Moab Utah - History and Recreation

Moab Utah, a city located in Grand County with a population of 4,779 was incorporated as a town in 1902. Mormons were first to settle here by establishing a fort called Elk Mountain Mission at the Old Spanish Trail Colorado River crossing. Located at present day Moab they were driven off by Indians in 1855, but later returned and became permanently settled in 1878.

The Mormons, were driven west by religious persecution in the eastern states, primarily because of their polygamous marriage practices. Moving out west they were finally able to lay claim to land and build in many different parts of the west including Moab. Farming and trading with travelers crossing the river was Moab?s first source of revenue.

Soon other Colorado River crossings were constructed at Lee?s Ferry, Boulder Dam and Navajo Bridge. In 1883 the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad came through eastern Utah but bypassed Moab Utah and went to Thompson Springs and Cisco to the north probably because of the difficult terrain surrounding Moab. This rough terrain made eastern Utah one of the last places to be completely mapped in the United States.

Soon Moab, Montrose, Gateway and other towns located in the Uravan Mineral Belt turned to mining for Uranium and Vanadium. Potash used in the making of glass, soap and fertilizer and Manganese that is used as an alloy in stainless steel and aluminum were also mined. Potash and salt are still shipped from this area today. The mining company Intrepid Potash is the largest potash producer in the United States.

Natural gas and oil were discovered and then followed by the 1950?s Uranium boom, brought on by our governments weapons development needs for the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. After the cold war and Uranium demand subsided, mines closed and people left for greener pastures leaving behind a failing economy.

Lucky Moab Utah has such beautiful and unusual terrain surrounding it. With Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park within close proximity, the Colorado River for water sports, and the La Sal Mountains close by Moab is like heaven for outdoor sports. People can go hiking in the La Sal Mountains above tree line in the morning and go four-wheeling or rock climbing in the desert sand and slickrock in the afternoon. The two national parks located here are favorites of photographers, mountain bikers, hikers and even BASE jumpers.

Since I moved out west 30 years ago it amazes me every time I go to Moab how much has changed. Moab Utah used to be a quiet little town, and even Canyonlands Park was not paved. The road from Cisco along the Colorado River was open to camping anywhere you decided to pull in. Once people found out how much fun this area is, Utah had to get on the ball with road improvements and camp grounds. Growth in sports like mountain biking and rock climbing helped probably more than anything to build Moab?s economy.

New hotels, restaurants, bike shops, four-wheel shops, rock climbing shops, everything necessary to help Moab?s new boom is in place.

The Moab Jeep Safari for off road vehicles takes place on Easter weekend and Labor Day weekend. Although theres four-wheeling year round here, these events bring in many rock climbers and just plain off road enthusiasts from around the country with all kinds of special rigs. Trails are rated 1 to 5 on difficulty and on the more treacherous ones people do roll vehicles, break axles and other drive train parts.

On hot days to cool down there is kayaking and rafting on the Colorado River alone or with a guide. There is a company that does Jet boat rides that are a real ball. They have a large boat for several people and do night and daytime tours. My wife and I did the daytime ride with some friends and really enjoyed it.

The road from Cisco to Moab Utah that runs along the Colorado River has a resort called the Sorrel River Ranch & Spa and Red Cliffs Lodge, along with many small state campgrounds.>

Moab Utah area as well as Lake Powell slickrock back country gives a person a sense of peace and wonder when looking at what nature is capable of doing. When I came out west from New York for the first time, I visited Canyon Lands National Park and was amazed at the total and complete silence. I?m glad that many people are lucky to experience this area but at the same time hope that it can be preserved for everyone and future generations.

When visiting Moab Utah always keep in mind that temperatures can get up to 115 degrees in the summer, and watch out for rattlesnakes and scorpions. Bring more water than you think you will need and drink before your body tells you to. Pick your clothing appropriately for high temperatures and wear a hat that will protect you and keep you cool.

Always remember that your cell phone probably won?t work and your pretty much on your own if you venture off into the back country. Think things out completely and be prepared. Remember that if something happens you could be stranded for days.

Always remember to stay on marked trails and clean up after yourselves so that there won?t be any need for B.L.M. to close areas to the public.

Source: http://www.yupedia.com/moab-utah-history-and-recreation.html

beyonce dance for you beyonce dance for you nba lockout over nba lockout news nba lockout news gifts for mom gifts for mom