Kim

Any recommendations for a place to stay in Moab? Obviously, you don't spend that much time in the room in a place like that! I think we may use that as a base while visting Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. Just want to hike (easy to moderate) and enjoy the sites. Thinking of flying into Denver from Chicago and driving to Moab, SLC airfare is too high. Any recommendations for food, hikes, not to miss sites, etc. would be appreciated. Also, may spend a day in Denver, any suggestions of things to see in one day? Thanks for your help.

rob

just got back from moab on sunday...stayed at the best inn which i found on the internet. nice room for only $50 per night...we had a room in the back which is preferable no matter where you stay in moab as most hotels are right on the main strip and the town seems to get a lot of 18-wheelers passing thru. i suggest staying on the outskirts of town as the center can be very congested and loud...there were a lot of spring breakers last week. there's a motel 6 and a super 8 across from the best inn which look good also and appear to be brand new.

as far as resturants, banditos was pretty good for mexican; fat city smokehouse had good b-b-que but the portions were to small and the prices pretty steep. moab diner was good for breakfast.....dinners were so-so.

spent most of our time at arches...best hikes were fiery furnance ($6 per; ranger led at 10 am/2pm)....the loop thru broken arch (the entire loop) was great.. devils garden was OK but "double O" arch at the end of the trail wasn't very impressive...though the hike there was nice. of course the trail to "delicate arch" is a must....the parking lot was always full....we made 3 trips there on 3 seperate days before finding a spot. we also took a drive out to...tower arch i think. its at the end of a 9 mile, unpaved road. there were only 4 people out there and after they left we owned the place for the rest of the day.

if you have the means, rent a 4 wheel drive SUV at the airport....alamo was running a special for something like $189 per week. we had a blast driving the trails around canyon lands (gemeni bridges; white rim trail etc..)

we also rented a couple of mountain bike for a day (about $65 from rim cyclery)...did a 20 mile round trip to "hurrah pass"...very painful.
did a half-day raft trip from adrift adventures (@ $75 for 2)....very mello..not much in the way of "shooting the rapids"....didn't get wet till the very end of the trip

Larry

Hi Kim,

Have some info on the area but is too long for here. Will try sending direct. If you do not get it, drop me a line & I'll send again.

rqf

Last time I was in Moab (1995) stayed in the Super 8 which opened that year. It is at the north end of town and at that time the motel closest to the road that takes you into Arches. YOu can do most of the short trails in Arches in 1 1/2 days. The most popular trail is the one to the Deicate Arch - considered moderate hiking. To get the best view of the Canyonlands head out to Dead Horse Point State Park. A must is the Fiery Furnace ranger led tour - as soon as you get to the park stop at the Visitor's Center to sign up. When I was there tour was limited to 25 people. You can sign up in advance. Plenty of restaurants to choose from. The most popular was a place called the Farmhouse - I assume it is still in operation. Instead of visiting Capitol Reef you might consider a visit to a park that is quite different - Mesa Verde in Colorado - it is less than 150 miles from MOab. YOu could do this when heading back to Denver. You could then drive a very scenic highway, rt. 550, in going back to Denver.

Pam

We were there last year, just beautiful. You can hike a lot of trails to the different arches in Arches, same in Canyonlands. We never made it to the Needles district. On the way to Canyonlnads stop at Dead Horse Point State park. Short visit but it is incredible view. Take scenic byway 12 out of Moab to go to Capitol Reef and stop at Sego Canyon to see the rock art. You can get more info at Moab chamber of commerce, they were very helpful. We did all the trail at Cap. Reef, they were not too strenuous,some were steep but all well worth it. Also if you have the time along highway 12 take a half day trip and hike to Lower calf creek falls, just a beautiful walk rewarded by a beautiful waterfall.Make sure at Cap. Reef you visit Pioneer Register along Capitol Gorge Wash. What these pioneers went through is unbelievable. There is also more rock art at Cap. Reef. Have a great time, we did!!

RB

Moab is a great base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands NP. Highly recommend Best Western Canyonlands, ph. 435-259-2300. Rooms very clean, free breakfast buffet, good central location. Good restaurant very near- think it's Pasta J. Also Eddie McStiff's for a sandwich and locally-brewed beer. You can walk to both of these from motel. You may want to rethink using Moab as a base to go back and forth to Capitol Reef. Don't let just the mileage make your decision. These ain't interstates you'll be cruising. The topography changes in a heartbeat in southern Utah, and there's open range cattle too. Get going too fast and you're facing a steep dropoff, a herd of cattle in the road, or both. The Best Western Capitol Reef in Torrey (ph: 435-425-3335) has clean rooms, good location and the best dang outside hot tub for viewing the stars after a tough day's hiking. Eat at Cafe Diablo for an upscale Southwest American meal. Last suggestion: it's worth the $$ to fly out of SLC. You'll have a long drive coming home, and frankly, if you hike & bike, you'll be one whupped puppy. Dig around, find the extra coins, and go for it! Enjoy your most excellent trip.

Clousie

Definitely agree with RB that Cafe Diablo is a great place. Best meal, with excellent presentation, that we had in Utah!

If staying in Torrey, would suggest you try Wonderland Inn. It's not a chain, very large rooms with great views and also a very relaxing spa and pool that's enclosed, but you feel as if you're outside. There's also a great bakery in town.

We thouroughly enjoyed hiking in Capital Reef through the washes and up to an arch.

Dayle

the Dreamkeeper Inn is a wonderful B&B in a residential area just off the main highway of Moab. First class, wonderful owners, Mike & Mary Wilson. Quiet, high end comfort and a big shady backyard with a pool & hot tub. Wonderful after hiking & biking! Prices aren't too bad & much nicer than super 8.