Photo courtesy of Moab Adventure Center
While Denver is home to Mile High City and Moab is known as the Gateway to the Mighty 5 (national parks), the states of Colorado and Utah are separated by a border, so a visit to these diverse destinations warrants a great city escape and an outdoor adventure. These easy road trip journeys offer everything from cultural and historical experiences to grand, awe-inspiring jaunts through escarpments. For a splurge, the Rockies to the Red Rocks rail journey aboard the Canyon Spirit is a spectacular rail route that runs from Denver, curving around red sandstone walls stretching 15 miles along the Colorado River, through Glenwood Springs and ends with the Red Sandstone mountains greeting you as you pull into Moab.
No matter what the vessel of choice, there are activities not to be missed in each city.
What to Do in Denver
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is Colorado’s historic outdoor venue. An idyllic spot to see the stars shine brightly, and we’re not just talking about the incredible skies that surround this geological wonder. Many stars have played this extraordinary outdoor venue, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, U2, One Republic and Diana Ross, to name a few. Just 20 minutes outside of Denver, visitors can explore the Red Rocks Hall of Fame, go for a hike and bike ride, check out the art exhibits or even take part in a yoga class.
Photo courtesy of Visit Denver.
The Arts District is a must-see when visiting the city. Located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Denver’s thriving art culture comes alive through the pièce de resistance, the magnificent Denver Art Museum , one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast. Explore art and creativity through hands-on activities, extensive art collections and world-class exhibitions. The Denver Art Museum boasts two extraordinary buildings: the Hamilton Building, a daring architectural work by Daniel Libeskind, a 146,000-square-foot masterpiece that opened to the public in 2006. Its design is meant to represent the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and geometric rock crystals found in the foothills near Denver. The Martin Building opened its doors in 1971 and was designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and Denver-based James Sudler Associates. The building spans 210,000 square feet over eight stories. Inside, Indigenous exhibitions, Northwest Coast and Alaska Native art, African and Modern Arts of Oceana and contemporary artifacts can be found.
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Photo courtesy of Visit Denver.
Hop aboard the Denver Bus Tour, the ideal way to see the city in one day. Enjoy taking in the Mile High City’s top attractions while taking in the cityscape with the mountains in the background. Kicking off at Lodo’s beloved landmark, Union Station, guests will pass Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest block; 16th Street Mall; visit the famous Mile High Steps at the Colorado State Capitol; pass the Colorado Convention Center with the famous Blue Bear; Colfax Ave., America’s longest street; Chessman Park and the Botanic Gardens, a 23-acre park; the Unsinkable Molly Brown’s House and the Wall Street of the West.
Photo by Tru Blu Images
What to Do in Moab
The small town of Moab packs a mighty punch when it comes to outdoor experiences. And what better way to explore red sedimentary rock and sandstone than through a Sunset Discovery Tour through Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, with the Moab Adventure Center. Your unforgettable evening begins with a professional guide narrating the history of these Arches as you pass red rock markers from a vehicle. Unforgettable views of the famous Balanced Rock, Courthouse Towers, La Sal Mountains, Petrified Dunes and Panorama Point are just some of the formations you will see. You’ll also enjoy short, guided walks to the North and South Window Arches, Turret Arch and the legendary Delicate Arch Overlook. As the sun begins to set, the golden hour brightens the surrounding sandstone monoliths and the La Sal Mountains with spectacular shades of color.
Photo courtesy of Moab Adventure Center
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Red Cliffs Lodge is a rustic retreat steeped in history. Perched on the Colorado River and surrounded by magnificent cliffs in Moab, Moab’s Ford Bronco Off-Road Experience is located onsite, forging an ICONIC destination that honors the untamed terrain and provides a home base for local excursions. 2024 saw the Centennial celebration of the premiere of the first films ever shot in the state, “The Covered Wagon” and “The Deadwood Coach,” making The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, located within the lodge, a prime spot for Western legacy. Movie buffs can also visit Dead Horse State Park, where the famous final scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed.
Photo courtesy of Redtail Air
From land to air, soar high above these complex canyons for an aerial view with a helicopter tour with Redtail Air Adventures. Taking an exciting journey through secret arches outside of the nearby National Parks, this Moab helicopter tour will take you straight to the top attractions, such as the Corona Arch and Canyon Run. In 20 minutes, you’ll see Determination Towers, Monitor and Merrimac Butte, Gemini Bridges and multiple arches that are only visible from high above!
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