Moab's 2012 Nature and Landscape Photography Workshops

Here is the current list of photography workshops known to be held in Moab in 2012.

Exposure36 snuck in for National Parks Birthday August 25, 1916 and a blogger piped a beautifully lit Canyonlands photograph. Something a little extra. For custom Photography Tours & Workshops with four people per guide, including 4WD transportation, appropriate beverages or snacks for the length of the tour, Moab Photo Tours can accommodate many additional dates for instruction from beginner to amateur level through professionals.

From April through November, the 2012 Artist in the Park is a photographer! Logan Hansen will have specified dates, if visitors would like to meet him in the field. Look at the schedule to see when and where he will be: Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep or Bridges National Monument.


March 25-30 2012
Medium Format & Panoramic Photography
Peter Lorber

April 7-8 2012
Moab Utah Nature Photography
Jerome Shaw

April 19-22 2012

The Digital Photo Workshops

Dave Black

April 21 & 22 2012

Undiscovered Moab Photo Tour

Bret Edge

May 3-6 2012
Moab Photography Symposium
Guy Tal, Dan Ballard, Carolyn Guild, Jeff Foott, Tom Till, Bruce Hucko, Sheila Babbie, and Steve Traudt

May 4-6 2012
Illuminate Workshop
Efrain Cruz and Armando Martinez

May 6-13 2012
Moab Photo Tours with Tom Till
Tom Till

May 13 - 17 2012
Spring in Arches
Robert Rodriguez Jr.

May 13-18 2012
Red Rock Country
Jim Altengarten

May 16-20 2012
Scenic Light by Bob Evans
Bob Evans


May 18-22 2012
The Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Workshops
Alain and Natalie Briot


May 27 - June 1 2012
Arches & Canyonlands: Desert Spring
Tim Cooper

June 7-10 2012
North American Photo Tours Moab
Art Wolfe and Jay Goodrich

September 9-13 2012
Barefoot Contessa
Margo Pinkerton

September 18-21 2012
Nikonians Academy
Winston C. Hall

September 28 - October 1 2012
With Western Spirit Biking Shooting Action Photography
Scott Markewitz

October 1-5 2012
Arches Canyonlands National Park Photography Workshop
Salvatore Vasapolli

October 27-31 2012
4th Annual Full Moon Over Red Rock, Arches and Canyons
Don Smith Photography

November 4-10 2012
Moab Photo Tours with Tom Till
Tom Till

December 2-8 2012
Moab Photo Tours with Tom Till
Tom Till

Best of Utah Races and Sport Events May Well be in Moab for 2012

Looking ahead into 2012 for Moab Utah Races and Sport Events.

New on the Moab agenda will be a Roller Derby event, Mountain Bike Stage Race and Bull Riding competition. The Moab Trail Marathon has a new designation for 2012 too.

Bring your bicycles, running shoes, roller skates, horse and getting ready to move.

January 7 - 8 2012

Saturday & Sunday

Archery 3D Shoot

January 21, 2012 NEW

Saturday

Moab Mid Winter Mayhem

Roller Derby Event

Feb 18, 2012
Saturday
Moab's Red Hot 55K and 33K
55K trail run, 33K trail run

March Yeti Thaw

Stay tuned read about the 2011 event.
Mountain Bike Demo Rides

March 17, 2012

Saturday
Canyonlands Half Marathon

March 24-25, 2012
Saturday
24 Hours Utah…the Run

April 9, 2012

Monday

Moab Marathon

April 14, 2012
Saturday
Adventure XStream Series - Moab
Adventure Race

April 14, 2012
Saturday
Amasa 6.5M and 9.5M
9.5M trail run, 6.5M trail run

April 28 & 29, 2012

Moab Horse Show

American Quarter Horse Association affiliate

May 12, 2012

Saturday

Gran Fondo Moab

Road Cycling Event

May 12, 2012

Saturday
Red Rock Relay Moab

Team Foot Race

May 19, 2012

Saturday

Suffer & Send It

Stay Tuned to Chile Pepper Bike Shop

May 31 - June 3, 2012

Thursday - Sunday

Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo

June 8-9, 2012

Friday & Saturday

Rockwell Relay
Moab to St George Road Cycling

June 6-9, 2012
Wednesday - Saturday
4x4 Crawl for Christ

June 8-9, 2012
Friday & Saturday
TriUtah Moab Triathlon Festival
Triathlon Xterra

