Destination Guide – Moab, Utah

You know the song “I left my heart in San Francisco” well, they obviously have never traveled to Moab, Utah. Don’t get me wrong, I love SF, but I left a piece of my heart in Moab. But, before I jump into the ‘best of Moab’ highlights let me share a little secret about MY philosophy on photography and traveling.   You see, when I find a place that both captures my soul and awakens my passion for living I promise myself to live in the moment. I take a few photos and put my camera away, then and only then can I fully immerse and give myself to a beautiful place and Moab, in October, was one of those places.

Moab wasn’t just about the hiking, biking, and beautiful rock formations, it seriously touched my soul with its peaceful tranquility and the calmness of those living in Moab. Time just seemed to slow down.

It all begins with a good morning sun-kiss each and every day.

Moab Morning Kiss

We only had a few days and day one started with a drive to Arches.

Road to Arches, Moab Utah

Road to Arches Moab Utah

The hike up to Arches was incredibly serene.

Hike Arches Moab Utah Kat

Hike Arches Moab Utah Adrian

Beauty is at every turn…

Arches Moab Utah Tree

even when made by those before you.

Cairns Arches Moab Utah

Chippy is that you? I swear that’s Chippy from Zion.

(It’s sad to see and hear that so many visitors do not abide by a simple rule; “Do Not Feed The Wildlife.”)

Chippy Arches Moab Utah

Just a few more feet.

Sun Peeking Arches Moab Utah

Another tease during our hike.

Window Arches Moab Utah

And then, there it was in all its beautiful glory…Delicate Arch

I took a couple of photos, put my camera (all images with iPhone) away and then we just… took it all in.

Moab Kat Delicate Arch Moab Utah

Day two took us biking over Klondike Bluff Trails

Biking Klondike Bluff Trails Moab Utah

Day three took us hiking to Double Arches and …

Moab Double Arches Moab Utah

Moab Double Arches Moab Utah

Moab Double Arches Moab Utah

continuing through The Devils Garden. Trust me, take the longer hikes – you will climb some amazing rocks and not be disappointed with the views.

The Devils Garden Moab Utah

The Devils Garden Moab Utah

The Devils Garden Moab Utah

The Devils Garden Moab Utah

Day four found us running in Hidden Valley. A steep climb up the side of mountain to well…a hidden valley.

Hidden Valley Moab Utah

The run through Hidden Valley allowed for some well-deserved moments of being “lost in thought.”

Hidden Valley Moab Utah Kat Running

Just beyond the trails-end you’ll find the Moab Rim Traverse giving way to the Watch Tower Anasazi ruin petroglyphs.  Don’t forget to look for the (21st century, but much appreciated!) petroglyph marker to give you directions.

Hidden Valley Petroglyphs Moab Utah

Moab Rim Traverse Utah

Moab Rim Traverse Utah

Moab Rim Traverse Petroglyph Utah

Day five gave us moments of retrospect while hiking the trails of The Island In The Sky.

The look of excitement before our hike…

Hiking Island In The Sky Moab Utah

The trail leading to beautifully serene views around The Island In The Sky

Hike to Island In The Sky Moab Utah

Island in The Sky Moab Utah

Island in The Sky  Moab Utah

Island In The Sky Moab Utah

Island in The Sky Moab Utah

Island In The Sky Moab Utah

Island In The Sky Moab Utah

…and the look of calm after such an amazing hike around the ridge.

Hiking The Island In The Sky Moab Utah

Day five had enjoying a scenic drive on Highway 128

Moab Hwy 128 Utah

Moab Hwy 128 Utah

Moab Hwy 128 Utah

Some roads lead to destinations unknown while some roads lead to nowhere.

Moab Hwy 128 Sophie Utah

Moab Hwy 128 Dead End Utah

Others…

…gave us views of what felt like worlds far away

Moab Moon Horizon Utah

Although our visit to Moab was short, it left an impression that will last a lifetime and a deep longing to return soon, very soon.

If you have traveled through Moab we would love to read of your thoughts and perspectives. Oh, go ahead, leave some thoughts below.

-adrian

{Images by Adrian}

{Petroglyph pic by Climb-Utah.com)

 

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