Outdoors Archives - Discover Moab, Utah

By the Moab Information Center

Join the Moab Information Center on Thursdays throughout the summer months for the Moab lecture series, where local scientists and park rangers discuss their work.

Lectures are hosted at the Moab Information Center (3015 S. Hwy 191) at 5 p.m.

May 8 ~ Nair Perez-Torres ~ Stories of Work, Community, and Change ~
Moab has always been shaped by the people who live and work here, but not all of their stories are well known. In this talk, we will dive into the experiences of longtime residents whose voices haven’t always been heard. Through interviews and research, we’ll explore the histories, struggles, and contributions of Moab’s working people, preserving their stories for future generations.

May 15 ~ Mike DeHoff ~ Returning Rapids ~
A group of river runners from Moab Utah had a simple question: “When will the next rapid in Cataract Canyon return?”From this singular curiosity a ragtag group of people started out on a treasure hunt that became a pivotal role in the study of a declining reservoir and a water and river management system that is in dire crisis.What the research team found was an incredibly rapid rate of ecosystem return. Areas of the Colorado and San Juan Rivers that were once affected by Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell Reservoir were able to recover from the effects of man-made engineering gone wrong. The Returning Rapids Project team will present the on-going story of how a river can restore itself from massive impacts of a water storage project that some deem one of the greatest environmental catastrophes of modern times. Using historic photos, pre-Glen Canyon Dam Maps, and ongoing monitoring will show how they have been able to document a river’s return and a canyon’s recovery.

Looking ahead
June 19 | Climate Change in Utah’s High Mountains: Implications for Natural Resources and Biodiversity by Scott Hotaling
June 26 | Juneteenth: Freedom Day by Robert Anderson
July 10 | Site Stewardship Program by Ian Wright (State Historic Preservation Office)
July 17 | Our Time in the Parks by Rhodes Smartt
July 24 | Resilient Food Webs in a Changing Environment by Moria Robinson

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

Take it from a local Moabite: there’s no such thing as fun for everyone … unless you’re in Moab, Utah, a small town hub for outdoor adventures, tours, guided trips, National Parks, State Parks, natural and cultural history, dive-bar nightlife—do we really have to go on? Even us locals have a Moab bucketlist miles long. This list of 50 things to do in Moab, Utah, is in no way exhaustive, but will provide you with a good jumping off point as you plan your trip—or as you find yourself driving down Highway 191 toward the heart of town.

50 Things to do in Moab, Utah: written by a local

A few travel tips before we dive in! Moab is hot in the summer and cell service can be spotty outside of town. Bring lots of water and a lunch if you’re going on a day hike, and download your maps. This might be a hot take, but it’s worth booking a hotel room for access to the pool and hot tub (nothing better than soaking sore muscles at the end of a long day!).

–National and State Parks–

1. Arches National Park

We know you know this one. But Arches truly is worth every second you spend in the park: the landscape is so utterly fascinating, so unlike anything you’ve seen before. Delicate Arch is popular for a reason. And if you’re up for it, the 8-mile Devils Garden Primitive Loop Trail is a great way to spend the day.

2. Canyonlands National Park

Did you know Canyonlands National Park is split into districts? It’s just that big. The two most accessible are the Island in the Sky and Needles districts; Island in the Sky is closer to Moab. If you’re visiting I-Sky, make sure you stop by Mesa Arch (again, popular for good reason), and Aztec Butte. If you’re heading down to the Needles District, stop at Newspaper Rock along the way to see hundreds of petroglyphs, and spend the rest of the day hiking out to Druid Arch.

3. Dead Horse State Park

A gorgeous drive and even more gorgeous overlook.

–Knock something off your bucketlist–

List of local guides and outfitters

4. Book a rafting trip down The Daily

The Daily stretch of the Colorado River is a great beginner’s whitewater trip: the rapids range from class I-III, especially if the water is high (for high water, visit in May or June).

5. Rent mountain bikes and explore the Bar M trail system

Mountain biking is fun! Don’t be intimidated by the shredder content you see online: in my opinion, mountain biking is one of the most playful sports you can do. And if an obstacle is too big, just walk it—you’re not bikin’ till you’re hikin’, as they say. Bar M is a great place to start – take a few hours and try the Rusty Spur, Bar M loop, and Lazy-EZ trails.

6. Take on Hell’s Revenge

Hell’s Revenge is one of the most popular off-roading trails in the Moab area—and dare we say, the world? If you want to see this trail for yourself, you can chat with outfitters in town to rent vehicles for a self-guided experience, book a guided tour, or hop in a massive, open air Hummer to let a guide drive the trail for you.

