There are multiple commercial campgrounds in Moab. All of them appear to be good or at least adequate------no slums anyway. We decided to stay in OK RV-Park & Canyonlands Stables 3310 Spanish Valley Drive 435-259-1400 because it was a PPA park thus 1/2 price. Even at half price it was $15.50 per-night for FHU with 30/30 amps and cable included. Most RV-Parks in the area are going to be around $25 plus a stiff tax. This park had some shade so we picked it but the nice Spanish Trail RV-Park has nice shade as well and both are within a mile of each other. All of the parks in Moab appear to have gravel interior roads and sites.

Since we are in Moab we need to know a little about it. Moab was first settled in 1855 by the Elk Mountain Mission of the Mormon Church. Less than 5-months later, three members of the party were killed by Indians and the settlers fled, abandoning their holdings.

The next permanent settlers came in 1878. A Post office was established in 1879, and Moab was given its name, probably from a Biblical source. Finally in 1890 Grand County was created with Moab as the county seat.

Cattle and sheep grazing were the main economic activities until the 1940's. Then, occasional mining turned to a boom as Moab became capital of the the western Uranium mining boom which lasted into the 1960's with a revival in the 1970's.

Since the 1980's recreational pursuits have come to dominate Moab's economy. Long connected with Colorado River travel and freighting, this historic crossing has become the "Gateway" to some of Utah's most unique scenery with river activities on the Colorado River (rafting, kayaking and sightseeing), mountain biking, jeep and off road vehicle excursions into Canyon Country along with visiting Canyonlands & Arches National Parks attracting tourist to this region.

From just north of downtown Moab we turned east on scenic SR-128 along the Colorado River.

Matrimony Spring Moab, Utah

We always like to stop by this spring when in Moab. It is located on SR-128 about 200-yards east of the junction with US-191. Long ago someone put a pipe into a natural spring and poured cement around the exposed rock. Now it is a watering hole for a wide variety of people. Moab residents even stop by to get their drinking water. If you are looking for this natural spring that has been modified to accommodate modern needs you can locate it in a pullout on the north side of SR-128.

Matrimony Spring Moab, Utah

Matrimony Spring is located on SR-128 about 200-yards east of the junction with US-191. Long ago someone put a pipe into a natural spring and poured cement around the exposed rock. Now it is a watering hole for a wide variety of people. Moab residents even stop by to get their drinking water. If you are looking for this natural spring that has been modified to accommodate modern needs you can locate it in a pullout on the north side of SR-128.

Tamarisk

Tamarisk is that evasive, yet beautiful tree, imported years ago to help control erosion along western rivers. It got out of hand and has now become a major problem. It is still a pretty plant when in bloom.

Bluff cut by Colorado River

Steep canyon walls cut by the Colorado River dominate both sides of the river and SR-128 on this drive.

Note the desert varnish, (dark colored stain on sandstone wall).

Mulberry tree

This is a mulberry tree we spotted in one of the parks along the Colorado River. I scooped up some berries and will try to grow a mulberry tree in my back yard back in Pensacola.

Sandstone bluffs created by the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah

This is a good view of the Colorado River along with the picturesque sandstone cliffs that have resulted from the River relentlessly eroding downward through the rock layers.

Unidentified yellow flower

Along SR-128 we spotted this yellow flower that was lighting up the roadside. Does anyone know what it is?

These are some of our other Travel Logs in this area:

Arches NP-a ** Arches NP-b ** Arches NP-c ** Arches NP-d ** Arches NP-e ** Arches NP-f ** Arches NP-g

Scenic Drive through Sandstone Cliffs ** Scenic Drive along Colorado River ** Scenic Drive through Canyon ** Historic Dewey Bridge

Fruita, Colorado ** Scenic Drive along Potash Road in Moab ** Scenic Drive through Colorado River Canyon ** The John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River, Utah

Sandstone Cliffs of Colorado National Monument ** Wingate Sandstone of Colorado National Monument ** Kayenta Caprock in Colorado National Monument

Sandstone Tunnels in Colorado National Monument ** Fault in Colorado National Monument ** Grand Junction & Fruita, Colorado ** Volcanic Ash of Colorado NM

Driving US-191 from Blanding to Moab, Utah ** Geology along US-191 south of Moab, Utah ** Moab, Utah visitor center flower

Until next time remember how good life is.

Mike & Joyce Hendrix

Click here for more Utah travellogs

Until next time remember how good life is.

More Utah Adventures

Some Key West Adventures ** More 2007 Travel Adventures

Mike & Joyce Hendrix

Mike & Joyce Hendrix who we are

We hope you liked this page. If you do you might be interested in some of our other Travel Adventures:

Mike & Joyce Hendrix's home page

Travel Adventures by Year ** Travel Adventures by State ** Plants ** Marine-Boats ** Geology ** Exciting Drives ** Cute Signs ** RV Subjects ** Miscellaneous Subjects

We would love to hear from you......just put "info" in the place of "FAKE" in this address: FAKE@travellogs.us

Until next time remember how good life is.