The Desert is Different: Plan a Trip to Moab, Utah
Free
Level:
Beginner
Duration:
2 hrs
Videos:
12
Downloadable Files:
0
Lifetime Access
Acess from any Computer, Tablet or Mobile
Online Videos
Multiple Resources
One-on-One Mentorship
There's nothing on earth like Moab, Utah. Get tips on planning your trip with this series of best practices. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this course is for you. Hear from local experts and learn about Moab's unique ecosystem and the sustainability guidelines that make visiting Moab and the high desert different from other outdoor recreation destinations. Experience this special place and do it right: stay safe, protect the resource and be a part of what makes Moab an incredible place.
Sample course content
What you're going to learn:
- Trip Planning Essentials: Learn how to prepare for your Moab adventure with safety, sustainability, and local guidelines in mind.
- Protecting Moab’s Resources: Gain insights on safeguarding fragile biocrusts, respecting cultural sites, and minimizing your environmental impact.
- Recreation-Specific Tips: Master best practices for hiking, mountain biking, motorized activities, camping, river use, climbing, canyoneering, and recreating with dogs.
- Trail Etiquette & Shared Spaces: Explore strategies for sharing trails, respecting other users, and fostering a positive outdoor community.
- Waste Management Made Easy: Understand proper waste disposal techniques, including the use of wag bags, to keep Moab’s pristine environment clean.
Planning Your Trip
Moab’s stunning, remote landscape offers unparalleled adventure, but it also demands careful preparation. Before heading out, make sure you're equipped with the 10 essentials—like a navigation system, water, sun protection, and communication tools—to stay safe and self-reliant in the backcountry. With the right planning and gear, you can explore this rugged paradise with confidence and respect for its unique environment.
Sharing Moab and the Trails
Moab's vast wilderness is a popular destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. To ensure everyone can enjoy their unique experiences, it's important to respect other trail users, practice good campsite etiquette, and follow local guidelines for wildlife, noise, and traffic. By being considerate, prepared, and mindful of the environment, we can help preserve this incredible landscape for future generations and honor the people who call Moab home.
Waste and Wag Bags
Explore the beauty of Moab’s trails while minimizing your environmental impact! Mariah Ward, Healthy Trails Coordinator, shares essential tips for eco-friendly outdoor adventures, from packing out human and pet waste to proper trash disposal. Equip yourself with tools like wag bags, respect trail rules, and help preserve these stunning landscapes for future generations.
Cultural Sites
Discover the awe-inspiring ancestral landscapes of Moab and Southeast Utah, home to thousands of cultural sites across millions of acres. Be a part of preserving the integrity of thesacred sites—leave artifacts undisturbed, avoid touching rock imagery, and report any damage to authorities. By honoring these lands and their living cultural significance, you show care for the history, traditions, and communities that make this region unique.
Biocrust
In the desert, the soil surface is alive! It's covered with lichens, mosses, cyanobacteria, algae, fungi and other microorganisms that together are called biological soil crusts. It can be hundreds of years old and if you step on it, it dies. In this video, learn how to spot biocrust, its importance to the desert ecosystem and how to recreate without disturbing it. lp preserve it for future generations.
Hiking
Discover the wonders of public lands with respect and preparation. From towering peaks to riparian oases, these spaces offer unmatched diversity—but responsible hiking is key. Stay informed, follow marked trails, and prioritize safety and conservation to protect these shared treasures for everyone.
Mountain Biking
Explore the epic beauty of Moab's 170 miles of desert trails, perfect for bikers of all skill levels. Whether you're headed out with a local guide or venturing into pristine wilderness on your own, here are some important tips to maximize fun and safety.
Motorized Vehicles
Experience the thrill of Moab’s diverse off-road adventures, from E-bikes to jeeps and rock buggies, with more than 90 trails to explore. Prepare for your journey with the right gear, trail etiquette, and a commitment to protecting the resource. Respect your fellow adventurers and the local community as you enjoy the ultimate off-road experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
River Use
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado and Green Rivers with a wide range of adventures, from serene paddleboarding to exhilarating whitewater rafting. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, guided tours ensure a safe and educational experience, while self-planned trips offer endless opportunities to customize your journey. Respect the environment, embrace "Leave No Trace" principles, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure under the desert sky.
Climbing/Canyoneering
Moab is a world-class climbing destination like no other, where diverse sandstone formations offer thrilling adventures for every climber, from bouldering to multi-day summits. With stunning landscapes, a delicate ecosystem, and rich cultural history, it’s a place that inspires awe and demands respect. Plan ahead, embrace sustainable practices, and let the desert challenge and reward you in equal measure.
Camping
Discover the joys of desert camping with low-impact practices that protect our natural treasures. Plan ahead for your Moab adventure, from reservable campsites to dispersed options, and follow essential guidelines for fires, waste, quiet hours, and leash laws. Let’s create unforgettable experiences while preserving these lands for generations.
Camping
Discover the joys of desert camping with low-impact practices that protect our natural treasures. Plan ahead for your Moab adventure, from reservable campsites to dispersed options, and follow essential guidelines for fires, waste, quiet hours, and leash laws. Let’s create unforgettable experiences while preserving these lands for generations.
Recreating with Dogs
Explore Moab with your furry best friend and create unforgettable memories in this dog-friendly paradise! From pet-friendly trails and accommodations to tips for staying safe in the desert heat, Moab offers a wealth of adventures for you and your pup. Plan ahead, pack the essentials, and enjoy a responsible, paws-itively amazing experience! 🐾
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Free
Duration:
2 hrs
Videos:
12
Lifetime Access
Access from any Computer, Tablet or Mobile
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