9 Exciting Things to do in Moab

Nestled in eastern Utah is the city of Moab—a place that is home to spectacular red rock formations in the Arches National Park. With a population of just over 5,200 people, it is considered a historic landmark, featuring many archeological artifacts and traces of dinosaurs in the Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge. If this is your first time, here is a crash course of 9 exciting things to do when you visit Moab.

1. Arches National Park

Top of the list, it's on the Utah license place, one of the most popular attractions in the state is Arches National Park. Over thousands of years, water has carved a perfect arch in the red rock to form Delicate Arch. See it for yourself! When visiting, you can either hike or drive through the park. If you drive, you will get to see the highlights with brief stops, including Balanced Rock, and Double Arch. If you choose to hike, be sure to go on the Arch trail as it offers beautiful rock formations and scenery. The fees to access this park are:
•    $30 for one private vehicle
•    $25 for motorcycles
•    $15 for individuals with no car

2. Canyonlands National Park

Another amazing place to explore is Canyonlands National Park. Divided into four districts due to the rivers, you can visit: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers that complete the park. They offer their own experiences but do share that same wild desert atmosphere. The fees to this park are the same as the Arches National Park. Plan ahead as this is Utah’s largest National Park spanning 337,598 acres.

Tip! Bring plenty of water—there are very few places to get water in the park, and getting dehydrated turns an awesome experience into something pretty terrible.

3. Moab Giants

Have you ever wanted to walk with dinosaurs? Now is your chance at the Moab Dinosaur Museum! With all-inclusive passes starting at $22, you can experience the roaring giants in 3D or opt for just the outdoor dinosaur display starting at $16 per person. The trail is ½ a mile and is equipped with over 100 full-size replicas of various species placed against the beautiful backdrop of the Moab desert. There's something about seeing these massive creatures in nature that makes it all so real. With dinosaur trails, dig-out-sites, prehistoric aquarium, theaters, cafes, and a dino playground, there is fun for all ages here.

4. Raft the Colorado River

There is so much exploration to be done on a river. Open from April to October; you can enjoy the rapids of the Colorado River with the choice of Cataract Canyon or Castle Valley for your excursion. Depending on your choice of trip, you can also choose between half-day or 3-day trips. Booking the trip through Mild to Wild, you will also get the experience through trained professionals.

5. Dead Horse Point State Park

If you are looking for breathtaking views of a canyon set against the western sunset, Dead Horse Point State Park hits the spot. Years of meticulous carving from wind, ice, and water have slowly formed the steep walls that overlook the ever-winding Colorado River. The picturesque views stand at 2,000 feet at Dead Horse Point. Enjoy beautiful hikes and wildlife viewing here. The park is open year-round from 6 am–10 pm, so there's no excuse if you miss the sunrise or sunset.

6. Hell’s Revenge 4X4 Tour

If hiking just isn’t your thing but you still want to see enchanting views of Moab, with its pristine red rocks through Negro Bill Canyon, Abyss Canyon, La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River; then head over to Hell’s Revenge Off-Road Adventures. Starting at only $113, you will have the option to choose from a morning, afternoon, or sunset ride in a 4-person Kawasaki Teryx 4. Cruise with experienced guides that will lead you over sandstones, slick rocks, and rough terrain. The ride lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes but is filled with endless sights and adventure.

7. Corona Arch

There are a few different arch formations to see, but this one is a must! If you wonder to yourself “how is this thing still standing?” you aren't the first. It is truly amazing to see and worth the 1.5-mile hike. It is located off Utah State Route 279 in a side canyon of the Colorado River. When you first approach the sandstone formations, you will see Bowtie Arch. Just beyond that is Corona Arch. If you venture a little further, you can capture an image of both arches.

8. Slickrock Trail Mountain Biking

This is not a trail for the faint of heart. Slickrock Trail was made for mountain bikers who wish to challenge their skill and strength to the utmost. The trail is a 12-mile loop that takes roughly around 4 hours to complete. Visitors say that you will barely use your easiest gears during this ride. This is a very famous mountain biking trails.

9. Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage

One surprising fact you may want to know about Moab is that it is a popular destination for Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, The Lone Ranger, Transformers: Age of Extinction, and Need for Speed—to name a few. Located around Red Cliffs Lodge, the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage pays homage to its rich history of film.

The perfect getaway awaits you in Moab—especially if you are in search of serene beauty. From tall red rock Arches and canyons to dinosaur tracks, Moab will give you that adventure fix you've been craving. Feel free to comment on these 9 things to do in Moab. Adventure is waiting!

Where Art Lovers Need to Go in Utah

There is nothing more an art lover enjoys doing than traveling, taking in all things beautiful that America has to offer. If you are an art lover and are wondering where you want to explore next, Utah offers several exciting collections. Utah is home to many nationally renowned museums and theatres. Here are our top 9 places to visit in Utah if you are an art lover.