7. Try rock climbing at Wall Street or the Cinema

Moab is a haven for rock climbers—and many of those climbers work as guides, offering tours to, literally, show visitors the ropes. Book an experience with a climbing outfitter to really get to know the Moab sandstone.

8. Get splashed through Westwater or Cataract canyons

If The Daily isn’t enough oomph for you, book a rafting trip down Westwater Canyon or Cataract Canyon to experience huge rapids (and huge thrills!).

9. Rappel into a slot canyon

If you’re scared of heights, this experience probably isn’t for you. But if you want to explore the hidden and hard-to-get-to sides of Moab’s landscape, book a canyoneering tour with a local outfitter.

10. Take a mini beach vacation at the Mill Creek Waterfall

Moab sits on an important piece of landscape within the Colorado River watershed—which is a fancy way of saying that we have multiple creeks that run from the La Sal mountains, through town, and into the Colorado River. The Mill Creek waterfall hike is one mile each way, and drops you at a lovely little swimming hole.

11. Camp at Oowah Lake in the La Sal Mountains

If it’s too hot in Moab, escape to the nearby mountains like the locals do. You can also fish in Oowah Lake, so bring a rod!

12. See Moab from the sky

It’s hard to understand just how vast this desert landscape is until you see it from above. Treat yourself to an air tour on an airplane or helicopter to get a new perspective on the canyons you’ve explored from the ground!

13. Live our your cowboy dreams

Horseback riding is another popular way to change your perspective on the Moab landscape.

14. Go “set-jetting” around landscapes featured in Western films

Did you know the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission is one of the oldest in the world? Head out Highway 128 and you’ll recognize the landscape featured in movies like Wagon Master (1950) and Horizon: An American Saga (2024).

15. Take a night hike

Moab is a certified dark sky community – and is surrounded by the official Dark Sky Parks of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Book an astronomy tour to explore the stars with a local expert, attend a star party at a nearby park, or just wait until darkness falls to see some of the best stars in the world.

16. See dinosaur tracks

The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite boasts tracks of eight different dinosaurs who stomped across this patch of land when Utah was part of a vast inland sea in the Jurassic period. Well-written interpretive signs help tell the story of the dinosaurs, and a boardwalk allows visitors to explore every track.

17. Drive the Upper Colorado River scenic byway

If you’ve never driven Highway 128, you’re in for a real treat. The 44-mile stretch of road takes visitors from the town of Moab along the Colorado River, passing by Castle Valley and the Fisher Towers. You’ll watch the landscape open up and morph as you wind your way to the end of the scenic byway at Dewey Bridge.

18. See petroglyphs

There’s something really special about petroglyphs: about looking at stories carved into sandstone thousands of years ago. Easily accessible sites include a site along Potash Road and the Birthing Scene petroglyph off of Kane Creek road.

19. Take an adrenaline-filled leap

Soar through the skies by leaping from a plane – or cliff! In Moab, you can book a skydiving experience, a BASE jump off a cliff, or swing off the world’s largest rope swing.

20. Go on a scenic tour

Let a local expert take the wheel to guide you through all of the must-see sights in Moab.

–Explore the landscape on must-do trails–

Outdoor Adventure Guide

21. Corona Arch Trail

This arch is massive – 140 by 105 foot opening! – and the hike is fun, with a section that requires visitors to use a ladder and safety cable.

22. Fisher Towers Trail

The Fisher Towers are composed on Moenkopi and Cutler sandstones that have eroded into fantastical shapes! Allow four hours if you’d like to do the whole trail.

23. Grandstaff Canyon Trail

The Grandstaff Canyon trail leads to the magical Morning Glory Natural Bridge, winding along a creek to do so. Look out for poison ivy!

24. Hidden Valley Trail

Ascend a steep incline to find hidden valley, a valley tucked on top of the Moab Rim. This is an out and back trail – scamper along the valley for as long as you feel like it.

25. Juniper Trail

The Juniper Trail is a small loop located within the Sand Flats Recreation Area that leads visitors on a scavenger hunt looking for native flora and fauna.

26. Longbow Arch

A fun little trail located at the Poison Spider parking area that leads to the 60 foot Longbow Arch.

27. Moab Rim

Want to see sweeping views of Moab and the Colorado River? Hike up the Moab Rim Trail! This trail is tough – it’s pretty steep – but the views are worth it.

28. Amphitheater Loop

A 3 mile loop starting at the Hittle Bottom campground on Hwy 128 that requires a small gully scramble.

29. Dellenbaugh Tunnel

This trail leads to a long, tunnel-like arch.

30. Hunter Canyon

Hunter Canyon is a lovely walk: the canyon stretches for 2 miles before reaching the end. Look for the large arch on the right-hand side of the canyon about half a mile from the trailhead.

