Utah is the wild west: sprawling, beautiful landscapes that make you feel infinitesimal in comparison with Mother Nature. It would take a lifetime to explore Utah properly, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Off-roading is not only a great way to explore more in less time, but an exciting activity that brings an entirely new element to your explorations. If you’re looking for a place to start, Moab is one of Utah’s premier centers for outdoor activity. In proximity to myriad national and state parks, the town gives you access to a seemingly infinite number of off-roading locations. Here’s how to have the ultimate off-roading adventure in Moab.
The Moab Diner is an awesome spot to fuel up for the day. It has everything you would expect from a traditional diner and more, including a fun 50s inspired interior, awesome omelets, delicious French toast, and even pie, but that’s beside the point. Opened in the early 1960s, Moab Diner didn’t always call Southern Utah home. But when the restaurant owners moved to Moab, they decided it was about time Moab had a traditional American diner. And they were right.
Fortunately, Moab’s most popular off-roading trails are very close to each other. Although they definitely aren’t the only trails worth exploring, Fins & Things, Poison Spider Mesa, Steel Bender, and Hell’s Revenge are easily some of the area’s best. The four trails differ in difficulty, scenery, and overall experience. If geology interests you, these trails are especially suited for your taste because each puts Southern Utah’s famous red rock on display. And if you’re worried about safety, make sure you 1) know what you are doing 2) have the right equipment and 3) enjoy the ride.
After an exhilarating yet exhausting day of off-roading, it’s likely you’ll finish with a big appetite. At that point, you’ll probably be inclined to order a very hearty meal. Miguel’s Baja Grill is a Mexican restaurant in Moab that wants you to feel satisfied. Specializing in seafood, Miguel’s feels like an unlikely restaurant in the middle of the Utah desert, but all of the food is remarkably fresh. Many are drawn to the restaurant’s fish tacos and salads, but Miguel’s is best known for what it calls the “M.O.A.B,” or in other words, “The Mother of All Burritos.” An extra-large flour tortilla stuffed with the fillings of your choice, the M.O.A.B is huge and undeniably tempting.
Unsurprisingly, Moab is filled with nice hotels to accommodate large amounts of tourists. But rather than stay at a hotel you could find anywhere in the world, you should see a Moab off-roading trip not only as a time to explore, but as a time to treat yourself. That’s where Cali Cochitta Bed & Breakfast comes in. With a cozy cottage vibe and a range of rooms to choose from, the bed and breakfast makes you feel like you’re actually a part of the Moab community. It will also give you the chance to truly unwind following sweaty afternoons under the hot desert sun. In true Moab fashion, Cali Cochitta is all about being eco-friendly, making Moab a home away from home, and helping you to make the most of your time in the area. And with most rooms at about $150 a night, you’ll get luxury without feeling like you’re breaking the bank.
The next morning, if you find yourself craving some green space, it’d be a good idea to head over to Moab’s Old City Park. Located just south of town in what is called the “Spanish Valley,” Old City Park features 21 acres of land that include an 18-hole disc golf course, a duck pond, pavilions, picnic areas, picnic tables, a playground, a stage, horseshoe pits, grills, volleyball, water, and restrooms. If you’re with a big group and need space to sprawl, play sports, or put together a barbecue, this is your place.
