Moab

Moab is a great base for exploring two nearby national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. It's also a hub for all sorts of adrenaline-fueled recreation, most notably mountain biking. Shortly after mountain bikes were invented, the Slickrock Trail became known as a place to test your two-wheeled mettle. It's still a pilgrimage spot for mountain bikers, though there are plenty of other good trails around town. Moab is also a huge destination for four-wheeling in jeeps, and it's impossible to ignore the vendors of these tours. During the spring, the town is pretty much overrun with four-wheelers, and can become infused with a little too much ...

Moab is a great base for exploring two nearby national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. It's also a hub for all sorts of adrenaline-fueled recreation, most notably mountain biking. Shortly after mountain bikes were invented, the Slickrock Trail became known as a place to test your two-wheeled mettle. It's still a pilgrimage spot for mountain bikers, though there are plenty of other good trails around town. Moab is also a huge destination for four-wheeling in jeeps, and it's impossible to ignore the vendors of these tours. During the spring, the town is pretty much overrun with four-wheelers, and can become infused with a little too much testosterone. At quieter times of year, Moab is a vibrant mix of Mormon and non-Mormon in a lovely setting with some top-notch accommodations and several fine restaurants.

About the Expert

Judy Jewell and W.C. McRae are frequent collaborators: together they have written Moon Handbooks to Montana, Utah, and Zion-Bryce and updated the Moon Handbooks to Oregon and Coastal Oregon. Judy wrote the Compass American Guide to Oregon.