–In town–

31. Learn local history

Visits to the Moab Museum and Moab Giants are always worth it: we guarantee you’ll learn something new and surprising! Look out for special events and programs hosted by the Moab Museum, too.

32. Attend an arts or music festival

The shoulder seasons boast a number of cultural events, including the Moab Folk Festival, Moab Music Festival, Red Rock Arts Festival, and Moab Arts Festival.

33. Grab a milkshake at Moab’s oldest restaurant

Today, Milt’s Stop and Eat is just as popular as it was when it first opened in 1954. Grab a classic milkshake, fries, and a burger – and know that Milt’s sources as many ingredients as they can from local food producers!

34. Cap off your night with a visit to Moab’s dive bar

Locals will laugh that I’m including Woody’s Tavern on this list. Moab doesn’t have a ton of nightlife – it’s hard to get a liquor license in Utah – but Woody’s is always fun, and on the weekends often hosts local bands to play live music.

35. Peruse local art

Moab is an artistic haven – you can’t help but to be inspired here. Visit Moab Made and Gallery Moab to buy souvenirs and art made by only local artists.

36. Find something for everyone at the Moab Food Truck Park

You’re coming back into town from a morning hike, searching for lunch, but no one can agree where to go? The Moab Food Truck Park is home to individually owned and operated food trucks, offering a wide range of food, and a centralized place to eat.

37. Customize your Moab swag at the T-Shirt Shop

Print customized designs, ranging from silly to artistic, on any color t-shirt, sweatshirt, tanktop, long sleeve, hat, you name it.

38. Try a “dirty soda”

The dirty soda is a Utah-born beverage trend: it’s a soda base spiked with add-ins like cream, syrups, and fruit juices. Lops Pop Stop is our local dirty soda shop – get the Moab On the Rocks (Coke, cherry syrup, coconut milk, lime juice) and pretzel bites.

39. Read books by local authors

Back of Beyond Bookstore, which is independently and locally-owned, specializes in natural history and regional titles of the Colorado Plateau. But they also boast an impressive collection of popular fiction and rare acquisitions.

–Hidden Gems–

40. Swim at Ken’s Lake

Take a rest – spend a day at Ken’s Lake, a small, man-made lake just south of Moab. The lake allows dogs, fishing, and watercrafts. There’s also a campsite nearby!

41. Spend the day at Warner Lake

If Moab is too toasty, head into the La Sal Mountains. While camping near Oowah is a must, like we mentioned, a day spent at Warner Lake – fishing and exploring the nearby sections of the Whole Enchilada Trail – is never wasted.

42. Mountain bike the Raptor Route

The Raptor Route is a set of trails within the Sand Flats Recreation Area that provide an alternate exit to the Whole Enchilada trail – but are also just a ton of fun to do by themselves. Do the whole thing – Eagle Eye to Kestrel Run – or just try Falcon Flow if you’re looking for a fun, flowy, blue-black mountain bike trail.

43. Listen to live bluegrass music or catch a magic show at the Backyard Theater

The Backyard Theater is truly a Moab gem – a little stage tucked behind Zax restaurant, the Backyard Theater hosts free bluegrass music every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night, and a magic show on Saturdays ($10). Bring a picnic dinner – outside food and drink are welcome – and utilize the dance floor.

44. Challenge yourself to run a race

Moab is home to tons of running races at a variety of distances, from 5Ks to the legendary Moab 240. There’s no better place to run a half marathon than on Moab trails.

45. Thrift your new favorite shirt

Moab has excellent thrift stores, including WabiSabi, Underdog Thrift Store, Moab Gear Trader, and Radium Alley Thriftique.

46. Drink from a natural spring

The legend around Matrimony Springs – a natural spring located on Highway 128 – is that if you drink the water, you’ll never leave Moab.

47. Sled the sand dune

The giant sand dune located on the other side of the highway from the entrance gate to Arches National Park is hard to miss. Bring a sled, or just walk up and roll down the dune – and see if you can make the trek up to the very top!

48. Play in a park

The Moab landscape is its own playground – but if you need a place for kids to run around, head to Rotary Park (which has a playground, volleyball net, basketball court, gazebo, and musical structures that kids and adults will have a blast experimenting with) or Lions Park (which is home to a playground and bouldering structures).

49. Get hands-on with local geology – and take it home

In 1960, Lin Ottinger – a uranium miner turned tour guide – opened the Moab Rock Shop, a treasure trove of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Many of Ottinger’s discoveries have been donated to museums and universities, but others are hosted in the rock shop!

50. Fall in love with a Moab local and never leave

Only slightly joking.

