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