Jun 17-23, 2012
Sunday - Saturday
Desert R.A.T.S. Multi-Stage Race

6 days - 148M run

Foot Race

June 24 - 30 2012 NEW
Sunday - Saturday
San Juan Hut to Hut Stage Race 

Mountain Bikes

August 11, 2012 NEW

Saturday

Lane Frost Challenge

Bull Riding

September 22 2012
Saturday
Moab Autumn 10K Run

Foot Race

September 29 - October 1, 2012 NEW

Saturday - Monday
Furious 3

Mountain Bike Stage Race

September 29 - 30 2012 NEW

Enchilada Enduro

Mountain Bike Downhill Race by YETI

October 3 - 7, 2012

Wednesday - Sunday

OuterBike

Mountain Bike Demo Rides

October 2012

Saturday - Sunday
Slickrock 100M, 50M, 50K

Foot Race

October 6-7, 2012 (tentative)
24 Hours of Moab

Mountain Bike Race

October 25-28, 2012

Thursday - Sunday

7th Annual Moab Ho-Down

Mountain Bike Function

October 25-27, 2012

Canyonlands Endurance Race

Horseback

October 21, 2012

Sunday

The Other Half Marathon

Foot Race

November 3 2012 NEW DESIGNATION: Trail Marathon National Championship

Saturday
Moab Trail Marathon, Half Marathon and Adventure 5K Run/Walk
Foot Race

November 7-1, 2012

Moab Senior Games NEW

For ages 50+, medals given to top three contenders across 13 games.

November 17, 2012

Saturday
Turkey Trot

5K Foot Race

December 1, 2012

Saturday
Winter Sun 10K

Foot Race

Moab is on Facebook

For immediate views of the most current local events, live music and activites become a friend of Moab on Facebook.


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Remaining Races taking Place in Moab to Complete the 2011 Race Season

Have you heard about a new race set for Moab on September 24 2011? It is the Autumn 10 K. YOur choice of a 5K 10K or get the children out for a kids' race too. Benefits Charter School and the cross country teams in the Grand School District.

October 8 – 9 2011 Granny Gear's, Suzuki 24 hour mtn bike is a premier race for the competitive mountain bike circuit and other reasonably aggressive mountain bike athletes.

October 8 & 9 2011 The Slickrock 100 is a UTMB qualifier race. That means the Slickrock 100 will be worth 3 points for your 2012 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc Registration!

October 27-29 2011 appeals to the Endurance Horse racer. No backtracking or repeat trails and incredible scenery. Get a mix of two track and single track riding with good footing and defined trail flagging and detailed maps. Please register in advance online or mail in the form.

October 16, 2011-01-24 The Other Half – half marathon has more elevation to conquer, under the sublime persuasion of immense scenery for which Canyonland Half Marathons are known. Packet Pick up is at the Moab Valley Inn Saturday 11 am – 7 pm, the day before the race only. A Pasta dinner is served that evening at Moab Valley Inn from 5-8 pm. Sunday, shuttles start at 6:30 am. Spectators will only be located at the finish at Sorrel River Ranch.

November 5th 2011 brings a trail marathon around the Pritchett Canyon area of Moab. It will be exclusive to 200 runners.

November 26 2011 The 16th Annual Turkey Trot is produced by Moab Recreation department. This 5K is suitable for strollers and dogs on leashes.

December 3 2011 The Moab Half Marathon producers bring to runner the Winter Sun 10K. The course is mostly downhill and starts a bit later, 10 AM. Runners will be eligible for prizes too.

Barrel racing will be taking place at the Old Spanish Trail Arena on October 1, 2; October 29, 30; and November 12, 13th. Get some professional guidance at the March 12th 2011 Barrel Racing Clinic in Moab too.

