Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Cimbing, Canyoneering, Bouldering Webpage added by Moab Travel Council for Visitors

Tour Moab by Rope! 

The surrounding lands of Moab are comprised of fissures and cliffs. By vehicle the sightseeing is unparalleled. By rope the adventure goes perpendicular.

For those who will embrace heights, hike with a backpack of rope and climbing harness, repelling into Moab‘s crevasses is alluring. Get up close and inside earth by canyoneering. Others will shoulder a rack of cams, nuts and carabiners, along with rope, to defy gravity and go cragging. Great climbing routes and summits abound around Moab. The cordless crew will give Moab’s bouldering a whirl, lining the ground with crash pads. Bring your own or purchase or rent bouldering pads in Moab.

There are guide books for sale, including the newest, ‘Moab Climbs: High on Moab’ at Moab GearHeads, Pagan Mountaineering and Back of Beyond Books locally. However, the real news, Moab Area Travel Council, introduces climbing, canyoneering and bouldering to visitors through a NEW webpage on DiscoverMoab.com. Visitors with a passion to experience the desert and canyons by rope, may well be advised to hire one of the several excellent Climbing/Canyoneering guide companies to get started. Other individuals, having the skill to DIY (do-it-yourself), may need area information to get started considering a journey to Moab to include ropes.

Do not delay, tune into http://www.discovermoab.com/climbing_moab.htm. Moab Area Travel Council also available by telephone Monday – Friday using 435-259-8825 or writing info2@discovermoab.com .

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Red Rock Photography of National Parks Workshops for 2015


Red Rock Photography of National Parks Workshops for 2015

BONUS - have added 2016 options too.
No matter the type of photography one might seek to capture, local experts like, Mike Coronella (Deep Desert Adventures), Lee Bridgers (Dream Rides), and Bret Edge are available throughout this winter in Moab for photo tours. Find them among other Moab tour providers on http://www.discovermoab.com/tour.htm.

No dates yet http://www.nationalparksatnight.com/arches-and-canyonlands-2016/

Arches and Canyonlands Mysterious Landscapes & Nightscapes
February 17 – 20 2016

Arches and Canyonlands in Winter
February 24-28 2016

Arches & Canyonlands National Park Photo Workshop - 2016
March 13-17 2016

USA Landscape Photography Tour – Canyons in Concerto
March 25 – April 4 2016

Road Scholar Advanced Nature Photography Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
April 3-8 2016
October 9-14 2016
October 30- November 4 2016
November 1-6 2016

Moab Landscape with Wildlife
April 16-20 2015

Spring in Canyon Country
April 17-21 2016

Southeast Utah, Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley
April 30 – May 6 2016
October 8-14 2016



Learn to Shoot the Milky Way in Arches and Canyonlands
May 1-4 2016

Master the Art of Night Sky, Sunrise, Sunset Arches & Canyonlands
May 4-8 2016

Arches/Canyonlands/Monument Valley Night Photo Tour
May 5-15 2016

Arches & Canyonlands National Park Night Sky Photography Workshop
May 10-14 2016

Timelapse Moab Workshop
May 27-30 2016
June 1–4 2016

Night Photography Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
May 31 – June 6 2016

Natural Connections Photo Workshop Arches National Park – Moab
http://naturalconnectionsphotoworkshops.com/2013-workshops/arches-national-park-moab-utah-september-28-oct-2-2016.html
September 28 – October 2 2016

Full Moon Over Red Rock – Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Mittens
October 12-16 2016

Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Park)
October 20-23 2016

The awareness that a person gets peering through a camera only increases appreciation for the big sky and endless land forms of the Moab Utah region will be inspirational. Plan a photography trip to Moab and the surrounds soon.
http://discovermoab.com/photo.htm or phone 435-259-8825.

Now back to the past, 

The workshops that took place in 2015, for a comparison.

All year photographers put on workshops highlighting various aspects for students to learn. Among the lessons are techniques of landscape, sunrise, sunset and night shoots. Winter is no stranger to tripods and cameras. Winter is nearly sleep friendly because of the winter hours of sunrise and sunset. There is something quixotic to huddling in the cold winter months anticipating that ethereal light soaking the Red Rock landscapes of Moab, Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point.

Of course, local experts like Jon Fuller, Eric Odenthal, Mike Coronella, Lee Bridgers, and Bret Edge are available throughout the year in Moab for photo tours. Find them among other Moab tour providers on http://www.discovermoab.com/tour.htm.

