There are lots of other opportunities for adventure in Moab

By Craig Hill, of McClatchy Newspapers - 07/12/2007

John Osmundson of Boise, Idaho, photographs Kevin Sullivan of South Hill, Wash., through one of the many arches in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. Craig Hill / Tacoma News Tribune / MCT Photo.

Moab might be the Mecca for mountain bikers, but there’s plenty of places to get your adventure fix without pedaling.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK This park is packed with stone arches and other stunning rock formations. You’ll have to battle flocks of tourists here, but it’s worth it to view formations such as Delicate Arch, which is featured on the Utah license plate. Devils Garden offers the park’s only camping. If, on your first visit, you feel like you’ve seen the place before, it’s because you probably have. The park was the backdrop for such movies as ‘‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’’ and ‘‘Thelma & Louise.’’ Info: nps.gov/arch CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK Canyonlands has some arches and interesting rock formations of its own. The park has four distinct districts Needles, Island in the Sky, Horseshoe Canyon and the Maze that can be visited separately, but are not linked by roads. Needles is packed with rock formations, most famously pinnacles. Island in the Sky is a massive mesa with views of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. The Maze is the most remote district and is reachable only by unpaved roads. Horseshoe Canyon is famous for the Great Gallery, a large panel of ancient rock art. Info: nps.gov/cany EPHEDRA’S GROTTO This is a popular destination for canyoneering. Moab Cliff and Canyons is one of several local guide services that leads daily trips in the canyon. You’ll have 95- and 120-foot rappels to explore the deep, wet and narrow canyon. Some local canyoneering trips could require you to wade through waist-deep water. Info: cliffsandcanyons.com COLORADO RIVER Before it carved out the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River did some nice work in Utah. Rafting is popular in Moab with local guides offering trips ranging from leisurely floats to rushing whitewater. The Moab Adventure Center offers several river trips including overnighters and rides on a large jet boat. Scenes from ‘‘City Slickers II’’ and several John Wayne movies, including ‘‘Rio Grande,’’ were filmed along this river. Info: moabadventurecenter.com ROCK CLIMBING Moab is surrounded by rock faces that make it a popular destination for rock climbers. Some just pull their cars over to the side of the road when they see a good route, while others climb the massive rock towers in the desert. Pagan Mountaineering offers tips on local climbing routes. Info: paganmountaineering.com SAND FLATS RECREATION AREA This area is best known as the home to the Slickrock and Porcupine Rim mountain bike trails, but it lures others, too. The rolling sandstone is also a popular destination for motorcycles, four-by-fours and Humvees. Info: discovermoab.com/sandflats LA SAL MOUNTAIN LOOP DRIVE For those looking for a tamer adventure, a popular choice is this 60-mile drive through the La Sal Mountains. The drive delivers stunning views of the desert landscape. The road goes through Manti-La Sal National Forest and pastures where you’ll likely have to dodge cows on the road. It’s easy to get lost at night. There are plenty of places to camp or, if you choose, rent a cabin at Whispering Oaks Ranch (www.whisperingoakslodging.com) high in the mountains. Info: utah.com/moab APACHE MOTEL If John Wayne were alive today, he’d probably stay at the Holiday Inn Express near the Colorado River. But in his era, he stayed at the Apache Motel. Plan ahead if you want the two-bedroom John Wayne Suite, because it’s usually booked. Info: apachemotel.net