Beer and Wine of Moab

Spanish Valley Vineyards and Winery is a small farm winery owned and operated by the Dezelsky Family where, in Moab Utah, they grow and produce:

* CHARDONNAY - Dry with tropical fruit flavors
* GEWURZTRAMINER - Off dry with citrus flavors
* RIESLING - Crisp and fruity, apple flavors
* CHERRY WINE - A glass of cherry pie!
* Late Harvest RIESLING - Sweet dessert wine
* CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Dry with berry flavors
* MERLOT – Future Release $15.95

Castle Creek Winery produces:
• Chenin Blanc $9.95
• Lily Rose White $8.95
• Chardonnay $9.95
• Outlaw Red $10.95
• Merlot $12.95
• Cabernet Sauvignon $12.95
• Kid Red $10.95
• Uintah Blanc $8.95
• Gewurztraminer $9.95


The Moab Brewery has this selection to offer palates.
• Elephant Hill Wheat Ale
• Derailleur Ale
• Black Raven Oatmeal Stout
• Porcupine Pilsner German Lager
• Merrimack Steamer Lager
• Sit Down, Shut Up, & Hold On Belgian Wheat
• Dead Horse Amber Ale
• Scorpion Pale Ale
• Lizard Ale Wheat Ale
Full Strength Selections come in the Desert Select Series
• Black Imperial IPA
• Trippel
• Scottish Style Ale

Eddie McStiff's Beer
• Rock Amber
• Canyon Cream Ale
• Raspberry Wheat
• Blueberry Wheat
• Pure Desert Wheat

Red Cliffs Lodge for a Moab Wedding

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

A Taste of Moab's Bike Industry

State of the bike report with video

View more presentations from Moab Utah Travel Council.

Firey Furnace Hike In Arches National Park

The Fiery Furnace requires use of your hands and good health. Not an easy hike, such an informative hike, you are with a Ranger. Plan ahead, reserve this tour online.

First, research the hike. There are video clips to help you evaluate the hike. Read the age restrictions too.

A nice park newspaper is handed to visitors at the fee collection booth. Trail distances and approximate lengths of time are provided to enable a strategy for exploring Arches National Park.
April - November the park visitor center is open 7:30 am - 6:30 pm. Stop in to get the materials as you arrive in Moab to mull over during dinner. Hot summer months, get on the trail early, have a simple breakfast snack at an Arch! In June, dusk is at 8:45 pm, so set out on an evening walk, make it a sandwich-kind-of-supper, something lighter than usual. Or there is always Denny's (open 24 hours) to eat dinner afterwards.

Eating in Moab

Paradox Pizza delivers. The walls exhibit purchasable art. Feel good about recycling which is set up for patrons to easily use. Yummy salads and mouth watering pizza toppings. And you can get a beer with that.

The Blue Pig is open for dinner, stating Blues, Brews and BBQ. During the day the restaurant can be reserved for business or wedding luncheons or other group uses. The Blue Pig also provides catering for more remote events.

Eddie McStiff's Garden Room may be used for private parties. Throughout the season live music is often scheduled for weekends and some weekday evenings in Moab. Outside many mingle at the Tiki Bar for Happy Hour specials.

