As winter loosens its grip, Moab awakens in a riot of color and adventure!
From thrilling outdoor escapades to serene moments in nature, here’s why Moab should be on your springtime bucket list:
Mild Temperatures:
Say goodbye to winter chills and hello to perfect hiking, biking, and climbing weather! With temperatures hovering in the comfortable range, you can explore Moab’s stunning landscapes without breaking a sweat.
Blossoming Landscapes:
As spring unfolds, Moab transforms into a tapestry of wildflowers and budding greenery. Take a leisurely stroll through Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park to witness nature’s breathtaking spectacle.
Outdoor Adventures:
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature enthusiast, Moab has something for everyone. Hit the trails on a mountain bike, embark on a scenic hike, or challenge yourself with rock climbing—all amidst awe-inspiring red rock formations.
Cultural Delights:
Explore Moab’s vibrant art scene and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit art galleries, attend live music events, and check out our retail store for a good souvenir.
Dark Skies:
As night falls, Moab’s dark skies offer a mesmerizing canvas for stargazing. Experience the magic of the cosmos as you marvel at the Milky Way and countless twinkling stars above.
Take advantage of the magic of spring in Moab, Utah!
Plan your getaway today and make unforgettable memories amidst nature’s splendor.
Once upon a time along the Wasatch front in Salt Lake City, Utah, a couple of chefs became friends working at the Arie Sushi Bar at Snowbird Ski Resort. They worked for years together in different kitchens and shared an inspiration for Asian cuisine.
They were both into skiing and snowboarding in the winter in SLC. In the summertime Alex was a river guide in Moab and Frankie spent a lot of time mountain biking in the red rocks of the region. With the exception of a couple restaurants, the food scene in Moab at the time was mostly burgers, pizza and pasta.
Frankie Winfrey and Alex Borichevsky thought Moab needed something more in the culinary scene, and something Moab didn’t already have. After working many years rolling sushi they decided that Moab was prime for a new and different experience. That’s when Sabaku Sushi was born. Bringing fresh fish to the desert was a task, but not as difficult as one might think as long as the best product is sought after. Convincing the public took some time, but the initially skeptical customers left pleasantly surprised with the quality of the product and the laid back chefs behind the bar. After creating some success in the first 5 years, a small deli next door was moving out and a new space on the corner was about to become available. Frankie would continue to run the sushi bar and Alex would jump into the new space.
98 Center is the name they chose for the new endeavor because of the address, 98 East Center St. The numbers were inspiring and who doesn’t want to be on Center? The Asian background and experience in the sushi bar plus the inspiration to bring more diversity to the town helped create the concept of 98 Center. For the first year it was a bit dynamic and a cuisine they affectionately called Con-Fusion. They had Pho, Banh Mi, a few salads and Philly Cheesesteaks, Vietnamese coffee, specialty cold brew in a Yama tower, not to mention fancy cocktails and mocktails. All things Moab did not previously have. They had procured a family recipe from a good friend for the beef Pho. The deli history of the space and Alex’s background in the steak shops in the Philly suburbs inspired the Banh Mi and Cheesesteaks on Amoroso buns (from Philly) that were reminiscent of the ones found in Vietnam. Having quality, unique cocktails and mocktails was paramount to completing the meal and having a cool night life vibe. The service was always customer forward and tailoring to dietary needs. Mostly, 98 Center was a gathering place for locals to feel at home and tourists to feel like a local. The mission was to elevate your palate by offering fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients and dishes made from scratch.
Alex and his wife Natali spent many moons cultivating 98 Center to what it is today. They worked, they listened, they created. For real inspiration, they went on a tour of Vietnam shortly after opening 98. They compared the pho in different localities and ate banh mi’s off the street, had noodles on Lantern Street and iced Vietnamese coffees whenever possible. Experiencing part of SE Asia was integral in the evolution of 98’s menu, adding a few new dishes and refining others. They tried this and that, drawing requests from the customers and constantly refined dishes and added gluten free and vegan options. Most of the menu is made from scratch in house, from the pho and proteins to the kimchi, pickles and vegan desserts. All the cocktail mixers are made daily and weekly with local, seasonal, and inspiring herbs, citrus and spices. They are always searching for the next concoction, combination and balance of flavors, and fitting names for beverages.
For many customers, the service at a restaurant can make or break a meal whether the food is good or not. 98 Center welcomes every customer with grace, attends to their table and fulfills every request. The service is phenomenal and the food and drinks are there to complete the experience.
