One can’t help when driving south on 191 to notice a beautiful historic home way up high on the red rock cliff. This breath-taking vista that once was a home, is now a fine dining restaurant rich with history and a million dollar view of Moab, and better yet, the sunset on the red rocks. This amazing vantage point is how the restaurant got its name; The Sunset Grill.

The view is definitely not the only reason to go to the Sunset Grill; the food is absolutely exquisite. After a long week of playing at Jeep Safari Week, I treated my friend and I to some tasty cuisine. We shared the artichoke baguettes for an appetizer,which was followed by the most delectable steak for dinner. To top it all off, tiramisu, made the correct way for dessert. This not only was the best meal I’ve had in Moab, but the best meal I have had yet this year. I give the Sunset Grill 5 plus starts for food, service, and atmosphere.

Just a taste of the outside dining, there is much much more

Worried that such an amazing place may not have room for you? It should come at no surprise that such a hot spot would have plenty of seating.  I am looking forward to sitting on one of the outside decks on my next visit to Moab in the warmer months.

“Million-dollar view”

What you need to know

Address:900 North Main, Moab Utah 84532

Hours of operation:

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 5pm-10pm

SATURDAY-SUNDAY: saturday 5pm-10pm closed sunday

Phone Number: 435-259-7146

I got home at about 1 am last night after what was yet another great Jeep Safari Week. Although the weather was not as warm as it was in years past, it did not scare the crowd away nor stop anyone from enjoying the adventurous trails set up by Red Rock 4 Wheeler’s for the event. One of my personal favorites of these trails, is a spectator point called “Potato Salad”. This hill climb gets it’s name from the choppy rock that, from a distance, looks like a potato salad. Below is a video of a jeep who has almost mastered this climb.

The last two days of the event is the vendor expo; where myself and many other businesses were there to offer either the perfect accessory or necessity to your 4 wheel drive, information on where to play or stay with your jeep, and of course, the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.  I must say I enjoy the expo as much as the trail riding because it is a place to connect with like-minded people that are all there for the same reason; the love for adventure. US191 offers so much to those seeking any thrill, and Moab is a cultivation hub of those living their dream of adventure.

LIVE OUT LOUD!

Parking Behind the Expo

The Perfect Sales Dog

Flaming Gorge Days June 23rd-25th, 2016

Time to start planning ahead. One of the best parts of the summer is Flaming Gorge Days! As part of “Southwest Wyoming’s Weekend of Fun,” Flaming Gorge Days
provides two nights of concerts during the three day event and are the main
attraction of Flaming Gorge Days.  Traditionally Friday night, billed as ourCountry Night, is where some of the biggest acts in country music have graced the stage.  Saturday is known as Rock Night, which has showcased artists such as Brett Michaels, Ted Nugent, Jackyl, Night Ranger, Buckcherry, Papa Roach and many more.  This year we’re presenting Love and Theft and Blackjack Billy on Friday night. For Saturday expect to see Black Stone Cherry and Thousand Foot Krutch.

Jeep Safari 2016  

March 19 – 27

Thank You to Red Rock 4-Wheelers!

The BLM approved the permit for 2016 Jeep Safari. The permit is approved for a 10-year period and has allowed the club to add some new trails and trail segments to the permit. With the permit now approved and in force, the club introduced these eight new trails – some added trail segments to existing trails but add just a little more excitement for those daring drivers!

The eight new trails were met with enthusiasm by all in 2014 & 2015 and filled up quickly so if you want to run them in 2016 be sure to be online when registration opens in January.

They are “The Pickle“(7), “Cameo Cliffs“(3), “Day Canyon Point“(4), “Deadman Point“(3), “Rusty Nail“(7),”Where Eagles Dare“(7), “Jax Trax“(5), and a special addition to Hell’s Revenge “The Escalator“(8). All of these trails are now available for review on the trails page.

While planning my next trip to Jackson Hole , I stumbled upon this through the Teton Aviation Center. What better way to experience one of the most gorgeous mountain ranges then by air? This GRAND adventure is definitely going on the must do list for this fall!

Click on the video link below for some footage that will blow your mind and information on how to join in such a grand experience!

“Soar the Tetons on one of our scenic glider rides and experience this beautiful mountain range from a birds-eye view. Enjoy a leisurely soar and let the magic of motorless flight in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenic areas provide you with the adventure of a lifetime. Or, for groups up to three people, enjoy a powered tour of area mountain ranges in a Cessna. We are dedicated to providing the safest, most comfortable and enjoyable flights possible.”

