to enjoy. River rafting on the Colorado River is

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another must do. You can choose from gentle float trips

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that are perfect for families to more adrenaline pumping rapids.

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If you're a thrill seeker, there's nothing quite like the

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feeling of gliding down the river frame by towering red

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rock cliffs. As the day winds down, find yourself a

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spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The

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colors are nothing short of breathtaking, and it's a perfect

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time to reflect on your adventures in Moab, whether you're

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perched on a rock, overlooking a canyon, or sitting on

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a bench in town. The sunsets here have a way

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of staying with you long after you've left. Moab's welcoming

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atmosphere and the beauty of its surroundings make it a

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place that's hard to leave. But before you go, take

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one last look around and soak it all in the

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town's energy, the natural wonders, and the memories you've made.

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I'm Johnny Mack and Travel is Back. Follow Travel Is

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Back wherever you listen to podcasts and find all two

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hundred plus destinations in our back catalog.

203. Moab, Utah - Where Red Arches Meet Endless Sky

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