Settled permanently in the 1880s by cowboys and ranchers, Moab provided a more accessible crossing of the Colorado River for travelers along the Old Spanish Trail. Upon entering the valley one is quickly awed by the stunning color and precipitous red rock cliffs that line the valley. This unique natural beauty which attracts visitors from across the globe must have appeared hostile and forbidding to those early settlers. The town’s remote location and harsh, desert landscape seemed to match the biblical description of the area southeast of Jerusalem, referred to as “Moab”; and thus the town was named. Moab’s early agricultural economy shifted to mining when uranium ore was discovered in the area. In the 50s Moab became known as the “uranium Capital of the world”. It was also at this time that the famed Western movie director John Ford began using the area as a scenic backdrop to many of his famous Westerns. The breathtaking scenery continues to attract movie and commercial crews to the area. Located in the nearby Arches National Park is the world’s greatest concentration of natural stone arches. The world famous “Delicate Arch” is one of the most recognizable rock formations captured on film and has become an icon for the state of Utah. With the interest and fame generated by the movie industry, Moab is today recognized as a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park the area has an endless variety of hiking opportunities for all interests and skill levels. There are over 60 world-class mountain biking trails in the area. The town is host to a wide variety of events that attract road cyclists, runners, rock climbers, horseback riding and off-road adventurists. The Colorado River provides opportunities for calm-water as well as white-water rafting and kayaking. Moab provides an oasis to travelers from the extremely rugged and beautiful terrain surrounding the area. Despite the town’s small size (7000 residents) it boosts a wide variety of restaurants and lodging, which range from rough-it style camping to award winning four-star properties and resorts.