Moab Photo Tours LLC
Winter in the Red Rocks Photography Tour
Photographer: Tom Till and Jon Fuller
January 11 – 17 2015

Roamin’ with Roman
Arches/Canyonlands/Monument Valley
Photographer: Roman Kurywczak
January 14 – 25 2015

Jennifer King Photography Workshops
Arches and Canyonlands: A Land of Wonder
Photographer: Jennifer King
February 12-15 2015

Scenic Aperture
Arches and Canyonlands Photography Workshop
Photographer: Frank Comisar
February 15-20 2015

Travel Images Photography Tours
Red Rock Country Winter
Photographer: John Baker
February 18-27 2015

Light Capture Photography
Winter Canyonlands – Arches
Photographer: David Forster
February 27 – March 1 2015

Southwest Photography Tour
Photographer: David Kingham
March 14-28 2015

Jack Graham Photography
Arches & Canyonlands National Parks with Jack Graham & Bill Fortney
Photographer: Jack Graham & Bill Fortney
March 26 – 29 2015

Road Scholar (Elderhostel)
Advanced nature Photography in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
April 6 – 11 2015

Green Mountain Photographic Workshops
Arches and Canyonlands National Park Workshop
Photographer: Kurt Budliger, Joseph Rossbach or George Stocking
April 12- 16 2015

American Nature Photography Workshops
Arches and Canyonlands Workshop
Photographer: Tom Bol
April 15-19 2015

Moab Photo Symposium
Photographers: Steve Traudt, Colleen Miniuk-Sperry, Guy Tal & Bruce Hucko
April 30 – May 3 2015

Moab Photography Workshop: Shoot, Edit, Create
http://www.illuminateworkshops.com/events/moab-photography-workshop-shoot-edit-create/
May 1-3 2015

TimeLapse Moab 2015
Intimate 5 Night Advanced Dark Sky Timelapse Workshop
Photographer: Ron Risman
May 13-17 2015

Arches Night Photography Workshop
Photographer: David Kingham
May 14-17 2015

Landscape Images from Beyond the Lens
Spring in Arches and Canyonlands / 5 Day Workshop
Photographer: Robert Rodriguez Jr.
May 17 – 21 2015

Colorado Captures
Arches & Canyonlands May 2015
Photographer: Mike Berenson and Darren White
May 22 – 25 2015

James Brandon Photography
Moab – Arches & Canyonlands
June 2015

Road Scholar (Elderhostel)
Advanced nature Photography in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
October 11 - 16 2015

Moab
Photographer: Dan Ballard
October 15-18 2015

Rocky Mountain Reflections
Arches & Canyonlands National Park
Photographer: Andy Cook
November 1- 6 2015

Road Scholar (Elderhostel)
Advanced nature Photography in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
November 1-6 2015








Monday, October 27, 2014

The Tally of New Moab Mountain Bike Trails in 2014

Moab Bike News

After a brilliant Saturday of Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, perusing the simpler trails in the Klondike Trail System of Moab, loving the fact that a new footpath has opened, so the non-biking family members could enjoy access from a single parking lot in the backcountry, have to shout, “Hail! Moab Trail Mix!”

 The volunteer organization, Moab Trail Mix, has been busy constructing new bike trails. Keep in mind the agencies, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Forest Service, National Park Service, the City, and local bike businesses and riders sit at the table and collaborate. The BLM used National Public Lands Day to encourage volunteers to shape a pedestrian path to the Dinosaur Stomping Grounds. It is an area that received tremendous press in August 2014. It is a trail that parallels the Mega Steps mountain bike trail in the Klondike Bike Trail System to an expanse of trace fossils. Close by find the Copper Ridge Track Site, both areas of tracks are from the Jurassic Period in the fluvial Morrison formation deposit.

Trail report bike-wise?  The Agate trails make a delightful loop and Chilkoot Pass are the right trails for a 10 year old, new to single track. The success was measured by the need to get off and walk the bike. Sensibly it is less frustrating to ride than having to push the bicycle frequently. Looking for similar rides, caliber of easy? Raven Roll in Dead Horse Point State Park, Rusty Spur in the Moab Brand trails are proven for this particular 10 year old.

MOAB BLM has determined this year that motor assist bicycles (electric or fueled) are motorized vehicles, therefore, motor assisted bicycles are NOT allowed on non-motorized trails. The Moab Travel Council posted a terrific Motorcycle Trail Ride page in September 2014. Go look at it now. http://www.discovermoab.com/motorcycle_moab.htm 

Now onward to the New Trails!
In the La Sal Mountains, standing regal to the east of Moab, the Forest Service completed the Geyser to Burro singletrack trail and Jimmy Keen Flat Trail is 9 miles. Get a little respite from the summer heat and pedal these trails in the warmer summer months.