A blurry photo of a person with a trad rack from below their waist, focusing on the gear

No Man’s Land Film Festival

Press Release by Climb Moab and the No Man’s Land Film Festival

[Moab, UT] — No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF), the premier adventure film festival for women and gender non-conforming athletes and storytellers, announces its 2025 World Tour succeeding its 10th Annual Flagship Film Festival. Presented by Mountain Hardwear with additional support from deuter, Fat Tire, and Chronicle Cinema, NMLFF’s World Tour showcases 6 unique film programs and 60 films.

“In a time when many voices are being silenced, we stand firm in our belief that storytelling is a powerful tool for change,” says Executive Director, Kathy Karlo. “We are all aware of the shifting political landscape and its impacts on our shared work to foster belonging, advance justice, and advocate for human rights. As we double down on the fight for racial and gender justice, No Man’s Land remains committed to creating a space that celebrates resilience, joy, and empowerment. We cannot let hate and bigotry prevail. With an unwavering commitment and grounded in compassion and love, we must move forward. We are not going back.”

No Man’s Land Film Festival is a service-minded, community-oriented arts and advocacy not-for-profit organization that seeks to break patterns and cycles of harm both individually and collectively. Through the power of film, storytelling, and live performances, the festival aims to inspire, uplift, and connect a diverse and resilient community committed to meaningful change.

In addition to featuring bold and inspiring films from female and genderqueer filmmakers, athletes, and environmentalists from around the world, the festival fosters an inclusive environment through engaging panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. With the current political climate placing additional challenges on marginalized communities, No Man’s Land offers a much-needed space for hope, empowerment, and shared resilience.

Film Lineup

Entangled
A short film about the bond between two Scottish winter climbers, capturing the rhythm of climbing, belaying, and the joy of movement.

Earthworks
Ceramicist Kim Hall draws parallels between her craft and her love for desert rock climbing.

Body of a Line
Madeleine Sorkin’s ascent of Dunn-Westbay Direct on Long’s Peak is both a physical challenge and a creative journey, brought to life in a unique animated film.

Onsight
Seneida Biendarra embraces her disability, leading her to compete on the world stage.

Guerreras (Women Warriors)
Seven women climbers gather around a fire in Colombia, sharing struggles and triumphs—from first female ascents to personal battles—finding strength in their shared stories.

In Sequence
Katie Lamb, one of the world’s strongest boulderers, climbs for inspiration, not fame. Her ascent of Box Therapy (V15/16) forces her to reflect on what truly drives her.

Jamie
Legendary climber Jamie Logan kept a secret for 60 years—she wanted to be a woman. At 69, she began her transition. Now at 76, she’s living with more love, connection, and purpose than ever before.

Tickets for the 2025 No Man’s Land Film Festival World Tour are now available: Buy tickets here.

2025 EVENT INFORMATION:
DATES: April 25, 2025 | Doors 6:00 p.m. | Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Climb Moab | 11850 S Hwy 191 Unit A8, Moab, UT, 84532
TICKETS: General Admission $35
HOSTED BY: Climb Moab
MORE INFORMATION: https://nomanslandfilmfestival.org/full-tour/2025/3/4/no-mans-land-film-festival-moab-ut-3nnzr

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

By Science Moab, originally published on Soundcloud and with KZMU and the Moab Sun News

From the perspective of an archaeologist, the physical body of an ancient person is a gift because a body is a time capsule of the past. They lived in that space and that time, and their bodies are manifestations of what was there. We talk with archaeologist Erin Baxter, teacher and Curator of Anthropology at Denver Museum of Nature and Science, about her work unraveling the ancient southwest culture and her fascination with the archaeology of death.

Science Moab: What is the relationship between archaeology and anthropology?

Baxter: It depends on where you study anthropology. If you study it in Europe, you actually major in archaeology. If you study it in the United States, you study anthropology with sub-disciplines. So if you can imagine a big umbrella that is anthropology, under that fits four different fields: linguistics, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology. Linguistics is the study of language, cultural anthropology is the study of living groups of people, biological anthropology is the study of the body and how it evolved, and archaeology is the things that people have left behind.

Science Moab: What part of the interactions of these sciences do you enjoy most?

Baxter: I love the archeology bit – that’s what got me into it. It’s outside, it’s teamwork, it’s problem solving, it’s mystery-finding, and it’s interactive. As I’ve gotten into Southwest archaeology I’ve realized that archaeology doesn’t stand alone.

