Slickrock Cliffs Reflect in the Colorado River near Moab, Utah (UT) [1]
The red rock region near Moab has come to characterize the state of Utah. It has even been included in movie portrayals such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Arches of sandstone balance above the desert sands, and the mighty Colorado River carves canyons through miles of red rock cliffs. With such varied natural formations, Moab is the perfect place for high adventure activities.
Moab has been called the Mecca of Mountain Bikers, and for good reason. The Slickrock Trail is one of the most challenging mountain biking trails, and known to bikers worldwide. The name Slickrock is misleading, for while the iron-shod horses of the early settlers slipped on the sandstone surface, bike tires stick like a desert spider.
This friction makes impossible trail angles into a new challenge, with some slopes approaching forty-five degrees. Sections of the trail have names like "Faith in Friction" and "Steep Creep," reflecting the intensity of the ride. Several other less extreme bike trails also cross through the region, all marked by white lines on the slickrock.
Wind and water have shaped the cliffs of Moab, shaping the rock into steep riverside cliffs, arches and crazily balanced rocks. While a large section of these cliffs is protected in Arches National Park, there are still miles and miles of publicly accessible cliffs to challenge. Thousands of specific routes are on the record, ranging in difficulty from novice to expert. For those who want an exceptional climb, the Fisher Towers present some of the most difficult ascents in the area, with awesome stone spires stretching skyward.
The Colorado River passes near Moab, its long, lazy stretches interspersed with whitewater rapids. The Colorado spreads into hundreds of miles of side canyons, providing endless possibilities for exploration, relaxation, or adventure. Several companies in Moab provide guided tours and rental equipment for these river adventures, as well as any climbing or biking expeditions.
With so many facets of the desert to explore, the Moab area of Utah offers a variety of unforgettable adventures in the red rock canyon lands.
