The Southeast Utah Group ofthe National Park Service (Arches andCanyonlandsNational Parksand Hovenweep andNaturalBridgesNational Monuments) is joining all national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees several days in 2014 as a way to encourage people to get outdoors and spend time with their friends and family in the national parks this year. Up-coming fee free days this year will be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 20), Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 15-17), First Weekend of National Park Week (April 19-20), National Park Service Birthday (August 25), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and Veterans Day (November 11). Park visitors are reminded that the fee free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours or other special uses. Park entrance stations will have Interagency Senior and Annual Passes available for those who wish to purchase them. Also for 2014 Canyonlands National Park turns 50! The Friends of Arches andCanyonlandsParksand the National Park Service have been working with community officials fromGrandCountyandSan JuanCounty, retired park rangers, and Canyonlands Natural History Association to plan the celebration, for the 50 year anniversary ofCanyonlandsNational Park. In the coming year there will be a series of events including lectures held in the Moab Information Center and the park, exhibits and programs culminating with the re-dedication ceremony of the park on Friday September 12, 2014 in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. More information ona dutch oven community dinner, historic film festival held in Historic Star Hall and otherupcoming events and programs will be available on the anniversary websitesoon. The Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks was founded by family members of Bates Wilson, who was instrumental in the establishment of Canyonlands and served as its first superintendent from 1964 until his retirement in 1972. Bates dedicated countless hours exploring and mapping Canyonlands diverse geology. His famous camping trips and cowboy cookouts helped persuade the country's decision makers that Canyonlands was worthy of national park status. OnSeptember 12, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation creatingCanyonlandsNational Park. More history can be found in theMuseumofMoab. Add a stop,118 East Center Street, just a block off of shopping and dining onMain Street, to note more local history about the national park and surrounding region. The Artist in the Park has been selected for 2014. This program has been active since 2009. Serena Supplee is an artist who rows her boat upon the river and captures inspiration from rivers and canyons. Be certain to look for the schedule of meet-ups with this artist in the park, the schedule is coming in the New Year. Find her gallery inMoabon 400 East andMillcreek Driveto view highlighted landscapes less known to visitors. Her art takes her to the roadless area ofCataractCanyonin the heart ofCanyonlandsNational Parkon either the Green orColoradoRiversand many other river canyon corridors. For more information on the Friends of Arches andCanyonlandsParks, please go towww.bateswilson.orgFor information onCanyonlandsNational Park, please go towww.nps.gov/cany/index.htm.For travel plans, SkyWest Airlines will be providing flights betweenSalt Lake CityandMoab'sCanyonlandsAirportfor the 2014 travel year. Reservations can be made onlineNOWusingwww.delta.comfor flights occurring March 2nd and beyond.  For additional information about the Southeast Utah Group of national parks visit our websites:  www.nps.gov/arch www.nps.gov/cany www.nps.gov/hove  www.nps.gov/nabr ...read more

Look at an album depicting some of the many possibilities for contracting the Old Spanish Trail Arena. It is designed for Equestrian Events, however, this spacious venue can be a jolly resource for gathering hundreds of participants, attendees or clients. The town of Moab lies in about a three mile radius. The Arena is situated outside of the city circle by about two miles. Everything is close, once you get here. The arena Calendar has a Quarter Horse Show, Barrel racing, use by the Moab Endurance Ride event and a Rock&Gem; Show for the 2011 Autumn. An Archery Tournament kicks off the New Year with both a USTRC roping event and later a horse handling clinic with Lynn MCKenzie occupying the arena until the annual Jeep Safari during Easter celebrates another year (started in 1964). Dog Agility Trials and an ATV rally are on the books and there is more room for your event too. Contact Michele Hill 435-259-1340 to discuss your needs. Or fill out a Request for Proposal form now. ...read more

Have you heard about a new race set for Moab on September 24 2011? It is the Autumn 10 K. YOur choice of a 5K 10K or get the children out for a kids' race too. Benefits Charter School and the cross country teams in the Grand School District. October 8 – 9 2011 Granny Gear's, Suzuki 24 hour mtn bike is a premier race for the competitive mountain bike circuit and other reasonably aggressive mountain bike athletes. October 8&9 2011 The Slickrock 100 is a UTMB qualifier race. That means the Slickrock 100 will be worth 3 points for your 2012 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc Registration! October 27-29 2011 appeals to the Endurance Horse racer. No backtracking or repeat trails and incredible scenery. Get a mix of two track and single track riding with good footing and defined trail flagging and detailed maps. Please register in advance online or mail in the form. October 16, 2011-01-24 The Other Half – half marathon has more elevation to conquer, under the sublime persuasion of immense scenery for which Canyonland Half Marathons are known. Packet Pick up is at the Moab Valley Inn Saturday 11 am – 7 pm, the day before the race only. A Pasta dinner is served that evening at Moab Valley Inn from 5-8 pm. Sunday, shuttles start at 6:30 am. Spectators will only be located at the finish at Sorrel River Ranch. November 5th 2011 brings a trail marathon around the Pritchett Canyon area of Moab. It will be exclusive to 200 runners. November 26 2011 The 16th Annual Turkey Trot is produced by Moab Recreation department. This 5K is suitable for strollers and dogs on leashes. December 3 2011 The Moab Half Marathon producers bring to runner the Winter Sun 10K. The course is mostly downhill and starts a bit later, 10 AM. Runners will be eligible for prizes too. Barrel racing will be taking place at the Old Spanish Trail Arena on October 1, 2; October 29, 30; and November 12, 13th. Get some professional guidance at the March 12th 2011 Barrel Racing Clinic in Moab too. ...read more