I’m particularly interested in the practice of ancient burial practices, and… there’s a long history of archaeologists behaving not as we should with human remains. But what I’ve learned is that I work with biological anthropologists who study the body, and then I [also] work with Indigenous descendant communities, and their wishes and their own histories and oral histories about how ancient people lived. We can’t stay in our bubbles. We’re still learning to be the best archaeologists we can be. We’re not great at it yet, but we are miles better than I think we were 100 years ago. So it’s a learning process every day and it’s relationship building.

Science Moab: Tell us about your research on death.

Baxter: I don’t love death, but… a body is a time capsule of the past: [that person] lived in that time and their bodies are manifestations of what was there. So not only can you learn sex, we can learn about height, we can learn general health, if they were injured or maybe had a disease—all of those are written in the bones. We can also now learn more things and this is where science is really fascinating. DNA studies give us hugely important information about migration patterns, occupations, and relationships of individuals across time and space.

Science Moab: So you’re trying to uncover clues and the mystery of how these ancient people lived. How do you go about doing that, scientifically? What are you looking for?

Baxter: My research question when I was in school was [about] how ancient people in the US Southwest lived. You go to…where many descendant communities live to this day… Hopi, Zuni, Acoma, and 23 living tribes in New Mexico and Arizona and others…and you see [Ancestral Puebloan sites like] Mesa Verde or Chaco Canyon or Wupatki and you sort of can’t imagine what it was like.

I wanted to get at the hierarchy of the ancient past… was there one, is it testable?… We can see hierarchy in the archaeological record. People who are better off are physically healthier, they’re taller since they have access to better foods, better proteins. They tend to live in bigger houses, and they tend to be buried with nicer things. Those are three really simple ways of [looking at the question].

There are other ways to approach these questions. If you look at a place like Chaco Canyon, which has 12 buildings called great houses of five stories, [with many hundreds of] rooms—one great house, Pueblo Bonito, was the biggest building in the United States until about the 1880s when a [larger] tenement was built in New York City. You would think that might be a place where lots of people lived, but we don’t see a lot of trash, or burials, or other stuff there. So people living in big houses that [don’t show those signs of occupation]…who are those people? The hypothesis was that those are people who are in charge of things who are important for a variety of reasons.

I think in our Western, white nation, when we see museum displays about Native American communities, there is stagnation without vibrancy and color. There has been the myth of stasis—a myth of a group of humans who haven’t changed much over time. But yet there are histories with hierarchies, kings and queens, witchcraft, death and violence and unpleasant things. Unpleasant things, unfortunately, are the ones that [tend to] show up in the archaeological record. But, with those unpleasant things, you imagine the really lovely things that might have come on the other side of that. You can see the vibrancy of history.

I thought, by studying the hierarchies and the power structures of ancient groups of people, you might actually [be able to] return a [piece] of what a Westerner would call ‘history,’ which we’ve whitewashed for a variety of reasons… to colonize, to subjugate. But you have to do that not as a white person, you have to do that as a collaborator. And so these studies become complicated.

I think I have arguments to be made for [a record of hierarchy in these ancient societies], but my arguments come from historical burial data found by people who dug this 100 years ago…white archaeologists, largely from the East Coast…and it’s not okay to talk about that [because] I am not of the position or internal to various groups of tribal representatives to be able to say that. So, it’s science, but it’s science with a level of 20th and 21st-century complexity that comes from our colonial past. In the post-colonial world, where do we [white archaeologists] fit in?

It’s going to take relationship building, and I think it’s going to be interesting to publish on this [question] one day when trust has been rebuilt. I think archaeologists in the 21st century are making great strides to do that because we’ve got a lot to make up for.

Science Moab is a nonprofit dedicated to engaging community members and visitors with the science happening in Southeast Utah and the Colorado Plateau. To learn more and listen to the rest of Tim Graham’s interview, visit www.sciencemoab.org/radio. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Watch Tim Graham explore pothole ecosystems with Discover Moab!

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

An up-close view of a pothole shrimp: it resembles a horseshoe crab.

A pothole shrimp, captured by Mark Finley in Moab.

By Science Moab, originally published on Soundcloud

Potholes abound on the Colorado Plateau — and not the ones associated with road work. Rather, natural potholes are depressions that occur primarily in sandstone. These depressions house ephemeral pools of water and tiny, unique ecosystems. In this episode, Science Moab speaks with biologist and ecologist Tim Graham about these fleeting environments and the organisms that have evolved to live in them.

Science Moab: So what’s happening inside potholes?

Graham: Potholes are small depressions in rock that form temporary aquatic environments. Many have dark biofilms, which are probably formed by a community of cryptobiotic algae and cyanobacteria.

Science Moab: How do these potholes support living organisms when they are prone to drying out?

