Grand County’s Trail Ambassadors reached thousands in 2022
In 2022, the stewards counted over 57,000 encounters with the public.
outdoor recreation
County contracts with Utah company for new interactive map
The Grand County Commission approved a contract with Utah-based digital map making company Wander App Inc.
Loved to death: Science Moab looks back on conversations with experts on sustainable recreation practices
Moab is world-renowned for many different types of outdoor recreation, and a lot of scientific study has gone into developing the best sustainable practices while enjoying nature. This week, Science Moab is highlighting…
Ensuring safe workspaces in the outdoor industry
Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center, in partnership with Futures Without Violence, will host a webinar titled, “Promoting Employee Wellness and Safety: Addressing the Impacts of Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the Outdoor…
Cutting it close: Fire affects outdoor recreation and related businesses
While the Pack Creek Fire in the La Sal Mountains — 80% contained as of Wednesday — has threatened the homes and livelihoods of Moab residents and wildlife alike, outdoor recreation has also…
Rock climbers organize: Climbing advocates survey Indian Creek climbers ahead of management planning
Indian Creek is an internationally renowned rock climbing destination and a go-to crag for many Moab climbers. The area, characterized by towering Wingate sandstone buttes fractured with thousands of “splitter” cracks that climbers…
Proposed development near Looking Glass Arch sparks online outrage: Under Canvas, SITLA say plans will not affect access to popular arch
Twenty-five miles south of Moab, Looking Glass Arch overlooks a sprawling desert landscape from a shaded alcove, from which outdoor enthusiasts can see all the way to the Abajo Mountains and beyond. The…
Funding recreation infrastructure: Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation awards funding to two projects in Grand County
Utah’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, which operates under the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, was the first of its kind in the nation when it was created in 2013. Through collaboration with businesses…
Dog Paddle: Not just a swimming stroke
Join Moab nonprofit Underdog Rescue for the first annual Dog Paddle, a dog party by and on the water at Ken’s Lake Recreation Area on June 12. Underdog Rescue provides transport, vet care,…
Cosmo’s Corner: Get outside!
Hi, friends! It’s Cosmo, the Library Cat. Spring has arrived! I’ve been spending more time outdoors and you probably have too. I have a lot of fun just rolling around in the dirt…
Carbon County climbers get a seat at the table
Just five miles outside the town of Helper in Carbon County, a fifty-foot L-shaped band of grey and tan sandstone sticks up between Spring Canyon Road and Sowbelly Gulch Road. Upon closer inspection…
Rescue on Castleton: climbers stranded after rappelling from highline anchors
Two rock climbers were left stranded in the middle of a 400′ tower in freezing temperatures Friday night before being rescued by Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel. On Dec. 5, the…
Bike park outcry makes council uneasy
A city park focused on developing basic bike skills is moving ahead despite continued controversy over its location. Opponents say their objection isn’t to the bike park, but to the location: a shady…
Studying the Whole Enchilada
The Whole Enchilada mountain biking route is one of Moab’s signature attractions. Officially designated by the Forest Service in 2009, the scenic and challenging trail covers about 30 miles, descending over 7,000 feet…
Don’t go hard: Moab rock climbers, bikers asked to stay low-risk outdoors
UPDATE: Since this story was published, Moab Mayor Emily Niehaus and the Southeast Utah Health Department urged local National Parks to close. Experts say spending time outdoors near our homes, while still practicing…
Rock climbers advocate for Bears Ears management, want Indian Creek protected
Rock climbers have high stakes in the management of Bears Ears National Monument. The monument, controversially reduced by President Donald Trump in 2017, contains Indian Creek, a world-renowned rock climbing area an hour…