Grand County

Grand County is located in southern Utah, and boasts some of the best outdoor recreation experiences in the United States. Situated between the breathtaking red rock of southern Utah and the majestic mountain ranges of northern Utah, Grand County is a recreation paradise. From hiking, biking, camping and fishing in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, there is plenty to explore.

The county’s major city - Moab - is world-renowned for its stunning scenery. Moab is a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers and off-roaders thanks to its abundance of jeep trails, slick rock and sandstone formations. The nearby Arches National Park offers rock climbing opportunities and amazing views of towering arches. The La Sal Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the county, offering some of the best skiing and snowshoeing in the state.

Grand County also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Whether you’re looking to take a dip in one of the area's many hot springs or soak up some sun on one of its pristine beaches, Grand County has something for everyone. The area is also home to a number of unique shops, restaurants and galleries that provide plenty of entertainment.

Discover the fascinating history of Native Americans in the Colorado Plateau, long before the arrival of Europeans. These indigenous tribes thrived and developed a deep connection with the land, adopting cultural traditions and ceremonies based on their respect for nature. From encounters and migrations, numerous tribes emerged across the Intermountain West and Southwest, each with their own unique history.

Among the tribes with well-documented relationships to the land are the Ute, Navajo, Paiute, and Hopi. Their stories have been passed down through written accounts and oral histories, preserving their rich heritage.

The Moab Valley, located in the Ute ancestral homeland, holds a special significance. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints colonized much of Utah, disregarding Indigenous inhabitants while seeking places with water and fertile land. In 1855, they sent a group of settlers to establish a community at the crossing of the Colorado River along the Old Spanish Trail. The conflict between the settlers and Utes led to the mission's abandonment just a few months later.

As time went on, ranchers and homesteaders started to make their way into the valley in the 1870s, adding further layers to the history of this remarkable area.

Located in the southeastern corner of Utah, Grand County is defined by its rich landscape. Spanning from the Colorado River at Moab to the rugged terrain of mountains and desert land, it boasts an impressive variety of geological features.

The area is known for its red rock formations due to sandstone that has been eroded over time. This erosion has created many unique formations, including arches and canyons. The La Sal Mountains rise to more than 12,000 feet in elevation, with their towering peaks providing a dramatic backdrop to the county.

Grand County is home to numerous bodies of water like rivers, streams and lakes. Fishing opportunities abound in the area’s abundant waterways and riparian areas, while the area’s reservoirs provide swimming and boating activities.

Arches National Park is the most well-known attraction in Grand County. This park features more than 2,000 sandstone arches, making it an incredible sight to behold. The Fiery Furnace Trail allows visitors to explore the interior of the red rock maze and take in some breathtaking views.

Moab Giants is an open-air museum featuring life-size sculptures of creatures from the era of the dinosaurs. The area also includes an amphitheater and a playground for children.