Art at the Main 

The perfect way to begin any trip is by checking out the local art scene. If you find yourself in Salt Lake City, take a drive over to Art at the Main. Art at the Main is home to dozens of local artists of the Salt Lake area. Nestled in the atrium of the Main Public Library, Art at the Main offers an enchanting experience. Soaring roofs and windows makes the gallery space come to life with light. The Art at the Main is run as a cooperative between Utah artists. Also, if you want to get your hands dirty with your art, presentations and classes are often offered throughout the week. Furthermore, during the holiday season, the art gallery comes alive with a thriving local market where locals sell their art.

The Soap Factory

If you find yourself in Provo, Utah, and are looking for a unique experience, The Soap Factory will do the job. Soap is definitely a unique medium to express artistic talent. The Soap Factory is home to dozens of one of a kind and breathtaking soap bars. Also, if you are feeling adventurous, the Soap Factory can provide ingredients for you to make your own soap work of art.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden 

Nothing is more impressive than working with stone. Sculptors have always been a cornerstone, no pun intended, of the art world. If you find sculptures and other stone artistry enchanting, then the Gilgal Sculpture Garden in Salt Lake City was made for you. Nestled in the middle of a city park, Gilgal Sculpture Garden contains twelve iconic sculptures. The Gilgal Sculpture Garden was created in the mid-20th century by the photographer Thomas Child. Child wanted to create an art installation that encouraged the patron to work with their hands.

Hale Centre Theatre 

If you like a good underdog story, look no further then the Hale Centre Theatre of West Valley (Sandy, UT). When the Hale Centre Theatre opened in 1985, they played there first show to a crowd of only twenty-five audience members. The audio of the show was produced by placing an old cassette player to a microphone. However, these days the Hale Centre Theatre is a world-class theatre that hosts award-winning shows. Also, the Hale Centre Theatre is considered one of the most state-of-the-art theatres in the United States. A unique theatre in the round, its twelve-month production schedule offers shows any time that you visit.

Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School

It wouldn’t be Salt Lake City without some unusual places to go. If you enjoy your art on the weird side, you will enjoy Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School offerings. For over fifty years, Ralph Plescia has been fascinated by the more unusual stories found in the Bible. He then takes the inspiration from the Bible to carve weird and sometimes frightening sculptures into the walls of the school. People from all over the country have traveled to see the haunting stonework in the hallways of this historic school. You may only attend a tour every Friday or Sunday. However, if you are desperate to see the school, Mr. Plescia will be more then happy to set up an appointment.

McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery

Park City, Utah, is home to one of the most impressive photography galleries in America. The McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery specializes in nature photography. With the breathtaking landscape photos, you will be taken back to a much simpler time. Also, due to size, the McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery offers a more intimate experience between the viewer and art.

BYU Museum of Art

As one of the largest art museums in the Mountain West, this museum has held past exhibits of artists like M.C. Escher, Carl Bloch, and Norman Rockwell. It is a four-story building that is over 100,000 square feet, designed by architect James Langenheim. This inspiring place has a mission statement that says it all: "We hope your experience in the Museum will nurture a more reflective mind, a capacity for deeper inquiry, a stronger commitment to excellence and integrity, and heightened appreciation for others and their ideas." If you're an art lover in the Provo area, you do not want to miss this. Check out the link to see what exhibits are currently on display.

Anderson Tower Monument 

The Anderson Tower Monument acts as a perfect reminder that sometimes your artistic endeavors may not succeed. Robert Anderson began work on the tower in Salt Lake City in the year 1884. Mr. Anderson was interested in honoring the ancient castles of England and Scotland, and so constructed a replica of the style. At the end of the construction, the tower stood at 54 feet. Unfortunately, the public lost interest in the tower. For this reason, the tower was knocked down in the year 1932. In later years a monument was constructed to symbolize the hard work and inspiration of Robert Anderson. It is important to know that this monument is hard to find, and we would recommend you research a route beforehand.

The Tabernacle 

You can't have a list of things to do in Utah without mentioning The Tabernacle, home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (which has been referred to as "America's Choir"). The Tabernacle is a massive cathedral-like building that is built to be so acoustically sensitive, a pin dropped from the pulpit can be heard at the back of the hall. Sunday mornings at 9:30 am the Tabernacle Choir holds their weekly music program "Music and the Spoken Word." Thursday rehearsals are free admission and generally start at 7:30. They perform with mastery that any art lover is sure to find wonderful.


Utah is an excellent getaway to scratch that artistic itch. From museums to historical sights, you will never run out of things to gaze in amazement at. What are your favorite places to visit when you go to Utah?

