Moab, Utah has always been a place of rugged beauty. Nestled in a valley between Red Rock buttresses and the Colorado River, with two national parks nearby, it was a hidden gem until recently. Now, it has become a bustling seasonal metropolis with a busy main drag, packed restaurants, plenty of glamping accomodations, and teeming hiking trails. Moab is different from the dusty little town I remember visiting when I was younger. I have fond memories of just showing up at Arches National Park and getting a campsite. Those days are in the past. And little creature comforts are a travel byword.
Drive just a little ways outside of Moab, and you’ll find plenty of adventurous spaces that are still private and hidden, tucked away and waiting to be explored.
Sophisticated and grounding, adventurous and relaxing, there are still mysterious spots to explore. Even in town, there are quiet culinary oases’ and lux experiences just waiting to be stumbled upon. Here are a few of our elevated luxury-meets-adventure recommendations from where to stay and what to do around Moab.
Two-Michelin Key Accommodations: ULUM Moab
One of two locations given two Michelin keys in Utah, ULUM Moab is located about 25 minutes out of town. A Michelin key is similar to a Michelin star given to a restaurant but for lodging. Two Michelin keys denote an exceptional stay with premier service, stunning design, and a unique location. ULUM is all of those things and more. The resort takes upscale glamping to another level. With a stunning brick-and-mortar lobby, each full Safari tent is spread out from the other for maximum privacy and situated for the best views.
The resort itself is nestled in a Red Rock crescent with a stunning view of Looking Glass Arch in the foreground and Canyonlands National Park in the distance.
Once you check-in, you may not want to leave. The resort offers three contrast bath-style plunge pools ranging from warm to cold, as well as complimentary morning yoga, meditation sound baths, tea blending, plant medicine walks, and homemade soap making. The outdoor yoga platform begs for sun salutations, and the fire pit at night is a place to gather and talk the ins and outs of wanderlust with other guests.
The “tent” is much more than a place to lay your head. With spacious interiors, comfortable beds, indoor and outdoor lounging areas, private hot showers in each room, and cozy Pendleton blankets, it is less camping and more a home away from home. There’s no driving up to your tent; a private shuttle will deliver you to and from with your luggage and gear. This maintains the level of quiet throughout the entire resort. The best part is the wood-burning stove in every tent. After coming back from a day of adventure, nothing feels better than a hot shower and cuddling up, hair still wet in front of a warm stove. In the morning, in-room coffee makes for the perfect early sip while you watch the sunrise from the porch.
The lobby has mid-century vibes that blend into the landscape, while old cowboy caves and corrals showcase just how long the site has been used and loved. The restaurant serves Southwestern Fare morning and night. There’s also a coffee shop and juice bar on site, which means there’s no need to leave the resort and head into town for food if you don’t want to. Complimentary mocktail mixing (with handcrafted, local flavors like prickly pear) and a trail mix bar round-out service.
Finally, ULUM can help you book any adventures you might want to enjoy, from canyoneering to guided hiking to kayaking. You can even make arrangements to climb Looking Glass Arch.
When You Go: ULUM Moab, 147 Looking Glass Rd., Moab, ulumresorts.com/moab
Climb Looking Glass Arch
Looking Glass Arch is on public land with a stunning vista of the entire formation jutting out from the desert, visible from ULUM resort. You might feel inspired to climb it after staring at it for a day or two. While it is a technical climb (requiring a guide if you are new to climbing), it is beginner-friendly. The nice thing about hiring a guide is that they will bring the gear. A guide will ensure a safe experience, from ropes to harnesses to helmets. Even as a relatively experienced climber, it was nice to bring my shoes and harness and let somebody else deal with the heavy rope.
At the 130-foot top, you’ll enjoy an amazing 360° view of the surrounding desert. You can see the La Sal Mountains, and deep into Canyonlands National Park.
Ravens may come over to check you out, but those are likely the only crowds you will experience, as Looking Glass is a little off the beaten path.
The descent is a 130-ft rappel through a smaller Arch to the ground. It is a free rappel and not for those scared of heights. For everyone else, it is a thrilling end to an enjoyable morning. Guest at ULUM can book through the website, but you can also find other outfitters locally.
Paddle Board the Colorado River
Water is the lifeblood of the desert and the only reason that Arches and Canyonlands exist. There is no better and more relaxing way to experience the majesty of sweeping red rock walls and the power of the Colorado River than to do a stand-up paddle board trip. There are sections of the river that are quiet and easy, away from the famous white water, and are a soothing meditation of balance immersed in positive ions.
Most tours last about three hours and are perfect for beginners. If you are a true beginner, going with a guide is ideal. You will get personalized instruction and gain the confidence to go out on your own. It’s perfect for a small family group, ideally for kids 10 and over.
If you feel particularly confident, most outfitters will set you up with paddle boards, life jackets and a shuttle for an unguided trip.
When You Go: Paddle Moab, 44 W. 200 North, Moab, paddlemoab.com
Wine & Farm Tours in Moab
Off the main drag in Moab, there are delicious ways to get back to the area’s farming roots. Easy Bee Farm is a local CSA that has been providing local produce to families and restaurants for nearly two decades.
During the growing season, they offer tours, seed swaps, supper, clubs, and other events, as well as fresh bread and produce in the farm store. Check their social media (@easybeefarm) for the most up-to-date information. You can also find them at the Arts and AG Moab Farmers Market.
Just a little ways away from Easy Bee Farm is Spanish Valley Winery. Started in 1979 as an experiment and carried on by various owners over the years, this Moab Winery specializes in single vineyard estate bottled wines. In true farm-to-bottle fashion, everything is done on-site, from growing the grapes to fermenting to bottling. During the summer, the winery is open 7 days a week from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tastings are $20 and are available for walk-ins. Vineyard tours are $50 and require a reservation.
We liked the riesling, a unique white wine that is available in both a sweet and a dry finish.
When you go: Easy Bee Farm, easybeefarm.com, Instagram: @easybeefarm; Spanish Valley Winery, 4710 Zimmerman Ln., Moab, moabwinery.com
United States. Photo credit S Quintans/Adobe Stock.
Private Guided Back Country Tour
Deep Desert Expeditions is run by Mike Cornella, who is quite famous in certain circles as one of the creators of the Heyduke Trail. Really, it is more of a route than a trail. Clocking in at over 800 mi long, it’s a Backcountry route that passes through every National Park in Utah, including the Grand Canyon, and avoids all cities and towns.
If spending 60 days on the trail hunting down water feels a bit too adventurous, Mike is standing by to take you on a private tour in Canyonlands National Park or the surrounding desert. He offers a wealth of stories, local lore, geological insight, and adventure with an experienced local guide.
Deep Desert Expeditions can craft a tour designed for your interests. They have you covered from photo and scenic tours to rock art tours to dinosaur and archeology tours. A private tour may be the best way to get into the real backcountry.
When you go: Deep Desert Expeditions,
visit deepdesert.com to plan your trip
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