“Mineral waters seeping up from the earth’s crust. Relaxing under the star-filled night sky. There is nothing quite like your first experience in a natural hot springs. Discovered by early settlers, the geothermally heated waters have been enjoyed for over 100 years by locals and travelers alike.”

I couldn’t agree more with this statement. My personal favorite Hot Spring spot close to US 191 is Norris Hot Springs. Known as “Water of the Gods“.  I prefer this one for many reasons; first and foremost it’s natural appeal.  Norris pool and seating is made of entirely of wood giving it a rustic feel that is classy, yet comfortable. Another major draw to Norris is it’s geodesic dome  poolside stage.

The live music that takes place on the weekend provides a fun and relaxing environment I have yet to experience at any other Montana hot spring. To top it all off, Norris has an amazing selection of  eats and beverages. In the summer, some menu features are all Montana grass-fed beef and bison and a variety of fresh salads grown in on-site gardens. Pair one of these with a good wine or a tasty local microwbrew in a luxurious soak : heaven.

Perhaps one night is not enough at such an amazing venue? If you care to stay awhile, Norris also has 9 full service RV sites and 4 tent sites offering beautiful views and access to the hot springs pool. Whether it is for a visit or a stay, Water of the Gods is something every human should experience for themselves.

42 Montana Highway 84

Norris, MT 59745

406-685-3303          
Swim and soak – $5.00
Swimsuit and towel rental available – $l.00 each
Enjoy a soak and music – $7.00
Music starts at 7:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Two weeks ago I went to the Flaming Gorge with the intention of camping for two nights. The second night the weather had different plans. In the spring there is no telling at 6000 feet what kind of weather you may encounter. The temperature dropped down to below freezing and unfortunately for the best view point of the gorge, the snow made the visibility less than fair.  Regardless of the weather not cooperating , I was still able to get some great shots. The view of the gorge never ceases to take my breath away.

A Little over a week ago a group of friends and I decided to voyage to the confluence of the Green and Colorado river . The trail-head is found deep in Canyonlands National Park and is an 11 mile round trip hike. We had a perfect Spring day for it. The sun was out, but the weather was not too hot for a long hike.  The dessert flowers and cacti were just starting to really bloom, making it a beautiful colorful walk.

Indian Paint Brush

view of the Needles

While the moderate trail is relatively easy, there and some cliffs to be mindful of and a short ladder is in place at one point to help transition one of these rocks. Total elevation change for the hike is 200 feet. I didn’t really feel the elevation change being that there are a lot of lengthy flat stretches in two different valleys and one long plateau.

The scenery is great throughout, but my favorite view along the hike was of the needles. We stopped with this great view to have lunch and re-hydrate.

We arrived at the confluence at about 2pm, roughly three and a half hours after we started, but we took lots of breaks for photos and lunch.

There is nothing quite like the view of the Confluence for the first time with your own two eyes. For this reason, I’n leaving the photo out. This is definitely something you want to see for yourself! The red color of the Colorado meeting the almost turquoise color of the Green is spectacular. The reason why the dividing line between the two is so visible is doe to the temperature differences in the rivers. Further downstream, they do eventually mix.

A side note for those of you who do not like to hike or are unable. There is a Jeep Safari trail that also takes you to the confluence. It is definitely a longer road, but I am told is equally as enjoyable.

Camping “Behind The Rocks” was definitely the greatest suggestion I received as far as free camping and a GREAT VIEW OF THE ECLIPSE! I was on my way to go camp in a canyon when I got the call from my friend in Seattle telling me that if i was sleeping under the western sky that night, that I had better make sure that I had a good view of the eclipse. I had not seen a lunar eclipse in my life. I instantly called my local Moab friend to ask him where i could get the best view and he responded without hesitation  “Behind The Rocks”.

To get to Behind The Rocks, head south on US 191 just a little bit out of town (apx 5 miles). You will notice that southbound on 191 has a turing lane for a bit while just ascending uphill. At the very top of this hill (the first hill on your way out of town), you will see a sign for “Behind The Rocks” to your right. All along the road is great free camping. The spot that I chose was wide out in the open and very secluded. Perfect for the eclipse. Even just a few miles outside of Moab, there was virtually no light pollution.

I found this spot to be a great great break from the hustle and bustle of Jeep Safari Week while actually being super close to some of the activities. One of the events actually took place right across US 191 to the other direction; area BFE. This is home to one of Jeep Safari Weeks highlighted events, the hill-climb. I was amazed that being this close I did not have Jeepers through my campsite all night.

Don’t get me wrong, I love 4-wheeling, but I also love my peace and quiet too

Eclipse, especially for my first sight of a beautiful lunar eclipse.