Moab, Utah
travel like a local.
The first thing you should know about me is that I need a cup of black tea with milk to start my day… no matter what. Whether it's a 5am flight or 5am ski I will be up extra early to drink my milky tea in peace before starting the mission. The desert is the absolute exception to the rule, and I really didn’t know that until my most recent trip to Moab. So, there are some “must do’s” and some “you should really do’s” and before you get reading I will warn you there is no mention of Arches National Park or Canyonlands and that is 100% NOT because they aren’t amazing and magical all in their own way and it is 100% because I am obsessed with my dog and wouldn’t imagine (nor could I with the hot days) leave him to go into the National Parks. That being said, I have a dream of canyoneering, many of which take place inside the parks and so one day I will update this blog with all the ways to emotionally detach yourself from your dog and board them for 24 hours so you can experience all the magic to be had inside the gates, but for now I’ll save myself the traffic and the RV’s and stay away.
24 hours in Moab this is what you have to do
Start early and pack yourself an iced chai latte (scroll down the the meal prep section to see why this is so important)
Camp on the Rim
Climb at wall street
Eat Gelato at the food truck park
Have a picnic by the colorado river
Stop by GearHeads for all your gear needs
Ok so you have a week in Moab, let’s dive in…
Where you’ll hike
Mary Jane Canyon - 10 miles roundtrip
Wear chacos and bring 4 beers
Dogs allowed, unleashed
Bowtie & Corona Arch - less than 3 roundtrip
Do this at sunrise in your camp slippers
Dogs allowed, leashed
Where you’ll swim & picnic (from 2-5pm when it's 100 degrees)
Ken's Lake - Park HERE to avoid the large family area
When you arrive at the lake take the road to the left that goes around the left side of the reservoir and turns dirt pretty quick. You need pretty high clearance or a very capable subaru. Follow the road until it loops back towards hte lake and you end up on the other side of the traditional Ken's Lake Parking Area. You’ll have a little gravel private beach to yourself. Pack out everything you bring and respect others using the area!
Power Dam - 3 mile hike in to swim
Mill Creek - Park HERE to find parking even on the hottest days
This gets crowded but is a quick fix on a hot June day, save the EMT’s a trip and don’t jump into the 4 feet of water.
Where you’ll sleep
Anywhere on The Rim - this sounds intimidating but if you’re keen on maps just get on BLM and start driving towards the rim, the best way to find the best spots is to turn down roads other people wouldn’t.
Lone Mesa (Dripping Springs) - keep driving, keep driving, and you’ll find tombstone rock
Looking Glass Arch - and go for a sunset solo and rappel into the arch!
Dubinky Well Road
All of these camping spots are dispersed spots with no amenities. Follow Leave no trace, including wag bags. Bring everything you might need to be self-sufficient (water, med kids, fire & bathroom equipment). Do your research and make sure you are prepared. I will be putting out some blogs on what I pack for these types of adventures which include a lot of little items to make your stay easier & comfier.
What you’ll eat
The biggest thing to note when you’re prepping meals for Moab is 1. A quick breakfast means you can leave camp before the sun boils your skin (premixed iced chai and a cold bagel with cream cheese is the way to go) and 2. Your ice will basically melt everyday so either plan to make stops in town or pack things that don’t spoil when they are hot.
If I were you, I’d stop by Trader Joes in Salt Lake on the way south. Also, Utah doesn’t have the best beer or selection as you might have guessed so plan to bring some for home to filter into your cooler rotation.
Here’s a meal plan if you’re so inclined
Day 1
Dinner: Instant Ramen & Frozen Dumplings
Keep it simple after a long drive
Day 2
Breakfast: Bagel, cream cheese, Lox if you’re feeling crazy
Lunch: Keep an assortment of peppers, avocado, and deli meat for sandwiches
Dinner: Camp Fried Rice (recipe coming soon but basically just pre-chop veggies and buy pre-cooked rice with lots of sauce and seasoning)
Day 3
Breakfast: Oatmeal is quick and easy, add a banana
Lunch: Charcuterie with a good green apple and some jam
Dinner: Sausage Rigatoni (I always try and bring some frozen elk meat from a friend at home and basically just add crushed tomatoes and spices, great for a big group of people!)
Day 4
Breakfast:
Lunch: Another version of charcuterie or leftovers
Dinner: Tacos or Black Bean Quesadillas - super easy especially if you follow my homemade watermelon salsa recipe to add in.
Day 5
Breakfast: Yogurt and fruit cups are a fun mid-week refresh
Lunch: Another version of a sandwich
Dinner: Veggie Cheesy Pasta (basically whatever veggies you have left or pick up at the store, and add some cheese)
Day 6
Treat yo’ self! And don’t open that stinky cooler until you’re back home. Head out on the town and support Moabs food scene, I recommend a burger at the Spoke followed by some Buck Hunter at the bar.
