PERCHED ON THE BANKS of the mighty Colorado River, Red Cliffs Lodge (redcliffslodge.com) is your home base for kicking off a desert adventure – or unwinding after it ends. The rustic estate tucks beneath towering 2,000-foot cliffs and sandstone mesas adjacent to Castle Valley.
The desert oasis is under a half hour’s drive away from downtown Moab, giving visitors convenient access to shopping and local arts, a thriving culinary scene and off-roading, hiking, rock climbing and river sports galore.
EAT
The property’s signature restaurant, Cowboy Grill, offers a delectable menu of seasonal fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Satisfy your grumbling stomach after the day’s adventures end. Executive Chef K.C. Fazel cooks top-notch meat cuts like a tender red wine-braised beef short rib with creamy mashed potatoes. The meal includes a feast for the eyes too – enjoy exquisite riverfront views of the Colorado over a glass of local Castle Creek wine.
Pop into town to fuel up with a hearty breakfast from Moab Garage Co. (moabgarageco.com), a funky automobile-themed cafe off Main Street. Start the morning with the McLovin’, a breakfast sandwich stuffed with egg, ham, tater tots and cheese over a pretzel bun. Don’t forget a specialty coffee with beans roasted locally in Utah.
PLAY
Rafting down the Colorado River’s epic waters and bucking rapids is a bucket-list tick just steps away from the lodge. The skilled river whisperers of Moab Adventure Center (moabadventurecenter.com) guide the buoyant red raft to safety, not remiss of seven miles of adrenaline-coursing splashes. The half- and full-day trips even include a pit stop for burgers and a barbecue lunch at Red Cliffs Lodge.
Continue the rush of adrenaline with a full day of canyoneering in the heart of canyon country. Alongside an expert Desert Highlights guide (deserthighlights.com), wander between a maze of narrow slot canyons, natural bridges and sandstone arches. Splash through pristine pools and rappel over 100 feet off rusty-red cliffs to the desert floor of Pool Arch Canyon or Medieval Chamber.
STAY
After an active day of adventuring through Moab’s formidable terrain, Red Cliffs Lodge welcomes you back with a warm embrace. Whether staying in a creekside suite or deluxe cabin with a private riverfront hot tub, each room intertwines the rustic, knotty pine furniture and southwestern flair with comfortable modern amenities.
Guests also have access to soothing activities to rejuvenate with after adrenaline-filled excursions, such as therapeutic massages, sunrise yoga, meditation and sound healing. The lodge is also home to the famed Museum of Film and Western Heritage which celebrates beloved American Westerns made from Moab to Monument Valley.
