Grand can be explored through different ways of enjoying the outdoors and through its history. Grand County maintains more than 150 miles of non-motorized singletrack trails used for mountain biking. There are also hikes with specific distances and a motorized trail network. Landscapes and cultural history offer further points of interest. To help you choose, start by considering the route length, activity, or historical interest that appeals to you.
Trails by Length and Activity
The Sand Flats Recreation Area covers 9,000 acres and has 40 miles of trails. One specific route option is the Slickrock Bike Trail Practice Loop: this 2-mile loop offers views of petrified sand dunes, canyons, mesas, and the La Sal Mountains. The Moab Slickrock Bike Trail was the first designated National Recreation Trail in Utah.
The Porcupine Rim Trail has a different distance: it can be hiked as a 6-mile round trip with 900 feet of elevation gain to a viewpoint on the rim. In Canyonlands National Park, hundreds of miles of trails pass through natural and cultural features.
The type of use also differs: Grand County’s non-motorized singletrack trails are used for mountain biking. The Sovereign Trail System is located in Utahraptor State Park, a network of approximately 50 miles of motorized singletrack and doubletrack trails. Comparing them makes clear which activity is the main consideration when choosing a route.
Expansive Views and Vast Timescales
In Canyonlands National Park, the Island in the Sky mesa sits atop steep sandstone cliffs, more than 1,000 feet (304 m) above the surrounding terrain. Each viewpoint offers a different perspective on the park’s landscape. The 100-mile White Rim Road runs around and below the mesa, offering expansive views of the surrounding area.
Arches National Park has the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches. Utahraptor State Park preserves a different kind of natural history: it protects important paleontological resources from the Early Cretaceous, 125 million years ago. Considering landscapes, geological time periods, and discoveries as distinct topics offers several ways to explore the region’s natural history.
Traces of History
The Moab Museum shares the cultural and natural history of the Moab area through exhibits and programs. It also has an extensive oral history archive and a research library. The oral history archive and research library connect the history of the Moab area with personal accounts and research.
An 1859 expedition explored the region, which was crossed by the Old Spanish Trail. It was led by U.S. Army Captain John Macomb and physician and geologist John Newberry. A later turning point in Moab’s history came in 1952, when Charlie Steen discovered one of the richest uranium deposits in the United States; the discovery sparked Moab’s uranium boom.
Practical Information
A car is generally required to get to Canyonlands National Park. Since traffic conditions can change, check the latest travel information before planning your visit. Professional guided OHV tours are offered on the Hell’s Revenge Trail. Since providers and availability can change, check the current options and suitable dates as you plan.
Discover more destinations: Moab, Hanover County, Wasatch, Kane County, Beaver County, Summit, Washington, Daggett County.
For the main travel overview: Utah.