Sunset Grill is aloft on the east canyon wall. Once a millionaire's home, the restaurant now offers up spectacular views from the patio or the room with wrap around windows. Sunset Grill has been the location of weddings too.
Zax's has an all you can eat pizza and salad bar among other choices for lunch. It is open early for breakfast. There is a sports bar to your left and the restaurant to your right with a wrap around veranda for additional seating. An ambiance fireplace burns outside when the weather warrants lighting it.
Love Muffin is very retro. Go there for a breakfast burrito, specialty coffee and lunch. A few tables are situated on the sidewalk out the front door.
Frankie D's starts in a quonset hut, cold beer on tap and other alcoholic drinks. Play a little pool, go outside throw a little horseshoes, enjoy the covered patio and be surprised by the wholesome food Frankie serves up at a Tavern.
The Jailhouse Cafe is open only for breakfast. Indoor has limited seating. Half of the deck has been enclosed, the other half is under nice shady trees.
Milt's has outdoor seating, an ala carte menu, and bike parking. Most Moab businesses offer bike racks for securing your bike. Milt's is a hopping spot with the Thriftique across the street for shopping and Dave' Corner Market beside Milt's for resupplying your ice chest.
Eklecktica Cafe has a shady garden to supplement the little indoor seating. This cafe will have vegan options, serves up coffee or choose your own beverage from a refrigerator. There will be dessert choices at the counter.
Red Rock Bakery is adorned with local art on the walls. Sandwiches are on breads baked on the premises. Have a cup of coffee, pour your own water from a dispenser. Free wifi, however, most places in Moab offer free wifi.
There is the newly styled Peace Tree Cafe with an airy feel and enticing menu. Try the Sweet & Salty Beet salad.
Settling in to eat in Moab. But first you have to park. This is Slickrock Cafe. It is located on the corner of Main and Center Streets. Turn here toward 100 West to find a city parking lot. Look for a little lane just past Sew Moab.

Recycling in Moab

Many businesses encourage recycling in Moab. At the Canyonlands Campground it couldn't get more convenient, a recycling shed right next to the dumpster. And Paradox Pizza has an exemplary system too.

Recently a story about Moab students recycling has been released. The Travel Council department for Meetings Weddings and Events has Green Sustainable Event Tips. Sara Melnicoff is a true recycling champion with a devoted crew of volunteers. They maintain highly impacted areas in the Moab community and toil with sorting at Moab's Recycling Center.

April 22 2011 Earth Day Tree Planting

Earth Day tree planting ceremony at the Four Corners Monument. Utah Native Plant Society members as well as the general public are all invited to attend on April 22 2011. Festivities will include Native American dancers, music, food, a documentary camera crew, the native vegetation, and more. UNPS along with native plant societies in the adjoining states have made joint contributions to provide native trees and some shrubs. The plantings will be watered and cared for by the staff that maintains the Monument. Moab! Steve Hegji would love to see help around 9 AM. Come with gloves and a shovel.

April Live Music in Moab

So far Listings for Eddie McStiffs, Frankie D's and Vista Lounge!

Eddie McStiff's will offer live music on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in April. The music starts around 7 pm and is free. And Mojitos are Back! Order at the Tiki Bar!
The playlist:

April 4 Chris Henri & Luke Benson
April 5 The Porchlights
April 6 The Mirror Balls

April 11 Chris Henri & Luke Benson
April 12 Lucky Lovers
April 13 Dave Steward, Davide Earl Brown & Jeff Gutierrez

April 18 Chris Henri & Luke Benson
April 19 Mickey Rollins
April 20 Lucky Lovere

April 25 Chris Henri & Luke Benson
April 26 Lucky Lovers
April 27 David Steward, Davide Earl Brown & Jeff Gutierrez

Frankie D's will also have entertainment.
ZZ Top Friday, April 1 (April Fools)

Karaoke w/Brendan Friday, April 1 (really)

Insatiable Saturday, April 2

Lucky Tongue

Nice Jewish Girls

Gone BAD

Sneak Peek at May for Frankie D's ~ Johnny Rawls Blues May 16, 17 & 18

Vista Lounge Announces Live music for April 8
"Cousins from WV," a duet featuring Appalachian-tinged songs, will perform Friday, April 8 at the very hip Vista Lounge at Buck's Grill House in Moab. Show begins at 8 p.m. For more information, call William Perritt at 304-897-6807, or send an email to revcoyote@hardynet.com.

Arches National Park, Moab, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park, Offer Free Educational Opportunties

Visitors to Moab may well desire to seek education about the fantastic surroundings of Moab Utah. There are park personnel and other authorities providing entertaining and educational lectures in the parks or in Moab. Self-guided materials can be found in the Moab Information Center in the heart of Moab. And, of course, Guided Tours are thriving in Moab for a personal voyage with an expert.