Graham: Organisms living in those potholes have three main strategies to survive dry periods. Most insects and amphibians escape the pool when it starts to dry up. That creates some hazard, because the organisms have to reach adulthood before they’re capable of leaving the pool. If the pool dries out before a tadpole can metamorphose into an adult, the tadpole will die.

The next strategy is called the “tupperware” strategy. Organisms seal their surface from water loss and stay wet inside. It’s a good strategy for the short term, because as soon as water falls back into the pool, they can become active within seconds. But it’s really tough to be completely waterproof if you’re trying to remain alive. It works for a few months, maybe up to a year. If you’re dry longer than that, chances are that that strategy will fail and you’ll die.

The third strategy is the one I find most interesting and most bizarre. It’s often referred to as cryptobiosis. “Crypto” means hidden, and “biosis” means life. Organisms stay alive, but you can’t measure that they’re alive because the amounts of heat and gas released are so small. These organisms can lose up to 92% of the water in their cells and remain alive.

The organisms in the big puddles that use this are the eggs of crustaceans: fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and clam shrimp. The egg makes a sugar called trehalose. There are parts of the trehalose sugar structure that mimic a water molecule. So as the egg dries out, trehalose molecules are plugged in where the water molecules would be. Then, when water comes back in, the water molecules replace the trehalose.

Science Moab: How else have pothole species evolved to survive in this limited habitat?

Graham: We all know the saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” But the pothole critters are stuck in one basket. Mark Twain had a different perspective: “Put all your eggs in one basket and watch that basket,” he said. The way these critters “watch” their basket is by laying eggs with different kinds of hatching criteria. Crustaceans will produce eggs that hatch after one water filling, or after two or three. They’re in the same physical basket, but they’re in different response baskets.

Science Moab: How do humans impact these potholes by running over or in them?
Graham: Dry potholes get a physical crust on the surface. The crust is resistant to erosion by wind, so anything that breaks that crust is going to make sediment susceptible to being eroded out of the pothole, including organisms waiting for the next rain event.

In the wet potholes I’ve been studying in the Sand Flats area, I’ll be up there and the pools look like they’re doing fine. They’ve got tadpole shrimp and fairy shrimp and maybe some insects. I’ll come back a few days later, and there will be particular pools that are very cloudy. I found a pair of mountain bike gloves sitting next to a cloudy pothole. Chances are some mountain biker decided to take a dip.

These depressions can be quite small. But if you look around, there are a plethora of organisms in there. That’s an ecosystem, and if you walk on it, ride your bike on it, drive on it, then you will wear that system down and kill those organisms. So try to stay out of those potholes.

People who have studied alpine vegetation know the term “belly plant,” where the plant is so short that you have to lay your belly to study it. That’s why I like studying potholes: they’re belly ecosystems.

Science Moab is a nonprofit dedicated to engaging community members and visitors with the science happening in Southeast Utah and the Colorado Plateau. To learn more and listen to the rest of Tim Graham’s interview, visit www.sciencemoab.org/radio. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Watch Tim Graham explore pothole ecosystems with Discover Moab!

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

A dinosaur track at the Mill Creek dinosaur tracksite.

By Science Moab, published on Soundcloud

The world that existed when dinosaurs roamed the Moab area was vastly different than the world today. Science Moab talked with Dr. John Foster about what this region was like 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period, when a geologic layer called the Morrison Formation was being deposited.

Foster is a paleontologist and former director of the Moab Museum. His work involves excavating the oldest known dinosaur skeleton, right here in Moab.

Science Moab: Tell us about the geologic layer you study called the Morrison Formation.
Foster: Most of the really famous dinosaurs were found in the Morrison Formation starting back in the 1870s, like Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus and Brachiosaurus, which was actually first found in what is now Grand Junction. So it’s a pretty well-known formation for dinosaurs. At that time, none of the mountains were here. What is now the Rocky Mountain region was essentially flat. So the whole region that we see now, the Colorado Plateau, all the canyons, the mountains of the Rockies, all that was basically just a big flat floodplain. So it was a very different world.

Science Moab: When was the Morrison Formation being deposited?
Foster: Roughly 100 and 50 million years ago. The Morrison represents a time that’s about 7 million years long. It’s late Jurassic, but we’re lucky in that there were mountains off to the West that had a lot of volcanoes in them. That means they pumped a lot of ash into the mudstones in the floodplain and it’s because of those ashes that we can get the dates on how old the rock is.

Science Moab: What was Moab like 100 to 50 million years ago?
Foster: We’d be probably at least 100 miles or so from the mountains. There would have been rivers flowing through this area and there were also a lot of wetlands. The environment would have been not quite a rainforest or anything like that, but it was certainly a lot wetter than it is today. We have a plant study site down by Blanding that we’ve been working, and one that was found about 25 years ago down by Bluff, that show abundant ginkgoes and ferns and conifer wood and a number of different plants that are a lot more wet-adapted than plants we see now.

