Traveling to Moab from a Utahn (Monticello, Green River: hotel, camping, live)

[markg91359]

Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are truly magnificent sites. Ideally, everyone would see them once in their lives. Not only are they out of this world, if one continues south into San Juan County much more beckons. West of Monticello lies Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. There are all kinds of recreation sites all along San Juan County which, in square miles, is the largest county in Utah. One of my favorite sites, right along the highway is Wilson's Arch. In the very southern part of San Juan County is the north entrance to Monument Valley.

Having said all that, I now dwell on the negative. Too many people are staying in Moab these days which is simply a shame. A small community that is ninety percent dependent on tourism has simply been ruined. Its hard to find any lodging in Moab at all during tourist season for under about a $100 a night. Not only that, but many of the locals merchants are nasty, surly, greedy, and demanding. There is limited shopping of any kind and prices are expensive. There is camping around Moab, but it is not the best in Utah by a long shot. Additionally, both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are miles north of Moab. Plus, in the summer the place is simply overrun with tourists.

I recommend that anyone attempting to visit the national parks down there try to avoid staying in Moab. Other options are not great, but they do exist. One can stay in Green River and drive in about an hour down to Canyonlands or Arches. If you want to go further south, you can schedule yourself to visit the parks during the day and stay in a motel around Monticello later that evening.

It is sad, but a community I once enjoyed visiting has now been ruined. It is time to go elsewhere.

[Beernik]

A small community 90% dependent on tourism is probably better than when it was 90% dependent on uranium mining and milling.

I always preferred to stay in Green River too, going back into the late 1990s. I remember in 2000, the first vacation I took with my then girlfriend, now wife, we stayed in the honeymoon suite of a hotel in Green River for less than the cheapest hotel available in Moab.

I always thought the best time to visit Moab was mid-winter. Not too hot. Not too cold. Minimal tourists. Pale crystal blue skies.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by markg91359

Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are truly magnificent sites. Ideally, everyone would see them once in their lives. Not only are they out of this world, if one continues south into San Juan County much more beckons. West of Monticello lies Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. There are all kinds of recreation sites all along San Juan County which, in square miles, is the largest county in Utah. One of my favorite sites, right along the highway is Wilson's Arch. In the very southern part of San Juan County is the north entrance to Monument Valley.

Having said all that, I now dwell on the negative. Too many people are staying in Moab these days which is simply a shame. A small community that is ninety percent dependent on tourism has simply been ruined. Its hard to find any lodging in Moab at all during tourist season for under about a $100 a night. Not only that, but many of the locals merchants are nasty, surly, greedy, and demanding. There is limited shopping of any kind and prices are expensive. There is camping around Moab, but it is not the best in Utah by a long shot. Additionally, both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are miles north of Moab. Plus, in the summer the place is simply overrun with tourists.

I recommend that anyone attempting to visit the national parks down there try to avoid staying in Moab. Other options are not great, but they do exist. One can stay in Green River and drive in about an hour down to Canyonlands or Arches. If you want to go further south, you can schedule yourself to visit the parks during the day and stay in a motel around Monticello later that evening.

It is sad, but a community I once enjoyed visiting has now been ruined. It is time to go elsewhere.

Going to Arches tomorrow a.m. Last of 4-5 day romp through the parks S. Utah. Really enjoyed Capitol Reef yesterday mostly because it wasn't over run by tourists. Bryce Canyon also less over run. Zion was packed. I'm not too impressed with Moab (first time). Really run down - thought it would be nicer aesthetically. Fav so far has been Capitol Reef. Got up before dawn and rode to the gorge and back (about 18 miles) and had the place to myself. The campground at the park was dirt cheap (no elect or showers though). Also enjoyed Bryce Canyon with a side trip to Kodachrome. Again, less busy and had a great time at both places.

P.S. That scenic drive Utah SR 12 was just unbelievable.....really enjoyable.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by BucFan

P.S. That scenic drive Utah SR 12 was just unbelievable.....really enjoyable.

Isn't that the most incredible drive ever!!!!