Moab 2021
By: Edward Arthur Dalton & The Dream Chasing Family
Taking this quick trip to Moab was our last-ditch effort to play in the sun one more time before sweater weather hits. While we were able to do just that, it was just one of many fun trips we had over the summer.
I have been diligently taking lots of photos and videos of little Eddie — who is growing up so fast! Regrettably, I have not been as diligent in sharing them here on our little corner of the internet. However, since I last logged our fun trip to St. George, we have also traveled to Lake Powell and Tetonia, Idaho — which were both beautiful. I’m afraid the photos and videos from those trips will have to live in the archives of my hard drive.
Anyways, it has been a long-awaited joy to have Eddie along for the ride. His energy and excitement is contagious. I didn’t quite realize how entertained Sarah and I would be watching him experience even the most commonplace things for the first time. His little perspective adds a level of youthfulness to everything that we were desperately missing.
For instance, I used to think a good day of mountain biking entailed an epic location, riding fast, and the more time the tires were off the ground — the better. Or, a hike was only as good as it’s views.
While Moab may be a location that offers all of the above and more in bulk, I was just as content on the paved bike trail and sidewalks downtown as I was riding the iconic Slickrock Trail or hiking Delicate Arch — as long as Eddie is doing it with us. If he is enjoying it, there is a good chance I am loving it (unless it’s eating messy food 😩).
I guess what I’m trying to say is he has made everything feel more epic! It is like we are experiencing everything for the first time again through him, which has been unexpectedly rewarding!
Sarah and I haven’t been to Moab, at least in our adult lives, so it was a new destination for all of us. And since we were only there over a weekend, we were having a bit of FOMO as there is soooooo much to see and do that there was no way we were going to check it all off the list over a weekend. Although, we were able to do a surprising amount considering the time constraints and the slow little walker we had with us. Below are our favorite takeaways from this trip!
Overlanding
We recently scored a Tentrax overland tent trailer, which I have enjoyed outfitting with our adventure gear. It makes it especially easy to run off on a trip with minimal prep time, since everything is always packed and ready to go play at the drop of a hat. Moab made a good venue for it’s maiden voyage. However, we played it safe for our first trip and stayed close to civilization at the Moab Valley RV Resort, which had all the amenities — including a heated pool! So… we can’t really claim it as a true “overlanding” experience.
Slickrock Bike Trail
Some say this is the trail that put Moab on the map. I have heard about the Slickrock Trail all my life, so it’s reputation most certainly preceded itself — and I now understand why.
With rolling hills of petrified sand dunes contrasted by the snow capped La Sal Mountains on the horizon, it’s views are as breathtaking as the trail is unique. The loop is made up of hard sandstone, marked by a line of striped white paint to keep you from drifting off into a sea of seemingly endless red desert waves.
We opted to ride the shorter 2.2 mile “practice loop” with Eddie, who is currently obsessed with anything that has tires. Needless to say, he was in Heaven among all the wheels.
la Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive
If you like long drives, this scenic loop is a must. We accidentally came upon it when I was trying to get to Castle Valley (pictured above), which the loop travels through.
The La Sal Mountain Scenic Drive is a 103.3 mile long paved loop. Throughout the length of the drive, the elevation change is nearly 10,000 feet — meaning by the time you are finished, you will have driven through every landscape the region has to offer; from the sandy banks of the Colorado River to the snowy high alpine peaks of the La Sal Mountains.
Arches National Park
Arches is home to the Delicate Arch (pictured above), which is arguably the most circulated landmark used to represent Utah. After all, it is the artwork used on Utah’s license plates. We braved the crowds and a short hike to get a firsthand look at it — which was worth it I think!
Downtown Moab
I have never had such a hard time trying to decide where to eat. There is an abundance of dining (and shopping) along Moab’s main drag. We originally planned to cook all our meals at camp, but being my birthday weekend and all, we splurged for one meal and ate out. After a long day of biking and hiking, we felt like we earned a carb overload for dinner, so Pasta Jay’s in the heart of Moab it was. You can learn more about all things Moab at DiscoverMoab.com.
All in all, Moab was a blast! We are looking forward to going back for more desert filled adventure next year when the warmth returns.