9 Unique Species of Aquatic Animals You Can See in Utah

There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of Utah. Salt Lake City, vast national parks, seemingly endless deserts. One thing, however, that most people definitely don’t associate with Utah is exotic marine life. Think again!

Utah is home to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. This aquarium is run by a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to share the exploration of the diverse ecosystems the earth has to offer and to educate people on the species that inhabit these places. Located just 30 minutes from Provo, the facility is one of the best in the world and is home to nearly 4,500 animals coming from 550 distinct species. Habitats replicate the Antarctic, South American rainforests, and Asia. Let’s take a look at some of the unique wildlife you can experience at this awesome aquarium.

Giant Pacific Octopus

The Giant Pacific Octopus lives along the Pacific coast, encompassing the area from Alaska to Southern California. They tend to hang out around rocky shorelines, spending most of their time in tide pools. They usually grow to be around 16 feet, with the largest ever recorded being 30 feet and weighing nearly 600 pounds! Due to the mysterious nature of these animals, not a lot is known about their level of population.

Sandbar Shark

Sandbar Sharks like to inhabit subtropical waters. They can be found in the west and southern oceans of the Caribbean, in the western Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico, among a few others. They can grow to be pretty big, reaching lengths of seven and a half feet. They are low in population due to low reproductive rates and overfishing. They feed on many species, including crabs, stingrays, smaller sharks, and shrimp.

Asian Small-Clawed Otter

The Asian Small-Clawed Otter is from the southeastern and southern parts of Asia. They live in naturally occurring streams and lakes where they use vegetation as a cover from other animals that may pose a threat. They only grow to be around two feet. In recent years, these animals have lost a lot of their habitat, forcing them to live closer to humans, which is threatening their populations. They live in large family groups and are very social creatures.

Asian Arowana

The Asian Arowana is a fish found only in freshwater around Southeast Asia and Indonesia. This gives them many habitats to survive in, including streams in forests, swamps, deep rivers, and lakes. They grow to be around three feet long and feed on insects and small fish. They are an endangered species. They are heavily hunted and have had their habitats destroyed due to human activity. They are one of the highly prized aquarium animals in the world.

Gentoo Penguin

The Gentoo Penguin is found from the tip of the Antarctic peninsula up until around the sub-Antarctic. They live in large colonies on the coastal regions of islands, where they breed away from the ice on beaches and on the tops of cliffs. They are relatively small, growing to around 30 inches and weighing between 11 and 19 pounds. They are not an endangered species; however, their populations are threatened by overfishing and oil spills.

Arapaima

The Arapaima is a fish located in only one place on the planet, the Amazon river basin in South America. They tend to inhabit a few different habitats, like the Amazon river and a few other forest rivers around the area. The Arapaima is one of the largest species of freshwater fish in the world, weighing up to nearly 440 pounds and growing up to 15 feet long. Massive! They are a threatened species due to overhunting. Fun fact: these fish need to get extra air from the surface even though they have gills!

Dwarf Caiman

The Dwarf Caiman is a small species of reptile that belongs to the alligator family. They inhabit cool streams near rapids and waterfalls in the Amazonian river area. They love fast-moving water which is why they live in these places. They grow between 1.4 to 2.3 meters, depending on the sex of the animal. Their habitat has been threatened by pollution due to gold mining. However, they are not hunted like other crocodiles because their skin is too bony for leatherworking.

Japanese Spider Crab

The Japanese Spider Crab is found solely on the Pacific side of the Japanese islands Konshu and Kyushu. They tend to live in waters that hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They live in depths between 500 and 1,000 feet, and as larger crabs have a leg span that can reach up to 15 feet. Scavengers, their diet exclusively consists of decaying matter that is found on the seafloor. They are fished heavily due to their status as a delicacy in many places around the world.

Pacific Hagfish

The Pacific Hagfish live along the coast of North America in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to the end of California. These fish live in very deep parts of the ocean, reaching depths of up to 3,000 feet. They inhabit the continental shelf floor on muddy and rocky substrates. They grow to an average of between 15 and 25 inches. They are hunted for their skin, which is used to make leather. They expel a defensive slime when they feel threatened, which is a mix of sugar and protein.


Next time you are debating on taking a trip to Utah, think beyond Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon. While these are excellent destinations, you may want to include a trip to see the vast array of marine life at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. What other state can you see some of the most beautiful landscapes, as well as some of the most unique animals in the world!

