Arches National Park
MOAB
Rafting on the Colorado River
Surrounded by red-rock landscapes, two national parks and the
Colorado River, Moab, Utah, offers stunning scenery and year-round
outdoor recreation.
Arches National Park, located five miles from downtown Moab, has
more than 2,000 arches within its 76,518 acres, which also showcase
colossal sandstone fins, soaring pinnacles and spires, and massive
balanced rocks. Daily free programs include geology talks and ranger-
guided walks, and dark-sky adventures provide opportunities for
students to learn about astronomy.
Canyonlands National Park is 32 miles from Moab and offers
spectacular views and hiking trails that range in length from a half-mile
to 17 miles. The park is ideal for students interested in photography,
camping, biking and kayaking.
Groups can also get out on the nearby Colorado River via canoe and
kayak excursions on calm-water segments and whitewater trips on the
Fisher-Towers section.
Local tour companies offer programs for middle school, high
school and college students on a variety of topics and activities that
include natural resources and conservation, rafting, rock climbing,
canyoneering, backpacking and leadership, according to Elaine Gizler of
the Moab Area Travel Council.
“We get students in science classes and clubs, Scouts and other
groups looking for outdoor adventure,” Gizler says. “Some groups start
their trip in Salt Lake City and make their way to Moab, and others start
here on a trip to see all five of the national parks in Utah and then fly out
of Las Vegas.”
Gizler says many groups arrive by bus or van, or they fly into Salt
Lake City or Grand Junction, Colorado.
For more information, email Elaine Gizler of the Moab Area Travel
Council at [email protected] or visit discovermoab.com.
TOP EDUCATIONAL ATTRACTIONS
The Giants Museum and Paleo Aquarium, Mill Canyon
Dinosaur Trackside
TOP RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, Moab Skate Park,
Moab Boulder Park
TOP LOCAL FESTIVALS
Moab Arts Festival (Memorial Day weekend), Scots on the Rocks
Celtic Festival (Nov. 3–5)
NTAonline.com
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