Moab, UT – The crystal ball shows a mixed bag of trends: a slowly emerging economy, vacations of shorter duration focusing on drive-to destinations, gas prices projected at $4 a gallon and up, and the number of National Park visits expected to rise one or two percentage points this summer. Mixed or not, these trends bode well for Moab Adventure Center’s upcoming season.
Brandon Lake, Moab Adventure Center’s director reports, “All the visitation projections we’ve seen for the Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Park region have been bullish. We’ve been adding to our staff and to our shuttle fleet and equipment capabilities to handle the 10 percent increase in business we’re projecting. As of mid-March, first quarter sales of day trips in Moab for 2012 are up 46 percent from last year, which was a record year for the Moab Adventure Center.” Lake anticipates that the drive-to market from nearby urban areas will be stronger as well, contributing to the expected increase.
A variety of activities encompassing air, land and water offer a line-up of half-day to multi-day tours unique to Moab’s location between the red rock wonders of Arches National Park, the sandstone landscapes of Canyonlands National Park and the National Forest wilderness of the La Sal Mountains.
Half-day national park programs include the following:
Fiery Furnace Hike in Arches National Park twists and turns for two hours among contorted orange-tan fins, towers, spires and arches with a guide/naturalist. The adult rate is $81; 16 and under is $61. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/national-park/archeshike.php
Arches National Park Sunset Motor Tour is a four-hour sunset sightseeing safari to witness the sun painting spectacular shades on surrounding sandstone monoliths and the nearby snowcapped La Sal Mountains. The adult rate is $71; 16 and under is $48. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/national-park/arches-bus-tour.php
A Scenic Flight over Canyonlands National Park explores in one hour with a professional pilot the impenetrable backcountry surrounding the Colorado and Green Rivers which to this day continue to scour and sculpt Canyonlands National Park. Window seats are guaranteed. Headsets for the tour are included. Youth two and under fly free on a parent’s lap. The rate for ages three and up is $165. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/flights/canyonlands.php
Multi-day park trips include:
Two and four-day Cataract Canyon Rafting expeditions on the Colorado River ferry guests in custom motor-assisted rafts through the legendary 100-mile Cataract Canyon, rated one of the best rafting trips in America. After experiencing 30 world class white water rapids, the adventure ends at Lake Powell for a ground shuttle back to Moab. The 2 day / 1 night program is $595 ages 12 and up. Weekly departures are May through mid July. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/moab-rafting-cataract-canyon-express/
A four-day oar and paddle-powered option covers the same distance at a slower pace. Rates are $1,235 for adults and $995 for ages 10-15. Rates include guides and equipment, cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs & water-resistant gear bag, all meals between departure and return, transportation from Moab to the river and return scenic flight over Canyonlands NP and shuttle back to Moab. See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/moab-rafting-cataract-canyon-classic/
Moab Adventure Center guests can combine three adventures such as a safari, hot air ballooning and mountain biking and save 10 percent on each. Trips can be booked online. The nearest major urban areas to Moab are Grand Junction, CO (113 Miles) and Salt Lake City, UT (235 miles).