Science Moab: And what were the animals like?
Foster: There were a lot of animals. I think they were probably about 20 to 25 different types of dinosaurs at least. There was a diversity of the big long neck, long tail guys, some of which have been found near Moab. Among non-dinosaurs, there was everything: fish and frogs and salamanders, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, pterosaurs and about as many species of small mammals as there are dinosaurs. In total, there were a little over 100 different species of vertebrates known from the Morrison Formation. And then, of course, there are snails and clams and crayfish and other invertebrates.

Science Moab: So if we were standing right here during the Jurassic, we would be surrounded by a lot of life?
Foster: Yes, there’s a good chance we’d be standing in the mud with a lot of conifers around, a lot of little burrowing water-dwelling animals, and few dinosaurs probably in the distance. The neat thing about a lot of animals that we’ve been finding recently is that we thought they were all just little herbivores that scurried around at night, but their ecologies were not that simple. In fact, many of them turn out to be quite similar to animals around today.

Science Moab: What does it feel like to find a fossil?
Foster: Sometimes you actually do have to stop and remind yourself that this thing has not seen the light of the sun for 100 or 50 million years and you just exposed it. You forget that sometimes. But of course, every once in a while you find something really rare that shocks you. And you get really excited about that.

Science Moab: What value do you find in the study of paleontology?
Foster: I think the biggest thing is understanding the way past ecosystems function. As jealous as we get of modern biologists being able to actually see these things interacting, I think the value is in the long-term perspective on ecosystems: How they react to change and how the animals and plants really can influence the physical environment as well. Providing that long-term input on biology, in general, is probably the most important part of it.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To learn more about Science Moab and listen to the rest of John Foster’s interview, visit www.sciencemoab.org/where-dinosaurs-roamed. You can also find this interview on KZMU and in the Moab Sun News.

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

A woman sitting on the edge of a rock overlooking a canyon vista with her arms thrown up into the air.

Press Release by Western Spirit Cycling

Media Contact:
Mark Sevenoff, Marketing Director at Western Spirit Cycling: mark@westernspirit.com, 435 259 8732

For immediate release

[Moab, UT] — Western Spirit Cycling is thrilled to announce the return of our highly popular Ladies-Only White Rim Trail trip, set for April 16-19, 2025.

This exclusive adventure offers women the chance to experience one of Moab’s most iconic mountain biking routes, guided by our expert female guides and supported with all the signature amenities that have made Western Spirit trips legendary for over 35 years. Once again they are partnering with the women’s outdoor apparel company SHREDLY.

The White Rim Trail is the quintessential Moab mountain biking experience, featuring breathtaking canyon vistas, awe-inspiring geological formations, and access to remote slot canyon hikes and ancient ruins. This guided adventure provides an opportunity to unplug, recharge, and immerse yourself in the vast open spaces of Canyonlands National Park—all while enjoying top-tier hospitality and support.

Trip Highlights:
– Unparalleled camaraderie and outdoor adventure in a women’s-only setting
– SHREDLY gift pack for each guest
– Four-day guided mountain biking adventure through Canyonlands National Park
– Led by two of Western Spirit’s expert female guides
– All meals prepared fresh by guides, with dietary needs accommodated
– Gear transport and full camp support—including solar showers

But that’s not all. On this unique date we’re partnering with our friends at SHREDLY to offer all participants some super fun swag so the whole crew can all Adventure in Style. At SHREDLY “Style” has deeper meaning, and it is about more than your gear. It’s leading in a way that inspires others to follow. Welcoming new faces and celebrating self-expression. Taking care of the places we share. Building community that fosters a future we can all look forward to.

“This trip is all about empowerment, adventure, and the joy of being in nature,” says Ashley Korenblat, Owner at Western Spirit Cycling. “Our guests always leave feeling stronger, happier, and rejuvenated—not to mention with a great tan!”

Spots for this unforgettable journey are limited. Riders looking to start the 2025 season with an incredible adventure are encouraged to reserve their place soon. For more details or to book, visit https://westernspirit.com/white-rim-ladies-ride/ or contact our Moab office at (435) 259-8732, Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM MST.

About Western Spirit Cycling Western Spirit Cycling has been leading world-class mountain biking adventures for over 35 years, providing expertly guided trips through some of the most scenic landscapes in North America. With a focus on fun, adventure, and impeccable service, Western Spirit creates unforgettable experiences for riders of all levels.

About SHREDLY SHREDLY is a women’s outdoor apparel company that specializes in mountain bike clothing. SHREDLY creates women’s bike and active apparel that transitions seamlessly from the comfort of home to the trail, and everywhere in between.

