Moab, Utah Area

On-Line Travel Guide

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Sightseeing Attractions

There are many opportunities for adventure in the Moab/Green River area that don't require physical exertion. For those visitors who prefer sight-seeing, wildlife viewing, photography and the like - this beautiful area holds many wonders just waiting to be discovered.

Photography

It's literally impossible to name the best photography opportunities in southeast Utah. Whether in town, rural or wilderness areas, the possibilities are infinite. Dead Horse Point and the National Parks are stand-outs for scenic beauty.

Movie Sites

Moab and Green River are charming western towns with many colorful scenes. Since 1949, the Moab area has been a popular 'location' for Hollywood movies, from the old John Wayne classics, to more recent hits such as 'Geronimo' and 'City Slickers II'. 'Thelma and Louise' took their final leap into the Colorado River from along the Shafer Trail under Dead Horse Point near Moab. Numerous commercials, and more recently music videos, have been filmed here. A guide to movie locations is available at the Moab Information Center, and the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River.

Sightseeing/Scenic Byways and Backways

Two officially-designated Scenic Byways that follow red rock gorges cut by the Colorado River, and a scenic backway, begin just a few miles from Moab. An Auto Tour Brochure published by the Grand County Travel Council is available at both the Moab and Green River visitor centers.

Colorado River Scenic Byway 128 starts two miles north of Moab on US 191. As the byway follows the Colorado River, it passes Negro Bill Canyon then several locations where western movies and commercials have been filmed. One of these sites is Castle Rock, the finger-like spire visible for several miles past the Castle Valley junction, where several memorable automobile commercials were filmed in the 70's. About halfway along the route, Fisher Towers loom 1500 feet above the valley floor. A picnic area and hiking trail are located at the Towers, This byway continues northeast and crosses the Colorado River on the new Dewey Bridge. The old one-lane suspension bridge, built in 1916 and used until 1986, has been placed on the National Historic Register. It still spans the river, near the new bridge, and is open to foot traffic and bicycles. Next, travel across the open desert to 1-70 at the west Cisco interchange, or turn around at the Dewey Bridge and return to Moab. This byway is 44 miles long.

Potash Scenic Byway 279 follows the Colorado River past Indian petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks and arches. It starts three miles north of Moab on US 191. Points of interest along the route are marked and pull-outs are provided. The canyon widens beyond Jug Handle Arch, revealing the sheer cliffs below Dead Horse Point State Park. The paved road ends at the Moab Salt Plant, where potash is extracted. This byway is 34 miles round-trip.

LaSal Road Backway begins from US-191 six miles south of Moab. It winds north over the LaSal Mountains and through Castle Valley to end at Colorado River Scenic Byway 128. This highway leads back to Moab, completing a loop. Views of the surrounding Abajo and Henry Mountains, and diverse alpine and red rock scenes, make this a stunning drive. The LaSal Mountain portion of the road is impassable in winter, due to snow.

Scenic Flights

A unique way to visit canyon country is from the air. Guided air tours offer breathtaking views of beautiful red canyons, wild rivers, mountains and remote landscapes from a totally different perspective. Flights may be booked departing from Green River or Moab.

Wildlife Watching

The Matheson Wetlands Preserve, located just a half-mile from Moab, provides some of the best wetlands wildlife watching in Utah. It is the only major wetland along the Colorado River in Utah. It is a critical 'steppingstone' for migrating waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds. Points of entry include Kane Creek Road, the end of 400 North, and the end of Stewart Lane. The preserve is open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. For more information call (801) 259-4629.

Ghost Towns

Area ghost towns tell some of the best tales in Utah. For history buffs, photographers and adventurers, they provide fun opportunities for exploration. Many ghost towns are on private land and some still have residents living in or around them. Please respect landowner rights and obey posted signs. To get to area ghost towns, ask for directions at the visitor center in Moab or Green River or consult the Green River See and Do Guide .

Sego: Set at the base of the Book Cliff Mountains, this coal mining town was established in 1893, and was named for the Utah state flower, the Sego Lily. The first coal washer west of the Mississippi was constructed here. Four-wheel drive may be required when the road is wet.

Cisco: A supply center and railroad town for sixty years, Cisco was the nearest shipping point in southeast Utah. Cisco depended on the pump house and the railroad for water. In the early 1900's, cattle ranching and mining helped Cisco grow. The old town now has declined to abandoned buildings and corrals.

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