10 Best Things to Do Along the UVX Bus Route in Provo

The Utah Valley is a beautiful and inspiring place to spend time, whether you're on your own or with family and friends. From the fantastic local shopping and dining to the wonderful scientific and historical treasures. The Utah Valley Express (UVX) is a free transportation service provided by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), and with modern technology, you can plan your trips with remarkable accuracy and convenience. Here are ten things to do along the UVX bus route in Provo:

1. University Place

Bus Stop: University Place
The University place offers many amenities that cater to any and every age group. Do you like shopping for clothes and accessories? Check out American Eagle Outfitters, Bella Ella or Downeast. If the kids want to have some fun, there is always the Kids Place or the Disney store. Are you tired of walking all over the mall? Take a load off and catch a movie at the Cinemark, conveniently located inside the mall.

2. Great Food Downtown

Bus Stop: 300 North Center Street
No good vacation is complete without good food, and in downtown Provo, there is plenty of it. Restaurants range from Mexican to American Italian to Thai. Try El Gallo Giro for a delightful taste of Mexico or get adventurous with some Thai at the Silver Dish Cuisine. If comfort food is what you want, the Communal has everything that you need in a steak and burger restaurant.

3. Provo Towne Centre

Bus Stop: Towne Centre Boulevard
Another excellent shopping location is the Provo Towne Centre. This mall has great shopping and dining and can easily provide an entire day of fun. Shop apparel stores such as Aeropostale, Christopher & Banks, Rue 21 and Victoria’s Secret. Need some nourishment? Stop at one of the great dining options located in the food court. Eating at Orange Julius and Panda Express is always a good choice, but if you'd like to try a local favorite, you should try Wingers Grill.

4. Provo Recreational Center

Bus Stop: Academy Square
If you brought the kids with you, enjoy a day at the Provo Recreational Center. Here you can enjoy many different things such as rock climbing, swimming in the aquatic center, and even rock climbing in the aquatic center (climb the rock wall, complete with waterfall, and drop into the pool). The Provo Rec also offers recreation for adults like dancing, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball. When visiting be sure to plan extra time—there's enough to do, you'll want to stay longer than you think.

5. Provo City Library

Bus Stop: Academy Square
Boasting over 270,000 books and pieces of literature, the Provo City Library is sure to please any book enthusiast. While there, you can participate in parent and child reading workshops, which are fun and informative for the whole family. The library also has historical significance to the community as it was built in 1892 and has served as the Provo library for all that time.

6. Brigham Young University

Bus Stop: South Campus, Joaquin
Aside from its historical merits, there are quite a bit of things to see and do at Brigham Young University Campus. You could take a walk through the Museum of Art, the Royden G. Derrick Planetarium, or take the family to the Monte Bean Life Science Museum. There are many sights to see at the campus that will engage your mind and leave you amazed at beauty of the natural world. Children especially will enjoy the museums such as the BYU Museum of Paleontology or the Museum of Peoples and Cultures. There is quite a bit to do on campus, and it is very much worth the stop.

7. LaVell Edwards Stadium (BYU)

Bus Stop: BYU Stadium
LaVell Edwards Stadium houses all home football games for the BYU Cougars. Experience firsthand the passion of Cougar Nation's athletes and fans. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you can get tickets to a variety of sporting events, which can be fun for the entire family. For indoor sports such as basketball, cross the street to catch a game over at the Marriott Center. Pricing for tickets are reasonable and can easily be purchased in advance either at the door or online.

8. Harrison Arboretum and Botany

Bus Stop: BYU South Campus, Jaquin
The Harrison Arboretum and Botany park is located near the south campus and offers beautiful views of nature. This is a great place to bring the family for a picnic lunch or to view the waterfowl that call the pond home. Bring a spare piece of bread to feed the ducks! This park offers very simple trails for walking and viewing as well as benches and picnic areas. If you need to get away from the busy downtown area, then this is the perfect place to take a break.

9. UVU

Bus Stop: UVU
UVU offers much to see, from arts and history to sporting events. View the museums and cultural offerings of the university by attending a play at the Noorda Theater or tour the internationally recognized stained-glass window display Roots of Knowledge on campus. There are many sporting events offered at the university’s UCCU Center, such as basketball and gymnastics. Attending these events is easily done by purchasing a ticket at the door or by buying in advance, which usually saves you money. There is always something to do on campus, and everything is still within walking distance of each other.

10. Fine Dining

Bus Stop: Main Street University Parkway
One popular fine dining restaurant that is a local favorite is La Jolla Groves. This restaurant features both surf and turf dishes ranging from the obvious steak to striped bass and tortellini. With a great menu and a great wine offering, you are sure to have a good time dining here.



Utilizing the UVX transit system allows you free transportation to the best hotspots in town and can save you money in travel time. Here we have listed 10 attractions worthy of your attention, but you are likely to find so much more during your visit. With the friendly faces of the community and the excellent variety of things to do, be prepared to make lifelong memories.