Got Toys? Play in Moab Utah's Recreational Wonderland

Got toys? Then plan a play date in the outdoor wonderland of Moab Utah, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks (two of Utah’s five National Parks), Dead Horse Point State Park, the Colorado River and the beautiful La Sal Mountains.

No matter what your toy preference, motorized or non-motorized, Moab is the place to bring your toys and family to play, or if you like to travel light, Moab is also a great destination if you want to play without the hassle of packing toys. An abundance of outfitters are available to take you on an adventure, or rent your own toys and do your exploring. There are also many great activities that do not require anything but a desire to experience nature at its best.

Activities include hiking, biking, four-wheeling, ATV riding, river running, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, scenic flights and even skydiving! Choose an activity and then define how extreme an adventure you desire. Want a major adrenaline rush, just a little heart pounding, or something that soothes the soul? You can design the perfect adventure for everyone in the family.

Hiking in and around Moab is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful country. Day hikes in the National Parks range from a 30-minute leisurely stroll, to all day excursions with such challenges as narrow ledges, slickrock, and narrow canyons. Arches National Park offers great rewards for your efforts with the breathtaking beauty of the Delicate Arch (3 mile round trip), or for the youngsters, a natural box of sand pouring through Sand Dune Arch (0.4 mile round trip). Several other trails in the parks, of varying length and difficulty, make it easy to pick a hike that fits your family.

Skinny tire or fat tire, mountain and road biking trails are in abundance in and around Moab. Known as the “mountain bike capitol of the world”, there are trails ranging from the “Bar M Loop” for beginning mountain biking, to the “Slick Rock Bike Trail” guaranteed to challenge even the most experienced riders. Road cycling ranges from the low-impact Mill Creek Parkway providing miles of in town riding, to the beautiful scenic byways and the scenic routes inside the National and State Parks. [Colorado River Scenic Byway 128, which takes you upstream, twists and turns as it follows nature’s course through the majestic canyons. Or head downstream on the Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway 279, for a 17-mile route through the Colorado River Portal, and along the banks of the river through a narrow canyon. Along Scenic Byway 313 there are ample opportunities to appreciate the geology, archaeology and scenery on this route to Dead Horse Point State Park and the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park.

For those who prefer to use less people power, there are a multitude of four-wheel drive trails that will transport you into a magical world of breath-taking scenery. Visitors can rent jeeps or take guided tours with one of the many experienced tour operators in Moab. Trails are rated for difficulty and a visit to the Moab Information Center will help to determine which trails best suit your skill level.

While ATVs are not allowed in the National Parks, riders will find thousands of miles of four-wheel drive roads that will transport you into a world of wonder, surrounded by incredible beauty and geological magic as you traverse through the red rock canyons. Particularly popular is the White Wash Sand Dunes located 48 miles north of Moab, where in addition to the dunes, you’ll find miles of dirt roads which can be used to access Crystal Geyser and the Green River.

Raft, canoe, or kayak the mighty Colorado River, where again, you define the intensity of the adventure. From calm water rafting to the thrilling rapids of Cataract Canyon, half day, full day, or several days, you are sure to find the perfect river adventure.

Sightseeing from the comfort of your RV or car is a great way to see some amazingly diverse and indescribable scenery as you cruise the three National Scenic Byways, of which Moab is the hub, and the scenic drives in the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Soothe your soul, now and again later, with the images you capture with a camera in this photographer’s paradise. Under conditions of constantly changing light, the red rock landscapes provide limitless photographic opportunities.

Enjoy fishing? What’s your preference…trout or catfish? Bait or Fly? Lake or River? Moab has it all, with the Colorado River offering many sandy beaches from which anglers can try their luck at cat fishing. Great trout fishing can be found in the beautiful lakes and streams of the nearby La Sal Mountains. Whispering Pines, quaking aspens, bubbling brooks, all of nature’s music harmonizes into a beautiful symphony making a family outing in the forest an unforgettable experience.

Nestled in a lush green valley Moab has a vibrant downtown where you can shop, browse, eat and enjoy the charm and hospitality of a small resort town with a multitude of activities available for children of all ages. Cool off at the Moab Swim Center, located at the Swaney City Park along with a public skate park. The Adventure Land Family Fun Center offers go-carts, laser tag, miniature golf, and the Slickrock Cinemas offers a three screen movie theater.

Family fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Have Some Old West Fun with the music & comedy of the Bar-M Wranglers. Moab's Bar-M Chuckwagon offers an authentic, high-energy western dinner show full of folklore, humor and audience participation. Make sure to go early and enjoy gunfights, games, western village, gift shop, saloon and more.

Canyonlands By Night offers a world-renowned Sound and Light Show begun in the early 1960s. From the lounge of a 144-seat motorized boat, the stage is southeastern Utah’s night sky, 300 to 500-foot canyon walls and the mighty Colorado River. Most people take advantage of a Dutch oven dinner at Canyonlands By Night, north of town prior to the boat’s departure at dusk. For the three-mile trip up river a knowledgeable host points out faces and images nature has carved throughout the canyons, repeating and inventing stories with intelligence and humor.

Moab’s diversity lends well to a wide variety of events. Whether your preference is one-wheel, two-wheels, four-wheels or no wheels, participating or spectating, you are sure to enjoy one of Moab’s annual events, such as, Easter Jeep Safari, Half Marathon, Skinny and Fat Tire Festivals, Moab Muni Fest, April Action Car Show, Moab Annual Arts Festival, Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo, Moab Music Festival, Moab Folk Festival, Skydive Festival, Horse Endurance Ride, 24 Hours of Moab Mountain Bike Race, and Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival. Also scattered throughout the year are numerous arts, culture and equestrian events.

Calm enough for young children, yet exciting enough for the most extreme adventure seeker, Moab has something for everyone. Great for a weekend get-a-way, spring break, or an extended family vacation, Moab is where your self-defined adventure begins. One thing is certain, when you pack up your toys and go home, you will already be planning your next play date with Moab, Utah.

For more information contact the Moab Area Travel Council at: 800-635-moab (6622) or visit www.discovermoab.com.