Thus far Dead Horse Point State Park posts -

April 1 2011 ~ 10-10:30 AM ~ Geology talk at the Dead Horse Point Overlook

April 2 2011 ~ 10-10:30 AM ~ Geology talk at the Dead Horse Point Overlook

April 2 3022 ~ 8 PM ~ Star Party at the Visitor Center Amphitheater

April 3 2011 ~ 10-10:30 AM ~ Geology talk at the Dead Horse Point Overlook

April 9 2011 ~ 8:30 PM ~ Audio/Visual, games, activities and Bat viewing at the Visitor Center Amphitheater

April 10 2011 ~ 7 AM ~ Morning Bird Walk starts from Visitor Center Amphitheater

April 16 2011 ~ Register 2 days prior for this Full moon Hike 435-259-2614

April 23 2011 ~ Hour long Sunset Hike. Start 7 PM at the Overlook.

April 30 2011 ~ Hour long Sunset Hike. Start 7 PM at the Overlook.

Arches National Park has a ranger lead walk that operates twice a day. It is called the Fiery Furnace. It is worth the $10 for adults; $5 for 7-12 ages and 6 and under free. Don't expect the little ones to walk, bring that back pack and be able to walk the broken ground of this outing. Limited to 15 participants at a time.

Arches Artist in Park features Kathy Cooney for 2011. Visitors have an opportunity to interact with the artist on the following days.

April 2 2011 ~ 11 AM - 1 PM ~ La Sal Mountain Overlook

April 2 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 9 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 16 2011 ~ 11 AM - 1 PM ~ Wolfe Ranch

April 16 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 19 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 21 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 23 2011 ~ 11 AM - 1 PM ~ Balanced Rock

April 23 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 26 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

April 30 2011 ~ 11 AM - 1 PM ~ Windows Section

April 30 2011 ~ 2-4 PM ~ Arches Visitor Center

Canyonlands National Park as this General Schedule for the various districts of the park -
Rangers present a variety of interpretive programs March through October at the Island in the Sky and Needles districts. Schedules and times vary so please check the bulletin boards at the visitor center and campground for current listings.

Spring-Fall Program Schedule -

The Island in the Sky district offers up to four programs daily, including geology presentations at Grand View Point at 10:30 & 11:30am and talks at the Visitor Center at 10:30am & 1:30pm. Rangers at overlooks & trails throughout the day, are also happy to explain Canyonlands' many features.

The Needles district offers evening programs at the Squaw Flat Campground most nights of the week. Programs begin at 7:30 pm and last about one hour.

The Maze district offers guided hikes in Horseshoe Canyon every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) during April-May and September-October. Walks begin at the west side Horseshoe Canyon trail head at 9am.

Special walks or programs may be arranged for large groups by contacting the districts directly:

Island in the Sky (435) 259-4712
Needles (435) 259-4711
Horseshoe Canyon (435) 259-2652

For Families with Children in the National Parks of Moab: There are Discovery Packs for Island In the Sky and Needles districts. A deposit is required to check one out. The pack has a number of handy explorer gadgets and field guides to use as you walk around. Perfect if you desire to identify the flora or lizards that you see on the trail.

Junior Ranger booklets are given out to kids ages 6-12 in every National Park across the nation. Be sure to ask about the Junior Ranger program in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks too.

In downtown Moab, The Moab Information Center has an amphitheater. Often Thursday nights are dedicated to presentations brought to the public by the Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA). CNHA also stocks the visitor center with maps and books and music pertinent to the Moab area.

Currently these programs are scheduled to be held at the Information Center -

March 31, 2011 ~ 7 PM ~ The Story Behind the Photos; Excerpts from Roads Through Time - A Roadside History of the Moab Area
Sam Lightner, Jr\\\'s book Roads Through Time - A Roadside History of the Moab Area is more than just a road guide to the area byways; it is the inside story of Moab: the ancient Anasazi and Ute, Spanish explorers and gritty cowboys, devout religious followers and lawless criminals, and adventurous bikers and climbers. Join us to learn more about the back story to Moab's history.

