Moab sits at the center of some of the most picturesque landscapes in North America. Even the most casual visitor will want to get outdoors and explore the river canyons, natural arches, and mesas.

Mountain biking and river tours are the recreational activities that get the most attention in the Moab area, although hikers, climbers, and horseback riders will find plenty to do.

If you're less physically adventurous, you can explore the landscape on scenic flights or on hot-air balloon trips, or you can follow old mining roads in four-wheel-drive vehicles to remote backcountry destinations.

It's easy to find outfitters and sports rental operations in Moab. It's the largest business segment in town. And there's a remarkable cohesion to the town's operations. It seems that everyone markets everybody else's excursions and services, so just ask the closest outfitter for whatever service you need, and chances are excellent you'll get hooked up with what you want.

Contact the Moab Information Center (435/259-8825) for full information about the area's recreational options; the center, at Main and Central Streets in the center of town, has representatives from the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Forest Service on staff, and they can direct you to the adventure of your liking.