Moab, UT
We are continuing to enjoy our stay here in eastern Utah. Three other couples we have come to know through our travels are now also in Portal RV Resort, making for some great social occasions. The three couples are Dave and Sue (Beluga’s Excellent Adventure), Joe and Gay (good-times-rollin), and Steve and MonaLiza (Lowes Adventures). On one of the first days we were all together we shared pizza and conversation at our site.

Mona Liza, Steve, Joe, Gay, Sue, Dave, and John
Yesterday we headed out Kane Springs Road just a couple of miles from Moab along the Colorado River to hike up to the Moab Rim, a high cliff overlooking the town of Moab. The first part of the hike is up a very steep trail for a mile. The trail going up is called the Stairmaster, which gives you an indication of the elevation gain.
The trail parallels what is called a Jeep road, but we think the road too difficult for most Jeeps. It is more suited to all terrain vehicles. We saw two ATVs going up as we returned from the hike and even they had quite a bit of difficulty.

No Chevy Impalas on this road!
As we climbed the steep trail we stopped often to check out the view of the Colorado River below.

Natural piece of sculpture
John recently ordered a new pair of Keen hiking shoes from REI. They seemed to fit nicely but on the hike a few days ago to Tower Arch he developed a blister above the heel of his right foot. He decided to put tape over it and try the shoes again, but halfway up the steep part of the trail it began to hurt again.

Ouch! The tape will not stay in place
He tried hiking Au Naturel (no shoe) but we decided going up another quarter mile just to reach the top with just one shoe would be a bit much.

One shoe off, one shoe on, diddle diddle dumpling my son John . . .
So we decided to head back down and return the next day with John wearing his old, dependable Vasque boots. With the old, comfortable boots, this morning we hiked back up to the top, where we were rewarded with great views of the town of Moab below us.

Looking down at Moab
Looking to our left we could see Portal RV Resort in the distance.

Can you see our motorhome?

A zoom photo helps
Looking to the north we could see Skyline Arch, located in Arches NP, in the distance.
After enjoying the views along the Moab Rim we continued south on the “Jeep” road into an area known as Behind the Rocks.
A short distance down the trail we spotted a small, un-named arch to our left.
As we neared our turn-around point we came to a high rock dome and were amazed that the road went straight up and over it.

The nimble hiker in the distance going up the dome

Pam hikes up the steepest part of the dome

Lunch with a view
We finished lunch and began hiking back down the trail when we were passed by an ATV going up toward the dome. We were anxious to see someone drive up the dome so we hiked back up the trail and found a spot where we could watch him tackle what we thought to be a very challenging “up.”
The driver was obviously very experienced, as he didn’t even slow down as he went up and over the dome.
We continued the return leg of the hike and were constantly amazed by all the beautiful vistas all around us.
We came to another section of the trail that looked to be very difficult. As luck would have it, two ATVs came down that section in front of us, again with no difficulty.

Heading back down toward the river
This was a great hike, providing magnificent views over and over again, while giving the legs and lungs a great workout. The hike (the way we did it) is very challenging for the first mile, levels off some at the top with shorter up and downs, then has another challenge going back down the last mile.
What amazing hikes! That ATV going up the dome was a tad scary….crazy! Great photos.
Those ATV climbs make my palms sweat! I think I would have to stick to the treads on my feet for that one! The Nimble Hiker looks snazzy in that red hat on that red rock overlook…
You got some great shots.
Ahhh…see what happens when John tried to leave Vasque? I’ve worn Vasque hikers for everything except ‘suit’ events since the 1990’s; even then, I’ve given them an apologetic glance, as if to leave a friend behind. 🙂
So, I see you have your traveling peeps with you again. Let the good times roll.
Stairmaster…I’ll pass….lol
Such a cute photo of you, Pam, with the Colorado River in the background.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Your lunch with a view is fantastic.
Hope John’s poor feet are doing much better today.
Awesome trail…we have driven it, but not hiked it. You are so right that stock jeeps can not do this trail. Fantastic views in all directions!
Can’t wait for the next get together…
Ahhhhh, Moab…how I love thee! So happy I can follow along on your hikes from a distance!
Great photos guys! And very glad to see you in shorts–we are hoping for good weather while there–I’m not ready to give up the flipflops! It’s amazing what our ATV can climb–simply amazing!
Ouch, just thinking about that blister makes me cringe. It is amazing how something so small and seemingly minor can ruin your day.
Another beautiful hike, Moab has so much to offer. We rented a side-by-side to reach those remote trail heads, but it extended our range so well we never got out to do much hiking. We knew we’d miss a lot, thanks for bringing what we drove past to life.
So glad you’re getting your expected good April weather – it looks perfect. 87 in the sun at 9 this morning over here already 😦 Love the little unnamed arch. That dome looks daunting for both feet and axles – and very beautiful! Glad the foot was a quick fix, but someday those boots are going to wear out – none of them are Nimble Hiker Proof forever!!
Such awesome views but I’d rather hike than drive up those domes. I love my Vasque boots and am getting ready to order a new pair after 20 years and one resole. The weather looks divine.
What a wonderful workout and views.
Our oldest grandson joined us in Palm Spring for his Spring Break so we did not leave early as planned so that we could explore the Crowley lake area. It will have to remain on our bucket list for another year.
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Is this different than the Slickrock Trail? Looks like almost the same views. I can’t think of where this trail starts. -Alicia @ http://www.girlonahike.com
What a great hike. I would always rather walk than ride in a vehicle on terrain like that!
I will need new hiking boots soon. Haven’t ever tried Vasques but will check them out. My feet are not fit for Keens, either.
What a beautiful lunch-spot-with-a-view! I’ve had the same thing happen with hiking boots — they pretend to be all nice and comfy and then a couple of miles in — big blisters! Not fun peeling duct tape off of blisters. You guys are hanging out with the best company. Looks like a blast. :-))
REI will give you a refund or replacement for those boots if you let them know. Great looking hike and friends.
What fun to have so many friends there in the park with you. Great pictures of the river as you head up. I can really sympathize with John on having trouble replacing a pair of well broken in and easy comfortable boots. I’m still looking for a pair and want them to have those suction treads you guys use for walking straight up on slick rock.. 🙂 Hate seeing those ATVs up there.
What a great hike and lovely pictures and definetly always enjoy your “lunch with a view”. We are “jeepers” and was so excited when you shared the other blogs. Going to subscribe to their blogs also and enjoyed seeing Good-times-rollin jeep trail rides. Hope to learn alot about where we can go trail ride at. Thanks so much for sharing.
Kim, there is book on all the Jeep Roads in Moab put out by one of the 4×4 clubs. It lists the trails by difficulty, gives great descriptions, maps, and site to see along the way. They put out a new edition each year. So you won’t have any trouble with where the trails are…they are truly everywhere!