April 14, 2011 ~ 7 PM ~ Art Works by Pete Apicella, 2010 Community Artist in the Park 2010 Pete Apicella
Pete Apicella served as SE Utah Group Community Artist in the Park in 2010. Pete will share a little about his experience along with examples of his artwork which reimages the dynamic desert landscapes of this region into works featuring colored pencils and prismatic inks in a vivid and compact format.

April 28, 2011 ~ 7 PM ~ Wildflowers of Canyon Country ~ Joel Tuhy
Joel\\\'s presentation is one of the most popular of the year. This year he will share his extensive knowledge of wildflowers of Canyon Country. Joel's photos are truly outstanding. Joel works locally for the Nature Conservancy.

May 12, 2011 ~ 7PM ~ Slide show and discussion on the Sagstetter's recent book: The Cliff Dwellings Speak
Bill and Beth Sagstetter

Also May 7 -14 2011 is the Utah State Archeaology Week. Stop in at the Moab Information Center to collect the Rock Art Brochure for a self-guided tour of reachable panels on the outskirts of town. Remember: Rock Art Panels are protected by the Antiquities Act. Do not add graffiti to these sites, nor touch the rock art.

Become a member of The Archeaological Conservancy and join them May 10-17 2011 in Utah for a San Juan River Trip with expert David Grant Noble. He is author of Ancient Ruins of the Southwest. Shop the Arches Book Company or Back of Beyond Books of Moab for regional titles.

There are other excellent guided tours in Moab. They lead visitors on the Colorado River, on the trails by motorcycle, ATV, four wheel drive or bicycle, through the rocks climbing or canyoneering, in the sky with scenic flights, hot air ballooning or sky dives.

If you are researching Moab Utah as a destination for a group coming for a reunion, business meeting, expo, conference, board retreat, wedding or other event, find help with venues and services for groups at Moab Utah Meetings, Weddings, Events.

Moab Wedding Among the Red Rock, the Elements and the Four Directions

Moab Race 2011: For Barrel Racing, Endurance Riding, Motorcycle, Road Cyclist, Mountain Biker, Trail Runner, Marathon Runner, Half-Marathon Runner, Tr

Moab is an incredible destination. Combine the travel to Moab with a competitive event. The landscapes are alluring to vacationers and somehow inspiring to competitors. Have a look at this quick list for 2011 races in Moab. Many are annual events. If you happen to miss a race this year, put it on your list of positive matters for your 2012 calendar.

The March 19, 2011 The Canyonlands Half Marathon will take place on Hwy 128, a.k.a. the river road. Registration is closed for 2011. Interested Athletes will have to catch the Other Half in October or plan now to enter for the spring 2012 half marathon race.

Red Rock Dirt Riders has a motocross race March 26-27. Looking for flaggers to volunteer for the weekend a group of ten can earn $1,000. Call Jason Parriott 435-260-8003

The Red Hot trail race by Grass Roots Events sold out for February. Race results for 2010 are up. Explore it in preparation for the AMASA 6.5 and 9.5 on April 9^th. Check in is at 7 AM for this 8 AM race start. Amasa is imited to 100 athletes. GO to active.com to register online.

On May 14 2011, the Red Rock Relay gets 70 paved miles through Red Rock cliffs from Swanny Park in downtown Moab over the La Sal Loop Road back to Moab with one vehicle and six runners running two legs each. Registration limited to 200 teams in the Red Rock Relay footrace.

March 26, 2011, the 24 Hour Foot Race is a course of 5-8 mile loops offering more aid than any other 100 mile race. Race solo or enter a team of up to ten athletes. Point is to get as many laps as you can in a 24 hour period. Or come out to volunteer. reid_delman@geminiadventures.com 303-249-1112

There is a new motorcycle series called the 4 Corners Championship Series! Five tracks are on board: Grand Junction motor speedway (March 5th -6th), Moab Red Rock Speedway for a one day race (April 23rd), Monticello Bullhollow (May 7&8), Huntington Ironhorse (July 16th -17^th), back to Monticello (August 20-21^st), and the Price track hosted by CEMA (September 4^th, 24th and 25^th), back to Ironhorse (October 8th and 9^th), finishing at Grand Junction (November 12th and 13^th). For questions contact tonityrca@emerytelcom.net.