Back in the canyons below, there is this tally of new mileage.
HyMasa Trail is 2.7 miles of singletrack in the Amasa Back riding area. It is moderately strenuous and requires technical skill which is the case with the Amasa trails in general.  Hymasa is an alternative to get off the brutal jeep route comprised of gruesome ledges. A pit toilet was installed in the Amasa parking lot this year too.

The Klondikes have had the Miner’s Loop completed near the southern parking lot. It is an advanced 1.8 mile loop over a lot of slickrock with twisty turns through pinon-junipers, sweeping by an old mining area. A beginner mile loop named Chilkoot Pass was also added. Chilkoot is located off of the Klondike northern parking lot.

The KLONZO II trail system has carnival themed trail names.  These 11.3 miles of trail have been added to Moab’s inventory in 2014. It has good beginner, intermediate and intermediate/advanced  pedaling options from a single parking lot. This area is unique: Roller Coaster and Red Hot is intended to be a ‘progressive skills trail’, the bumps can be rolled or jumped or even avoided.

Hotdog - .7 miles
Topspin – 1.2 miles
Midway - .9 miles
Zoltar - .6 miles
Houdini – 1.8 miles
Red Hot - .5 miles
Roller Coaster - .6 miles
Carousel – 1 mile
Wizard - .2 miles
Magician .3 miles
Gypsy - .2 miles
The Edge - .6 miles
Gravitron – 2.7 miles

Navajo Rocks has leapt into existence with the completion of 4.4 convoluted miles called Rocky Tops and 3.2 miles of undulating dirt track and sandstone outcrops called Ramblin’. Three more sections are slated for the future to be known as Big Mesa, Big Lonely and Coney Island trails. This set is situated off of State Road (S.R.) 313.

Dead Horse Point State Park installed the first 8 miles of the Intrepid Trails in 2009. Another 8.1 miles were completed at Thanksgiving 2013. The newest loops lay to the west of S.R. 313 in Dead Horse Point State Park and have been ridden by 2014 travelers often.  The park also built three yurts that are now online for reservations. Each sleeps up to six people and is another camping opportunity to add to tent and RV camping already established within the state park. Plan to mountain bike from the yurts.

Transit Hub officially opened providing parking at the crossroads of the S.R. 128 bike path and the northerly stretching Moab Canyon Pathway to S.R. 313. The hub is also one of the bus stops in Moab for Elevated Transit, a daily bus service connecting Salt Lake City to Moab and farther south to Blanding Utah.

Finally, a Moab Trails app was released in early spring. Go to apps and type in “Moab Trails”. Visitors can also download trail maps from the website DiscoverMoab.com or purchase those area maps from local Moab bike shops for $2 each focus area. The money goes straight to the treasury of the Moab Trail Mix, the volunteer organization building and maintaining many of these bike opportunities in Moab.


Monday, August 4, 2014

Dystrophaeus Project - Find out More about this Dinosaur

The Dystrophaeus Project is a dig that was started August of 1859 by John Strong Newberry. A cast of the fossil found back then, can be seen at the Museum of Moab. The Museum of Moab is located at 118 E Center Street, Moab. Six scientists round out the workforce lead by the Museum of Moab's director, John Foster.    

Classification by Edward Drinker Cope of the Dystrophaeus was made in 1877 and has gone through revisions over the decades and is an interesting history to read.

If in Moab during the last Wednesday of any month, try to stop by the Utah Friends of Paleontology's Moab, Gastonia Chapter's, monthly meeting. Usually there is a lecturer providing insights on current studies in the region.

Moab Giants is being built at the corner of Hwy 191 and State Road 313. It will contain life size dinosaur statues and have buildings for education about dinosaurs. Well, read about it at Moab Sun News.



Here are three remarkable dinosaur sites to explore in the Moab area.



Please remember to take only picture, leave only foot prints.
It is unlawful to scratch, gouge stone surfaces, signs and historic sites here in and near Moab.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Culvert Installation on Shafer Trail White Rim in Canyonlands National Park June 7-11 2014

Culvert Installation on Shafer Trail White Rim in Canyonlands National Park June 7-11 2014.

A section of the White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park will be closed from July 7th through July 11th to allow for replacement of a large culvert under the road.

