About Moab
There’s more to Moab than mountain biking?
Though it may be hard to believe for a lot of mountain bikers, there’s much more to Moab than epic riding. The town has a rich history (yes, even before mountain biking), a thriving arts and culture scene and is surrounded by National Parks and other beautiful landscapes.
With so much to discover, you and your race support crew (friends and family certainly count) will have no trouble filling your time off of the bike.
A Rich History
During the mid-1800s, the area around what is now Moab served as the Colorado River crossing for the Old Spanish Trail. Over time, it grew into an agricultural hub and was permanently settled in 1878.
In 1902, Moab was incorporated as a town. Soon after, in the 1910s and 20s, uranium and vanadium were discovered nearby and mining became the town’s driving economic force. Later, potash and manganese were also discovered, and by the 1950s, Moab was a full-fledged mining town, becoming known as the “Uranium Capital of the World.”
All that mining caused an explosion in population, but as the Cold War began to ebb in the early 1980s, the need for uranium began to evaporate, which led to the closing of mines and a subsequent decline in population.
Down but not out, Moab took the opportunity to reinvent itself as a tourist destination. The area’s canyons, red rocks and red dirt make it a unique location to explore using both motorized and non-motorized forms of transportation, and over the past three decades, countless trails have been built for these purposes. As a result, Moab has become a major destination for mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Unique Geography
Part of what makes Moab such a special place to mountain bike is the area’s natural beauty. Its high-desert landscape is unique and has been recognized by the creation of two nearby National Parks: Canyonlands and Arches.
Beyond National parks, Moab is close to Dead Horse Point State Park, the scenic La Sal Mountains and is a hub for several scenic byways.
Arts & Culture
On top of attracting multitudes of tourists, Moab’s unique natural beauty has been used as a backdrop for many movies, dating back as far as the 1939 film, Stagecoach—a western starring John Wayne. The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission is the oldest in the world and has overseen the production of numerous films in the area.
Moab also has a thriving local arts scene. City streets are lined with shops full of different types of southwestern art, clothing and souvenirs. Returning in 2023 after a break, The Moab Artists Studio Tour is a self-guided free event “created to bring artists and art lovers together in the artists' studios where art is born.”
If looking at art (and artifacts) rather than buying it sounds more appealing, check out the Moab Museum. It’s described as “a cultural and natural history museum dedicated to sharing the rich stories of the Moab area.”
Food & Drink
If you’re like us, refueling is one of the first things on your mind after a long day in the saddle. Luckily, Moab is home to an array of restaurants, bars and breweries.
From food trucks to fine dining, Moab punches well above its weight when it comes to satisfying even the most discerning of foodies. And if you’re in the mood to tell a few post-stage fish stories over a pint or two, the Moab Brewery—Moab’s only microbrewery—has you covered. It’s been around since 1996 and offers a great selection of craft brews!