June 10 -11 2011, the Rockwell Relay road bike relay starts Friday at 8 AM from Swanny Park Moab to complete 516 miles to the finish. Teams of 4 cyclists average 3 legs in this relay of 12 legs over backcountry paved roads to finish in western Utah.

June 12-18 2011 Gruelling 148 mile Kokopelli averages 9 or 50 miles a day between Grand Junction and Moab Utah. Take the Desert R.A.T.S. challenge.

October 8 – 9 2011 Granny Gear's, 24 hour mtn bike is a premier race for the competitive mountain bike circuit and other reasonably aggressive mountain bike athletes.

October 8 & 9 2011 There is a new trail run of 50K to occur. Let's call it the Jug Rock race.

October 27-29 2011 appeals to the Endurance Horse racer. No backtracking or repeat trails and incredible scenery. Get a mix of two track and single track riding with good footing and defined trail flagging and detailed maps. Please register in advance online or mail in the form.

October 16, 2011-01-24 The Other Half – half marathon has more elevation to conquer, under the sublime persuasion of immense scenery for which Canyonland Half Marathons are known. Packet Pick up is at the Moab Valley Inn Saturday 11 am – 7 pm, the day before the race only. A Pasta dinner is served that evening at Moab Valley Inn from 5-8 pm. Sunday, shuttles start at 6:30 am. Spectators will only be located at the finish at Sorrel River Ranch.

Barrel racing will be taking place at the Old Spanish Trail Arena on October 1, 2; October 29, 30; and November 12, 13th. Get some professional guidance at the March 12th 2011 Barrel Racing Clinic in Moab too.

Free Raft Trip to be Given Away from World Wide River Expeditions of Moab Utah

Facebook being the rage for communication, World Wide River Expeditions has promised drawings for free river gear in the weeks coming up to a selection of one lucky participant to recieve a free river rafting trip. The trip is one out of Moab Utah. For the full details, check out World Wide on facebook.

Wilderness Backpacking Moab Utah Canyonlands - Arches - La Sal Mountains

( Image: Canyonlands National Park (UT). By Rog Wilmers. Canon 20D. Score: 70.9)

Update January 3 2014

Wilderness backpacking conjures up lightweight, space efficient, backpacking gear. There are survival skills to hone for preparedness. Magazines like BackPacker help with trails and destinations. Here are some tips to Moab Utah backpacking places, which include trail backpacking of Canyonlands National Park, as well as, backpacking hiking requiring use of map and compass to navigate the desert wilderness.

Canyonlands National Park in the Needles District has a fine system of trail backpacking, designated campsites and permits to enable peace of mind traveling in the backcountry. Water in the desert is always an issue. You will be limited by how much water you are able to carry. Over in the Maze District of Canyonlands a visitor may hire an outfitter to base camp, car camp and commit to longer day trips to remote walls of rock art tucked away in the labyrinth known as the Maze. Permits are finite. Planning is required to secure permits for these two districts out on your own. For around $30 secure a reservation for your backcountry park use. These permits are popular. Utilizing an outfitter creates more guaranteed opportunity to enter these fantastic hideaways. There are limited backcountry outfitters too. Contact the National Park Service for a current list of concessionaires. In 2013 Canyonlands National Park instituted an online calendar showing permit availability for the Maze 4-Wheeling camping, Needles Backpacking, Needles 4-Wheeling camping, and White Rim camping. Reservations are to be made no more than 4 months prior to the intended date.

In Arches National Park, a backpack permit is also required, but does not cost anything extra than the park entry fee. Because the trailheads to the hidden arches are largely along the 18 mile paved access road, many visitors are content to explore with day trip hikes in Arches National Park. You'll have the backcountry to yourself in Arches. There are old mining roads from the Ranch Exit off of Interstate 70 to park and enter Arches by Yellow Cat or Lost Spring Canyons. Backpackers could access mountain bike trailheads and parking off of Hwy 191 to navigate into Klondike Bluffs. Or start from the Colorado River and up Court House Wash and points within the park from that entrance.