The closure area is from the junction of the Shafer Trail Road and the Potash Road to Musselman Arch along the White Rim Road. This section of road will be closed to all vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians during the construction period. Completion of the entire 100 mile White Rim Road loop during this time will not be possible.

Contact the park’s Backcountry Reservation Office at 435-719-4351for information regarding backcountry trip options.


For general information about the park visit our official website at:  www.nps.gov/cany
Release date:    Immediate
Contact:           John Lewis
Phone number: 435-719-2150
Date:                June 4, 2014

Monday, May 5, 2014

Thelma & Louise Ladies ONLY Half Marathon has new Relay with Boat Shuttle Component 2014


Registration is now open for the Third Annual Thelma & Louise Half Marathon and Relay to be held June 7, 2014. This year, a 2-person relay has been added with each relay runner covering either the first or second 6.55 miles of the half marathon course. Relay teams will also enjoy an awesome boat shuttle down the Colorado River, provided by local outfitter Canyonlands by Night and Day.

The race celebrates the spirit of the 1991 award-winning film, Thelma & Louise. The virtually flat scenic course is located very near the location of the final scene of Thelma & Louise. The Colorado River accompanies runners through the towering Canyon walls along the 13.1 mile course.

Enthusiastic volunteers greet participants every 1.5 miles at well-provisioned aid stations, including the inaugural Brad Pitt Stop. Taiko Drummers will provide inspiration along the course, and the post-race offerings will include cold beverages and delectable food to help replenish and refresh the runners.

Race participants get into the spirit of the movie by wearing race bibs personalized with their chosen alter ego “Thelma” or “Louise”. Many runners and race crew dress up in movie-inspired attire with bandanas and cowgirl hats. We may also see cameo appearances by characters from the movie, including Thelma & Louise, the Rastafarian road biker and cop car, the big rig truck, and a classic 1966 convertible.

Beyond the gorgeous landscape and fun, runners will be supporting two organizations that support women. Girls On The Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through running. Seekhaven Family Crisis Center provides services for families in crisis and victims of violence in Moab.

Consistent with the Moab Half Marathon Mission, the Thelma & Louise Half Marathon and Relay will be low-impact.  Race bags are sturdy, attractive and reusable, compostable cups have replaced plastic cups/bottles and separate trash bins for recycling, trash and compost are offered. All waste generated by the event is sorted by volunteers to maximize recycling efficiency. Leftover food is donated to the local food bank, and the race course is cleaned up prior to and after the event.

In addition to the Thelma & Louise Half Marathon, Moab Half Marathon presents three other road races: The Other Half on October 19, the Winter Sun 10K on December 6, and Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile on March 21, 2015. 

Visit www.moabhalfmarathon.com  to register for the Thelma & Louise Half Marathon and for more information about all the races.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Jeep Safari Current Availability for Lodging April 12- 20 Time Frame

In case  you need to know about rooms for April 12 – 20 this year, as of today (March 5 2014), the following accommodations are available during Jeep Safari in Moab Utah.


·         Right now the  Apache Motel has  rooms on the 12th thru the 15th but we are booked on the 16th – 17th and 18th  have some rooms on the 19th. Thank you for your  inquiry Sharon Apache Motel manager
 
·         We are available starting Sunday, April 13 - 16 (depart).  (3 nights)  Sleeps 8. (3 bedrooms/2 baths)
Would love to get it booked.Thanks.
Angie Schmae
Rim Village G4
www.vrbo.com listing # 315569
435-640-3783
 
·         We have availability for Thursday 4/17 - Sunday 4/20. Rates begin at $429 per night. 
Thank you, Zach   Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
T: 435.259.4642
 
·         I have April 12th and 13th open in one of our condos.
Thanks, Vanessa Madrid
360-624-6988
bluecoyotehideaway@gmail.com
 
·         Bowen Motel has plenty of rooms up until the 15th, then only about 10 for the 16th . We are sold out for Thursday the 17th and only have 2 double queen rooms for 18th & 19th . Easter Day is open availability at this point.  You can book by phone 800-874-5439 or online @ www.bowenmotel.com.
 
