Adventure awaits: blend outdoor recreation with world-class pampering in Moab.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Executive Living

Look up "adventure" in the dictionary and chances are it will have a two-word definition: Moab, Utah. Located just four hours from Salt Lake City, the list of things to do in Moab is seemingly endless.

With options including road and mountain biking, Whitewater rafting, jetboat tours, canyoneering, rock climbing, ATV trails, Hummer tours, jeep rentals, hot air balloon rides, skydiving, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing, golf, and visiting national or state parks, there is an activity for every age and gender.

"Moab is the adventure center of Southeastern Utah. It's where adventure begins," says Marian DeLay, executive director of the Moab Area Travel Council.

The Great Outdoors

The Colorado River, set against a backdrop of stunning red rock scenery, serves as a jumping-off point for all types of water-related activities. Rafting trips can be booked for a half-day or for several days, in calm water or class-4 Whitewater rapids. It's also the location for the Raft for the Cure breast cancer awareness event held every June, where people of all ages spend the day on the river, visiting with friends and eating good food.

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For hiking fans, the abundance of trails in the Moab area can keep people entertained for days. Arches National Park boasts the largest concentration of sandstone arches in the world. For beginning hikers, there are 10-15 minutes trails while more advanced hikers can spend several hours, or days, exploring the area. The three-mile round trip hike to Delicate Arch is a must for adventurous hikers.

DeLay says visiting Dead Horse Point State Park is a necessity when vacationing in Moab. The park's view is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet over the Colorado River, the overlook offers a breathtaking view of Canyonlands National Park.

"This park is the premier state park in Utah," she says. "I've heard people liken the views at Dead Horse Point and the ambience at the park to the Grand Canyon."

Before heading off into the great outdoors, DeLay says a stop at the Moab Information Center on the corner of Center Street and Main is essential. The knowledgeable staff can help determine which activities are best suited for each person and their expectations. Brochures, maps, travel guides and a calendar of events are available to help plan the perfect experience.

A Luxurious Oasis

For accommodations in Moab, selections range from a tent pitched along the river...