SOUTHERN UTAH — The small city that borders both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, Moab, is known for its amazing hiking, biking, jeeping and camping during the warmer months of the year.
Adventure seekers travel from all over the world to witness the area’s beauty and take part in thrilling activities offered there, which include skydiving and the ever-popular four-wheel drive, or 4×4, tours.
When winter hits, the pace slows down in the small community, which is otherwise usually bustling with tourists. Many popular arches and trails that are typically littered from dusk to dawn with hikers in May can be had all to oneself in January. Hotels that are booked up for months in advance during the on-season often offer discounted rates during the slower, chillier months.
For those seeking a more intimate Moab experience, winter is the perfect time to visit.
Seven Mile Rim Trail
This off-roading trail can be enjoyed year-round by jeep, side-by-side or other such vehicles. The untouched snow surrounding the trail blankets the landscape and offers a stunning contrast against the red rock buttes and arches. The area is often described as a photographer’s dream.
Co-owners Dan Mick and Richard Mick of Dan Mick’s Guided Jeep Tours, currently rated No. 1 on Trip Advisor for Moab jeep tours, offer the Sevenmile Rim trail as one of their most popular winter tours. Adventure seekers can choose between 3-hour and full-day tours.
The trail, also called the Sevenmile Rim Trail or 7 Mile Rim Trail, is a collection of roads originally forged by uranium miners. It runs through both state and federal lands. Off-roaders will enjoy a full range of terrain on the trail, including two-track dirt roads, wash bottoms, sandy hills and some slickrock. Rabbits, coyotes and cows can often be seen on this trail.
The 7 Mile Rim Trail leaves Highway 191 and offers an exceptionally scenic drive. Attractions include the Uranium Arch, the Merrimac Butte, Monitor Butte and Determination Towers.
Watch the video above for a peek at the trail!
Riders should wear warm clothing and snow boots. The inside of the Dan Mick’s jeeps is heated, but you will want to be bundled up so you can get out and explore the scenic stops along the way.
Local tour companies offer 4×4 rentals, but for inexperienced drivers, this trail is best navigated under the watchful eye of a tour guide.
Driving directions to Moab from St. George — 4 hours, 45 min; 340 miles
- From St. George, travel north on Interstate 15 for 126 miles
- Take Exit 132 and travel Interstate 70 east toward Richfield/Denver
- Continue east on I-70 for 181 miles
- Take Exit 182 for U.S. Highway 191 toward Moab
- Travel on US-191 for 30 minutes until you arrive in downtown Moab
- View driving directions and map here
Resources
- Dan Mick’s Guided Jeep Tours | Telephone 435-259-4567
- City of Moab | Visitor Information Website
- TripAdvisor’s top-rated Moab businesses
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