Moab and parks provide winter fun, too
Known for being Utah’s spring break mecca, Moab isn’t exactly considered a hot spot in the winter.
But it should be. Just ask representatives from the Grand County Travel Council and Moab Area Chamber of Commerce.
“As a photographer, this is a fantastic time of year,” said travel council information specialist Robert Riberia. “If you love the parks, this is the best time to come.”
Julie Mueller, executive director of the chamber of commerce, said visitors during the winter can enjoy privacy unavailable any other time of year.
In the summer, visitors hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and see approximately 50 visitors at a time. But in the winter, hikers can arrive at the landmark engraved on Utah license plates and enjoy solitude for long periods of time, Riberia said.
Another feature about Moab and its surrounding areas during the cold months that no one can see during the peak times is the white stuff.
“The incredible beauty of the snow on the red rocks is unimaginable,” she said. “The beautiful dusting of the red rocks is one of my favorite things to see.”
The blanket of snow accentuates the red rock and brings out the detail, Riberia said.
Another attraction for winter-time tourists is low lodging rates that do not require reservations.
“You see signs of ‘$29.95’ all over town,” Riberia said.
Lack of information may be another reason visitors don’t come in droves during the winter, she said. Tourists must keep in mind that the national parks are open year round and the weather usually isn’t that harsh, Mueller said.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that the national parks are usually snow-free,” Riberia said. Winter recreationists usually have full access to backcountry roads, he said.
In the nearby La Sal Mountains, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy cross country skiing from one hut to the next in a chain of huts maintained by Tag-a-Long Expeditions, which operates out of Moab, Riberia said.
Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are also available in the La Sals and some even try snowboarding in the snow-capped mountains south of town, Mueller said. Anglers may ice fish in the mountain range’s small lakes, which include Oohwah Lake, Warner Lake, Hidden Lake and Don’s Lake, she said.
“It’s beautiful back there,” Mueller said.
Mueller said visiting families should trek up to the Sand Flats, above the town to the east, to mountain bike.
“You’re up above town and you don’t feel like it,” she said of the area.
The Sand Flats contain the trailhead of the Slickrock Bike Trail. Slickrock is for more experienced bikers, but there are trails for all levels on the flats, Mueller said.