98 Center is open for lunch and dinner 5 days a week. They are closed for a short winter and summer break, in between the busy Spring and Fall seasons. There are some local events where you can find Bar 98 shaking cocktails, mocktails and pouring draught beer for happy folks enjoying the outside. You can visit them at Art Fest, Street Fest, Folk Fest and the Block Party at Center Street Square.
Cheers!
IN THE DIRT is a documentary film about a group of passionate Native American cyclists who attempt to bring the sport of mountain biking to the Navajo Nation, where no bike shops exist.
In 2018, retired pro cyclist Scott Nydam and his family moved to Gallup, New Mexico to pursue a healthcare job for his wife. Soon after their arrival, Scott began meeting passionate mountain bikers across the 28,000-mile expanse of the Navajo Nation who loved the bike and wanted to bring the sport to their communities. The only problem is no bike shops existed. Through a grassroots native-led effort, this group of dedicated cyclists and their families have overcome countless odds to build a cycling culture that today has become the fastest-growing recreational sport on the Navajo Nation.
The screening in Moab will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm in the Grand County High School Auditorium.
Trail Mix invites the public to participate in the Moab Spring Spruce-Up inaugural volunteer event held to maintain, build, and clean up non-motorized trails and other highly-impacted areas in Grand County to help offset impacts in the 2024 season.
Volunteers will be working on equestrian, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing approach trails throughout Grand County. The event is all day Saturday, April 13 with a variety of work projects followed by a volunteer appreciation party with drinks, food, and music. Orientation and registration will be the evening of Friday, April 12. Colin Topper, chair of the TrailMix committee, said of the event: “Moab is known for our world-class non-motorized recreation. Grand County’s TrailMix is dedicated to making sure these trails are well-built and accessible to everyone. Last year, we had a great response from Moab visitors and residents alike who wanted to contribute to the improvement and maintenance of our trails in Grand County. If you’d like to spend a beautiful April weekend getting dirty and making a difference for the trails you love, please join us at Spring Spruce-Up!”
Interested volunteers can pre-register for the event at grandcountyutah.net/1284/Spring-Spruce-Up. Registration for specific projects will take place from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, April 12 at the MARC (111 E 100 N, Moab UT). Volunteer projects will run from 9am-3pm on Saturday, April 15, with a breakfast from 7am-8:45 am beforehand at the MARC. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own brown-bag lunch. At 9am, participants will board a shuttle van for transportation to their respective volunteer project location. Volunteers will be returned to the MARC around 3pm. Later Saturday evening from 5pm-6pm there will be a social and snack hour for volunteers to get to know each other and relax after a long day of volunteering. At 6pm, there will be a celebration for all volunteers including live music, food, drinks, raffle prizes, games, and more!
Projects for Moab Spring Spruce-Up will be led by Trail Mix, the City of Moab, Grand County Active Transportation and Trails, Grand County Weeds, Friends of Anonymous Park, Rim to Rim Restoration, and Backcountry Horsemen Canyonlands Chapter. All volunteers must register prior to participating in the event. Participants under the age of 18 will need to bring a parent or guardian to sign activity waivers.
For a complete event schedule and more information, visit the grandcountyutah.net/1284/Spring-Spruce-Up or email moabtrailmix@gmail.com
Your Ultimate Guide to Moab’s Outdoor Festivals and Spring Events
Embark on a journey through the exhilarating outdoor festivals and spring events nestled in the heart of Moab, Utah. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene explorations of nature, Moab offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re seeking high-octane thrills or tranquil moments of connection with the natural world, this guide will equip you with everything you need to make the most of your Moab adventure. So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to unlock the boundless possibilities of springtime in Moab!
Skinny Tire Festival (Road Bicycle Event)
This 4-day cycling event is full of amazing scenery and bucket-list-worthy routes. Cycle along the might Colorado River, through Arches National Park, and up to Dead Horse Point State Park.
March 9 @ 9:00 am – March 12 @ 3:00 pm
Website: skinnytireevents.com/skinnytirefestival
Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile
Thousands of runners come together in March to enjoy the scenic red rock formations and winding Colorado River that Moab has come to be known for! Running parallel to Arches National Park and the Mighty Colorado, runners are in for a real treat.
March 16
Website: madmooseevents.com/canyonlands-half-marathon
Easter Jeep Safari
The Easter Jeep Safari consists of trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing from Moab Utah throughout the 9 day long event. The official event is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc. one of the local four wheel drive clubs of Moab.