The National Parks do not allowed pets in the back country. Backpackers and hikers with pets may cross the Bureau of Land Management grounds dappled with State Lands around Moab. Keep in mind the Bureau of Land Management still issues licenses to trap. Visitor services advise to maintain the leash law required in the city of Moab in the backcountry for the protection of your pet. Moving across the land requires strict adherence to the Leave no Trace principles, strong ability to use map and compass, and understanding the topography which has complicated passages of cliffs, fins and canyons. Be sure to create an itinerary and leave it behind with instructions of what to do should you fail to check-in on schedule. Dialing 911 can kick off the emergency system to include the Grand County Search and Rescue for backcountry recovery. You will be billed if you get lost and hurt, so please travel conscientiously.

Try dropping out of Hatch Point Area south of Moab and making way back to Moab through Kane Creek, that way there is some water to filter to drink. Or explore Indian Creek or Lockhart Basins using a jetboat shuttle to drop you out there and hike back to Moab. See Tag-A-Long Expeditions and Tex's Riverways, who head right to the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers in Canyonlands to pick up canoe campers, thus the power boat runs down empty and would have room for backpackers.

The La Sal Mountains has streams for sufficient hydration. Just as one would in the desert, a means of treating found water to rid it of micro organisms for consumption must be carried and used. An understanding of traveling in bear territory is necessary for the mountains in order to avoid wildlife mishap. The Forest Service office in Moab published a new map in 2013 on tear resistant paper specifying bike trails and driving routes. For backpacking you may invest in USGS quads: Mt Waas, Mt Mellenthin, and Mt Peale.

Coming to Utah for a conference? Add to your trip a pre or post excursion to Moab to undertake your backpacking hobby. March 2, 2014 SkyWest Airlines will service flights between Salt Lake City and Moab's Canyonlands Airport. Reserve flights utilizing Delta.com. Phone 435-259-1340 for travel solutions from your meeting to Moab Utah. Or recommend to your company executives to set up Moab for a business meeting, training session, or board retreat. Find detailed help with Michele Hill in the Moab Travel Council office, marketing Moab for Meetings, Weddings and Events. Phone 435-259-1340

Old Spanish Trail Arena of Moab for Rent for Events

Old Spanish Trail Arena is a state of the art equestrian arena for rodeo, roping, barrel racing and equestrian clinics. It is also a multi-use facility.

The arena will be transformed in February for the production of a Fashion Show. The Fashion is created out of reused and recycled items in affiliation with the Wabi Sabi Second Hand shops of Moab. The Fashion Show is an auction. It raises funds for non-profit partners. The non-profit partners receive a dividend from the second hand store sales quarterly and the Fashion Show is an annual fund raiser event.

In March,the arena hosts two dog agility events. The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)and Dogs on Course in North America (DOCNA). NADAC was formed in 1993 to provide North American dogs and their handlers with a fast, safe and enjoyable form of the sport of dog agility. DOCNA was formed in 2005. It is the newest dog agility organization.

In April, the arena floor becomes an expo of all things 4x4 in celebration of the Easter Jeep Safari. In May, the side-by-side UTV Rally moves in for an expo too.

By June the Spanish Trail Arena will be the venue for the Canyonlands rodeo and later in the month headquarters for the Red Rock Camp 2011. This is a conference combining many outdoor adventures that Moab has to offer.

Research Moab's Old Spanish Trail Arena for an event in the future for your organization, company or reunion. Phone 435-259-1340 for more information.

Highliners in Moab

Mad about ropes and rigging. Highliners add swinging to the rim to rim set up in Moab. If you are interested in highlines, wingsuits, B.A.S.E. jumps take a look at the prAna blog.


Hey athletes - should you like to organize a competitive highline function, you have help connecting with permits for public lands through Moab Utah Meetings and Events.

Red Stone Inn Moab, Utah