Moab Multi-Sport Adventure in Southern Utah

Moab is southern Utah’s adventure mecca. Starting back in the 1950’s, miners blazed a network of back roads and trails in search for radio active uranium. Neither the miners nor the hundreds of Hollywood films that have been shot there since then, have influenced the character of Moab as much as the recent influx of adventure seekers.

The town itself, can get quite busy in the summer months but ROAM’s decades of experience in trip planning takes you away from the crowds as we explore this vast desert playground. Our trips combine the best that Moab has to offer in the way of adventure activities, eclectic dining and funky accommodations, while we whisk you off each day to places less travelled.

Moab’s “Slickrock Trail” made the region famous with fat tire enthusiasts, but now the number of mountain biking and hiking trails for all manner of skill sets, are seemingly endless. Based out the recently refurbished and always hip Gonzo Inn in downtown Moab, we’ll have a variety of daily choices for activities ranging from canyoneering, mountain biking countless trails, riding ATV’s or Razors, and rock climbing for the uber keen. The cult of outdoor recreation in Moab borders on fetishism.

After exploring Canyonlands and Arches national parks, we will head north to Westwater Canyon for its legendary stretches of white water and breathtaking landscapes. Immersed in the wilds of the Colorado River for a 3 day/2-night rafting expedition we will be treated to fun-filled days on the water bookended with glorious evenings in our beach camps. Your knowledgeable guides will astound you with wonderful meals and belly laughing evenings around the campfire under starry desert skies.

After our sojourn down the river, we will return to Sorrel River Ranch for a few days of decadence and more soul filling activities in one of Utah’s most spectacular settings. Visiting the Professor Valley without a hike or climb up Fisher Tower’s would not be right! If you feel like duding up, Sorrel offers some wonderfully scenic horse rides right from the property. As one southern Utah’s most prestigious resorts, you’ll be dearly spoiled for your last few days of vacation!

Itinerary at a Glance

• Arrive Salt Lake City where a ROAM representative will meet you at the airport
• 4-hour scenic shuttle to Moab, check into the Gonzo Inn
• Welcome dinner at the acclaimed Desert Bistro
• Choose from a number of adventure options including canyoneering the Medieval Chamber; biking on slickrock or single track; hiking among arches or rock climbing
• Rendezvous at the Moab Brewery for drinks then choose sushi or steakhouse for dinner
• Head to Westwater Canyon for 3 days of rafting
• SUP or inflatable kayak through Ruby Horsethief Canyon
• Enjoy riverside catered camping for two nights
• Transfer downstream to the luxurious Sorrel River Ranch
• After a ranch breakfast, explore the area on foot or by horseback or have a spa day
• Enjoy another wondrous night’s sleep and hearty breakfast then it’s back to Salt Lake City for homeward flights

What to Expect on the Moab Multi-Sport Adventure

Although each date may vary slightly in order of events, here’s a sample itinerary of what your trip may look like…

Day One: Arrive Salt Lake City & Transfer to Moab

Today is your arrival day into Salt Lake City, where a ROAM representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you approximately 4 hours to Moab. It’s a scenic and atmospheric drive but guests wishing to fly direct to Moab can be easily accommodated and ROAM is happy to make the arrangements on your behalf. Upon arrival at the Gonzo Inn, we’ll check in and regroup soon after for welcome drinks and an orientation. Depending on the timing, there may be an opportunity for a hike or bike ride before dinner at the acclaimed Desert Bistro.

Overnight Gonzo Inn, Moab

Day Two: Moab

Today is all about options. The activity choices are many as we can choose from canyoneering the Medieval Chamber and its famous rappels, biking on slickrock or single track trails that made Moab famous, hiking among arches and fins, or trying some of the region’s high quality rock climbing. For those choosing half day activities we’ll lunch at Zak’s and for those on full day excursions, we’ll pack sumptuous bag lunches.

For those not familiar with canyoneering, it combines entry level rock climbing and scrambling with rappelling. Most of the routes require more courage than physical ability. In the Medieval Chamber, for example, the first rappel takes you right into the heart of the mountain but the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the 100-foot double rappel off a spectacular and very exposed archway. Ropes, harnesses and helmets are provided for participants.

No matter what you choose to do, at the days end we’ll rendezvous at the Moab Brewery to compare stories and sample flights of Moab’s finest handcrafted brew. Tonight, you can choose sushi or steakhouse, depending each person desires.

Overnight Gonzo Inn, Moab

Days Three, Four & Five: Westwater Canyon Rafting

Today we head north to Westwater Canyon, which has been called “the west’s best short white water trip” by National Geographic magazine. Choosing the 3-day section of this river, allows us time to float and try SUPs and inflatable kayaks through the gorgeous Ruby Horsethief Canyon before we reach the 17-mile white water stretch. In this section, the river flushes through two-billion year old Vishnu Schist canyons and pink Zoroaster Granite canyons, topped by red gold sandstone as we challenge miles of class III-IV rapids. Our two nights in the field will be spent camping on big sandy beaches and enjoying guide-prepared meals under a blanket of stars. On our last day, we will be dropped off in the Professor Valley at the elegant Sorrel River Ranch. Dinner tonight will be on the banks of the Colorado but with cozy rooms and comfy beds to sleep in!

Overnight riverside catered camping / Sorrel River Ranch

Day Six: Sorrel River Ranch

After a massive ranch breakfast, we have a plethora of different hikes to choose or you can saddle up for a horseback ride right from the ranch. Situated 17 miles north of Moab, the ranch offers a surreal landscape and stunning vistas. However, the expansive grounds and great views. may just lure you into sitting on our porch with a good book, or take advantage of the resort’s full-service spa. Tonight, we will have our farewell dinner and toast to the outrageous adventures we have experienced all week.

Overnight Sorrel River Ranch

Day Seven: Moab to Salt Lake City

After breakfast we’ll make our way back to Salt Lake City for homeward flights or your next adventure. ROAM is happy to book you any additional nights or customize further adventures if desired.

Accommodations

The Gonzo Inn, Moab

The Gonzo Inn is a personal touch boutique condo-hotel with a desert chic vibe with forty-three condominium-style rooms and located just one block off Main Street and within half a mile to the trails. Amenities include both an indoor lounge and patio lounge and heated salt water pool and hot tub.

Sorrel River Ranch & Spa

At Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa, the hospitality of a traditional ranch is beautifuly fused with the attention to detail and the amenities of a rich and luxurious experience. No wonder it’s considered the finest luxury resort in Moab.