 
·         Su Casa InnHas nights of Apr 15 and 16 available
Sue Dalton
435-260-8090
www.sucasainn.com
sue@sucasainn.com
 
 
·         April 11th:  Cane room and Willow Cottage
April 13th: Alebrejas room
April 16th: Alebrejas room
April 17th Suite Cochitta room
April 20th:  Cane room, Willow Cottage and Garden Cottage
Kim-- Cali Cochitta B&B
www.moabdreaminn.com
(435)259-4961
 
·         Brittni here at the Aarchway Inn! (435)259-2599. We have rooms available from the 13th through the 16th. And again a few on the 18th and 19th. We are sold out for the 12th and 17th.
 
 
·         Adobe Abode 5 rooms open the week of 12- 20th of April, 2014. My rates are $139.00- $149.00 double occupancy. This Judy at the Adobe Abode B&B info@adobeabodemoab.com
 
·         Red Cliff’s Lodge  435-259-2002// 866-812-2002
We have suites available April 12th through the 17th = the rate per night based on double occupancy is $239.95. Our cabins are available April 12 thru the 20th = the rate per night based on double occupancy is $339.95 per night plus tax
 
 
·         The B&B on Starbuck Land has a room with private entrance and en suite bathroom available April 15 departiing April 24th.Our rate is $100 + 10.20 tax per night. That includes breakfast fixings in the room..cereal, milk coffee, tea, bread, butter and peanut butter and fresh fruit and yogurt.
My email is slewis@moabproperties.com   435 260 2658. Suzanne Lewis
 
·         We appreciate you contacting us about open rooms for Jeep Safari. We have a few rooms left for the 12th, 14th, 16th. Every other day. The rate we can offer for are Double Queen is 109.95 plus tax. Also, we only have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If we have a cancellation after this time we only charge if we CANNOT resale the first night. I hope this helps and if you have any questions please let us know.   Megan @ The Moab Rustic Inn  435 259-6177
 
 
·         VRBO 118079
Rim Village Vistas
Available 11-14 April
$280/nt + $85 cleaning + Tax
Sleeps 8     (801) 556-2850     Drew Jordan
 
·         Whispering Oaks Ranch
435-259-7666
www.whisperingoakslodging.com
Cedar Bend Cabin: April 12-16
Jaydee’s Run Cabin: April 12-17
Daybreak Cabin: April 12-20
Grey Dawn Cabin: April 12-17
Wildflower Cabin: April 12-13 and 17
Sagewood Cabin: April 12-20

Castle Valley Inn has a few rooms available for the week of the jeep safari.  A couple of the rooms we have availability is the Entrada room $135/nht and the Hovenweep bungalow $185/nht plus lodging tax of 10.2%.  Of course this includes a full service, yummy hot breakfastSmile emoticon.  Also, check out the new pics we just added to our website. 
Jason & Jeanette
Castle Valley Inn
www.castlevalleyinn.com
435-259-6012
 
April 15th and 16th Gonzo Has rooms other than that we are booked all week.
 
The Sunflower Hill B&B  (800-662-2974) has a few room available each night of April 13-20th.  All rooms are booked April 12.  Thank you.
Kathleen Lund
Innkeeper
Sunflower Hill Inn
Tel. 435-259-2974
Reservations: 800-662-2786
Email: innkeeper@sunflowerhill.com
www.sunflowerhill.com
 
The LaunchPad B&B has 3 rooms available for April 18-22.  The room names are "Cataract" ($130/night), "Stillwater" ($99/night) and "Westwater" ($99/night).  Please visit www.launchpadmoab.com.  Scroll to the bottom and click on one of these room photos.  You will be taken to my reservation page for more details.  Hope to host you at The Pad!
Erin
 
 

Monday, February 3, 2014

Presidents' Weekend and Valentines Day Moab

                           Presidents' Weekend and Valentines Day all on one weekend this 2014.
  • Three National Park Fee Free days, February 15, 16, & 17. Enjoy a full day each in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
  • Moonlight bicycle ride in Dead Horse Point State Park on February 15th. Be amazed by the brilliance of a full moon lighting the way on a cloudless night.
  • At Historic Star Hall to enjoy the Moab Community Theater players’ production, “Almost, Maine.” It will play at 7 PM February 13, 14, & 15. 

Moab Backcountry Trail Rides serves visitors throughout the winter. Make reservations to experience the towering red walls from the saddle, like John Wayne in the 1961 film, “Comencharos”. The Moab Information Center has a free pamphlet listing movies filmed in Moab. Take a drive to the movie sites; make it a scavenger hunt of sorts. Or download the pamphlet in advance of an arrival to watch films with Moab backdrops to get excited about a jaunt to Moab. Soon to be released in 2014: “Need for Speed” and “Transformer 4”, both have scenes shot in Moab.