MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Adventure Travel, National Parks, river rafting, Uncategorized

With Reopening of Arches National Park, Moab Adventure Center Counts on Nature to Restore the Pandemic Weary

June 5, 2020 MoralCompass

With the reopening of Arches National Park, Moab Adventure Center suggests three guided tours to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols.

MOAB, UT– Arches National Park in the world’s favorite red rock playground of Moab, Utah, has reopened to visitors. Guided tours of this iconic park have resumed, along with a variety of half-day, full-day and overnight river rafting programs along the Colorado River.

“The benefits of getting into nature for a few days are just what the doctor ordered – especially now,” said Cort Wright, Manager of the Moab Adventure Center, which operates programs into Arches National Park, Utah, and on the Colorado River. “As depression and anxiety diminish, our renewed vitality gains a foothold and positive attitudes surface. It will be a joy for us this summer and fall to see our guests transformed by the activities we provide.”

According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, “being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” (For the full report see: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.)

Moab Adventure Center, a full-service resource for the adventure-minded, suggests three guided tours of Arches National Park to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols (see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/covid-19

Guided Tours of Arches National Park: Daily morning and sunset tours of Arches National Park help interpret the 150 million years of geology and nature that have created this masterpiece of more than 2,000 arches – the highest concentration on the planet. Tour rates are $89 for adults and $79 for ages 5 to 12. See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours

A third tour offers a breathtaking aerial tour of the park. Departing mid-morning, the half-hour flyover views formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. Youth two and under fly free on a parent’s lap. Tour rates are $109 for adults and $55 for youth 3 to 12. For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-air-tours

Colorado River Tours: Full and half-day rafting adventures on the Colorado River along the southern border of Arches National Park can also be arranged through the Moab Adventure Center. A half-day morning tour showcases the mild to moderate rapids under a background of red rock cliffs, spires and buttes. Rates are $74 for adults and $64 for ages 5 to 12. Another half-day option comes with a BBQ lunch. Rates are $89 for adults and $79 ages 5 to 12. A full day on the river, with lunch, is a memorable seven-hour excursion. Rates are $109 for adults and $79 for age 5 to 12. (For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-river-tours.)

As of May 1, 2020, the Southeast Utah Health Department authorized a phased reopening of businesses in and around Moab. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are now available and operating within recommended guidelines. The town is seeing quite an influx of visitors as so many now are choosing an outdoor vacation as the best escape with loved ones.

Moab Adventure Center is offering most of its regularly scheduled activities along with new private tours (www.moabadventurecenter.com/private-tours). These include exclusive Hummer Safari outings for up to nine people; private canyoneering adventures; exclusive Arches National Park morning tours; private stand-up paddle boarding lessons for up to six people; and private Moab rock climbing outings for up to four people.

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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Active Travel, National Parks, US Travel

Moab Adventure Center Offers Active Itineraries to Explore Region’s Red Rock Wonders

January 31, 2017 MoralCompass

Moab Adventure Center offers active itineraries to explore to explore the Region’s Red Rock wonders

MOAB, UT– The red rock playground better known as Moab, UT, has scaled the heights to become one of the country’s most sought-after destinations for active vacations.

When first-time visitors to the region choose to experience all that Moab has to offer, more bang for the buck comes with advance planning and using local guides who know the territory best, suggests Jamie Pearce, Manager of the award-winning Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Pearce and her staff highly recommend choosing one of their three time-driven, guide-assisted adventure packages to fully enjoy this small town surrounded by two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and the mystique of the Colorado River.

Moab Signature Multisport Package is a short escape offering the most popular Moab adventures over two days: a Colorado River rafting trip, a two-hour Hummer Safari into the adjacent backcountry plus an exploration of Arches National Park on a professionally guided hike. The rate is $212 for adults and $154 for ages 5-15. Moab lodging (on your own) is available at a variety of motels, campgrounds and lodges. See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/hummer-raft-hike.php. This package can be upgraded to include a full-day rafting trip with lunch and a special sunset Hummer safari for just $35 more per person. Offered Mar. 15 through Oct. 21.

Southwest Sampler spans four days and three nights. Guests spend two nights at Moab’s quirky and stylish Gonzo Inn near shopping and restaurants, just a short walk from the Moab Adventure Center while hiking and touring Arches National Park capped by an off-road sunset Hummer Safari. Two days of rafting the Colorado River follow, including one night of star gazing while camping riverside. The rate (including all-inclusive camping) is $625 for adults and $525 for ages 5-15. Offered May-September.
See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/southwest.php

Westwater Multi-Sport Moab Package engages guests over four days and three nights as they raft legendary Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River that National Geographic named “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip.” On this Utah rafting and multi-sport adventure guests experience different thrills every day with all the comforts of home each night. Included is Moab’s breathtaking backcountry on an exhilarating Hummer Safari; an optional horseback ride in Utah’s famous Castle Valley brings to life scenes from countless movies and commercials filmed in the Moab area. The overnight host is Red Cliffs Lodge on the banks of the Colorado. Offered May-September the rate is $685 for adults and $635 for youth ages 12-15. See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/westwater.php

