Page 515 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

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VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Practical Information
n Tel (435) 719-2299.
Center: Open Apr–Oct:
8am–6pm daily; Nov–Mar:
8am–4:30pm daily. & 7
(campground, Park Avenue
Viewpoint, Delicate Arch
Viewpoint Trail & Balanced Rock
Trail.) 8 = 
∑ nps.gov/arch
Delicate Arch
The most celebrated of all the
arches here, and a state symbol, Arches are formed through
Delicate Arch appears on many a process that takes millions
of years; today’s arches
Utah license plates. It is reached continue to erode and Western-style, timber-clad gift store on
by a moderate 45-minute walk will eventually collapse. Main Street, Moab
over sandstone.
q Moab
* 5100. n Main & Center
Sts, (435) 259-8825.
∑ discovermoab.com
A town of dramatic ups and
downs, Moab is currently riding
its second great boom since
the 1950s. Once a quiet
Mormon settlement, the
discovery in 1952 of several
major uranium deposits
outside town made Moab
one of America’s wealthiest
communities. When the
uranium market declined in
the 1970s, the town was saved
by tourism and its proximity
to Arches and Canyonlands
Balanced Rock National Parks. Many movies,
This precariously balanced including some John Wayne
boulder atop a sandstone spire is Westerns and the Indiana
one of the park’s landmarks. Good Jones classics were shot here.
views are available from the trail Today, Moab is a top
as well as the scenic road route. destination for lovers of the
outdoors. Mountain bikers
come here for the challenging
ride from Moab Rim, reached by
Moab Skyway, a scenic tram ride
offering panoramic views of the
area. Numerous hiking trails and
4WD routes take in some of this
region’s fabulous landscapes.
Moab is also a major center for
white-water rafting on the
Colorado River. Matheson
Wetlands Preserve off Kane
Creek Boulevard has 2 miles
(3 km) of hiking trails along a
riverside wetland, home to birds
and indigenous wildlife.
Park Avenue and the Courthouse Towers
The large, rock monoliths known as Courthouse Towers bear an O Matheson Wetlands Preserve
uncanny resemblance to city skyscrapers. They can be seen from Park Off Kane Creek Blvd. Tel (435) 259-
Avenue, an easy, short trail. 4629. Open dawn–dusk daily. &
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp550–52 and pp553–5

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