March 23 – March 31
Website: rr4w.com/events.cfm
TransRockies Moab Rocks
Over three fully supported stages—covering 76 miles (123km) and 7,800 feet (2,400m) of elevation—you’ll race on legendary trails like Porcupine Rim and modern classics like Klondike and Mag 7. In all, it’s a fraction of what the Moab area has to offer, but only the best of the best make the cut.
April 6 @ 8:00 am – April 8 @ 3:30 pm
Website: moab-rocks.com
Cruise Moab (Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 Event)
Guided trail runs, Thursday night Vendor Showcase, the famous Friday night dinner & raffle (including 1 dinner), one raffle ticket, one event sticker, and one official event t-shirt.
April 17 – April 21
Website: cruisemoab.com
Moab Rotary Car Show & Rod Run
Beautiful vehicles set in a breath-taking location. Don’t miss this fun & unique event. Bring the whole family! The car show presents beautiful antique, unique cars and trucks.
April 26 – April 28
Website: moabrotary.com
Thelma and Louise Marathon, Half Marathon, 15K, and Marathon Team Race
Because a girls weekend should include an exciting challenge, we present Thelma and Louise Marathon, Half Marathon, and 15K! Bring your best girl friends to Moab and experience remoteness of Moab’s Behind the Rocks area.
April 27
Website: madmooseevents.com/thelma-and-louise-half-marathon-rel
TransRockies Gran Fondo Moab
The Gran Fondo Moab will follow the La Sal Mountain Loop Road which features an amazing variety of canyon country scenery. The 60-mile long route follows the winding Colorado River, then heads up to the La Sal Mountains through beautiful Castle Valley.
May 4
Website: transrockies.com/gran-fondo-moab
Raptors on the Rocks (4X4 Off-road Event)
Join the third annual Raptors on the Rocks event – a gathering of Raptor enthusiasts from all over the globe in Moab, Utah
May 9 – May 12
Website: raptorsontherocks.com
Moab Arts Festival
A broad selection of original art from over 60 artists will be on display. he variety of artisans includes categories such as furniture, fine art, creative arts, pottery, fiber & textiles, jewelry, glass, and wood.
May 25 – May 26
Website: moabartsfestival.org/
Desert Rats 150 (Long Distance Running Event)
It’s about reaching deep within yourself, adapting to adversity and overcoming the challenges in front of you. Those who enjoy Desert RATS the most come into the experience prepared and willing to be flexible in every way.
June 16 @ 10:00 am – June 22 @ 7:00 pm
Website: geminiadventures.com/run/desert-rats-150
In a strategic effort to bolster tourism from France, Discover Moab embarked on a Sales and Media Mission to Paris from January 22 to 26. Collaborating with the Utah Offices of Tourism and other destination marketing organizations (DMOs), the mission aimed to foster relationships with key travel agencies and journalists, unveiling Moab’s offerings to the French market.
Discover Moab engaged with 14 prominent travel agencies and met with 10 influential journalists from various magazines. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the preferences and expectations of the French clientele, shaping the strategies for attracting them to Moab.
Key Client Preferences
Travel Timing French clients show a preference for traveling to Moab during the months of April and October, aligning with favorable weather conditions and fewer crowds.
Accommodation Requirements There is a notable demand for accommodations offering inclusive amenities such as breakfast and access to a pool, catering especially to families with children.
Cultural and Recreational Interests
French visitors exhibit a keen interest in participating in a range of cultural and recreational events, spanning arts festivals, music festivals, school sports games, rodeos, car shows, and more.
Sustainability Programs
Clients express eagerness to learn about Moab’s sustainability initiatives, with a focus on programs like Science Moab, Leave No Trace, and Trail Ambassadors, indicating a growing trend towards responsible tourism.
Anticipation for New Travel Routes
The imminent introduction of a new flight route from Paris to Phoenix to Moab has sparked excitement among clients, highlighting their desire for seamless and convenient travel options to the region.
In addition to the Sales Mission activities, attendees had the privilege of participating in Utah’s 100th Anniversary of Film and TV Celebration. This momentous occasion featured a convivial cocktail party, followed by a screening of the iconic film Thelma & Louise, complemented by a presentation of the book A la vie à la mort, sur la route avec Thelma et Louise by authors Marine Sanclemente and Catherine Faye. Each guest received an autographed copy of the book, rounding off the evening on a memorable note.
As Discover Moab continues to cultivate relationships and tailor its offerings to the preferences of the French market, the stage is set for an influx of visitors seeking luxury experiences, outdoor adventures, and cultural immersion in the stunning landscapes of Moab, Utah.