Recognized nationally as a mecca for outdoor recreation and spectacular scenery, National Geographic named Moab #1 among America’s 10 Best Mountain Bike Towns. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-mountain-biking-towns/. Moab was included in Matador Network’s Top 10 in a 2016 ranking of “America’s 20 Coolest Outdoor Towns for Adventure.” https://matadornetwork.com/trips/americas-20-coolest-towns-outdoor-adventure/. Smarter Travel’s 2016 ranking of the “10 Best Outdoor Towns in America” slotted Moab in its honored Top 10.
https://www.smartertravel.com/2016/05/10/10-best-outdoor-towns-in-america/

To speed things up so people can slow themselves down, the region now has scheduled daily air service from Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT.

The Moab Adventure Center website suggests other activities and info on lodging and where to eat in Moab. The Center recommends, due to its popularity over spring and summer weekends, to have lodging reservations in hand before coming to the region. Pocket Guide Moab: Last Minute Itineraries for the Undecided Traveler is also a good resource to the area.

For more details see:
What to See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/sightseeing/
What to Do: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/activities/
Where to Stay: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/lodging/

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (www.westernriver.com) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163 or send an email from http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/contact/. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing and souvenirs.

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family-friendly adventures, National Parks

Moab Adventure Center Gears Up for Families During National Parks Centennial Celebration

July 20, 2016 MoralCompass

Moab Adventure Center just 4.5 miles from Arches National Park and 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park, is gearing up for a rush of families who have marked 2016, the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, as the “it” year for visiting “America’s Best Idea.”

MOAB, UT– Moab Adventure Center, just 4.5 miles from Arches National Park and 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park, is gearing up for a rush of families who have marked 2016, the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service, as the “it” year for visiting “America’s Best Idea.”

Creating a family vacation in Moab is easy enough once the family has decided how many days they can be in the region. Then it’s a matter of getting everyone up and out early so that at least two activities can be scheduled each day.

Families with children ages 5 and up can discover some of the most scenic canyons in the Southwest from the unique perspective – and excitement – of rafting through rushing but playful whitewater. Half and full-day as well as two day programs inclusive of overnight camping and meals can be arranged. Half-day rates start at $60 for adults and $40 for youth. See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/

A Two-Day Raft & Camp package at $265 for adults and $195 for youth places families on an overnight adventure along the Colorado River. Come dinner the first evening the food miraculously surfaces from a dutch oven before bedding down in tents under the stars. All food, gear, guide fees and equipment are provided. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/twoday.php

Off-road 4×4 excursions make a wonderful family experience for all ages. Professional guides operate custom Hummer® vehicles with raised seating in the rear for optimum passenger viewing while climbing to the top of seldom-seen, awe-inspiring Moab overlooks. Scenic outings are for two or four hours and at sunset. Rates are from $83 for adults and $51 for youth ages 3-15. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/hummer/

Families can extend their budget by purchasing a pre-set activities and lodging package such as the Rock & River Package that includes a two-hour Hummer Safari in the morning and a five-hour river rafting trip in the afternoon. The rate is $149 per adult and $107 per youth for this guide-enhanced immersion in Nature. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/

Older youth may want to do some slick-rock mountain biking and zip lining; everyone can partake of hiking, guided or not; and just possibly Mom and Dad can get away for a romantic hot air balloon ride over the mysteries this landscape holds.

Families may also opt to hire a private tour guide for a day or longer. The guide can also take over much of the decision-making and provide that other-person-buffer families sometimes appreciate to keep things running smoothly. The best hiking trails, views, discoveries of petroglyphs and Indian lore, and hidden places for stand up paddle boarding all play into the many activities and experiences that a guide can arrange. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/private-tours/

To make it easier to get to Moab there’s a new air service from Salt Lake City and Denver into the region. San Francisco-based Boutique Air provides passenger airline service to Canyonlands Field Airport. It provides two flights daily to Salt Lake City at $59 per flight and one flight daily to Denver at $79. The airline will provide five flights per day during Moab’s busy tourist season.

Moab Adventure Center is at the epicenter of nature-themed rather than theme park-style adventure, promising activities that include rafting, jet boating, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking and hot air ballooning. Hummer safaris, rock climbing, canyoneering and horseback riding are also popular. Many of these activities are conducted with guides, an arrangement that helps preclude the kind of impact to the land that can happen when uneducated visitors venture into areas where they perhaps shouldn’t be. Guides help people understand how and where they can move through back country areas with the least trace possible.

Year-round occupancy for the area’s 3,500 beds runs between 74 and 80 percent, primarily from March through November. While availability on Moab Adventure Center’s rafting, hot air balloon and other activities can usually be accommodated, lodging may be an issue and people should book accommodations well in advance.

For pre-trip-planning and reservations,visit the Moab Adventure Center website where a catalogs, trip guides and the Moab Insider’s Guide can be ordered. See http://secure.moabadventurecenter.com/express/inquiry/ or call 866-904-1163.

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