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

Photo by Kegen Benson, BLM Wildlife Biologist.

Press Release by the Bureau of Land Management

Media Contacts:
JD Mallory – BLM Utah, jmallory@blm.gov, 801-539-4089
Robyn Macduff – RINS, rmacduff@rins.org, 801-554-0807

For immediate release

Need an excuse to spend more time in Moab this year? The Bureau of Land Management’s Utah State Office is calling for community involvement in the Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS), a unique opportunity to participate in a critical citizen science project focused on the state’s raptors, including eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey, and owls.

Through the RINS programs, citizens help collect data on these birds of prey, including identifying their presence and nesting behaviors. The data collected is crucial for the management and protection of these species in Utah.

Volunteers for this project do not need a scientific background. The program is open to anyone with a love for Utah’s natural landscapes, especially remote areas, and a commitment to conserving raptors. The key requirement is a willingness to engage in this important environmental initiative.

Training workshops for prospective volunteers are scheduled for February and March. These sessions will provide the necessary skills for identifying raptor nests and collecting vital data. Participants are encouraged to have their own binoculars, GPS unit, digital camera, and an active email address. The commitment involves regular monitoring visits to an assigned area from March through July.

For more information on the workshop locations, timings, and training details, interested individuals are encouraged to contact RINS at 801-554-0807 or via email at info@rins.org. Additional information about the Raptor Inventory Nest Survey can be found at http://rins.org/.

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@discovermoab.com.

Two packrafts on the shore of a river with bikes in them

Press Release by Desert Highlights

Contact: Kai Palmer at Desert Highlights – info@deserthighlights.com, 435-259-4433

[Moab, UT] – Since the opening of Desert Highlights in 1997, the guide company has been a cornerstone of adventure tourism in southeast Utah. The company was Moab’s first canyoneering guide service in town, and many of today’s adventures still follow original Desert Highlights routes.

For nearly three decades, Desert Highlights has been offering unique and personalized experiences. All trips are private, allowing guides to travel in small groups to ensure that trips minimize impacts and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. “We are fortunate to have a huge backyard with endless amounts of public land,” says Desert Highlights team member, Kai Palmer. “We strive to care for this environment, educating our guests about low impact travel in canyon country.”

A person rappelling down Looking Glass Arch

What Desert Highlights offers:
● Private Guided ½ day, full day, and multi-day Canyoneering Trips
● Canyoneering & Climbing courses
● Private rock climbing trips, & tower climbing
● Packrafting trips & rentals
● Guided hiking in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
● Custom private trips (single day to multi day adventures, the sky’s the limit!)

Visit Desert Highlights, call 435-259-4433, or stop by the shop at 16 S. 100 E. in Moab to learn more about guided tours and availability.

Have a press release or story you’d like to see published on Discover Moab? Email asst. marketing director Alison Harford at aharford@grandcountyutah.net.

A photo of Delicate Arch with two people beneath

Press Release

Contact: Tammy Howland, airport director (airport@grandcountyutah.net); Riley Musial, Contour Airlines marketing coordinator (615-534-4567)

For immediate release

[Moab, UT] – The Canyonlands Regional Airport in Moab, Utah, is pleased to announce daily flights between CNY and the Denver International Airport (DEN) in Denver, Colorado starting April 1.

The flights will be operated by Contour Airlines, the regional airline brand of Contour Aviation, which has operated flights out of CNY since early 2024. The flight is partnered with United Airlines, enabling passengers to book a single United ticket to fly between Moab, Denver, and any connecting destinations.

Contour will continue to operate daily flights between CNY and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, Arizona.

“We are excited to now offer non-stop service from Moab to both Denver and Phoenix,” says Ben Munson, Contour Airlines President. “In addition to convenient access to these cities, with easy connections to partner airlines Alaska, American, and United, visitors and residents of Moab can better connect across the country and around the world.”

The return of the Denver to Moab route is a great benefit to the community, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. The Denver International Airport provides passengers with a large hub airport experience to connect to the entire world. Additionally, the connection between Denver and Moab is crucial for healthcare services, ensuring that medical professionals can efficiently commute to provide essential care.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the management of Contour Airlines for their dedicated efforts in collaborating with United Airlines to bring this opportunity to Moab,” says Tammy Howland, CNY airport director. “Their commitment to enhancing travel options for the community is greatly appreciated.”

Flights depart from Moab each day at 2:50 p.m., landing in Denver at 4:20 p.m. Flights depart from Denver at 5:40 p.m., landing in Moab at 7:15 p.m. Rates start at $79 one-way.

Book your flights at ContourAirlines.com