Moab Utah -- The desert temperatures have arrived and folks want to swim.
The Moab City swimming pool on 400 North and 100 West, adjoining the public skateboard park and Swanny City Park was demolished August 2009. A replacement pool is under construction for an improved all-year round recreation opportunity. It is expected to open March of 2011.
Butch Cassidy's King World Water Park closed the gates in 2008. During the winter of 2010, the park has been dismantled. The rock relief sculpture was moved to 500 West this winter and can be viewed at the Grand Center.
Alternatively, cool off south of Moab in Ken's Lake. Travel Hwy 191 about 8.5 miles south of town. Large brown signs for the La Sal Loop Road and Ken's Lake will direct you to turn east toward the La Sal Mountains to this reservoir. At the next stop sign, turn right, the earthen dam will come into view. A paved road access leads to the lake from the southern side of the reservoir. Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard on duty. Please no glass containers around the lake edge and remove your trash. The Bureau of Land Management has 31campsites available nearby. The Ken's Lake Campground can accommodate 40 ft RVs. Bring your own fire wood and drinking water. No hookups. Tent camping welcomed.
Visitors will find cool relief in a Hwy 128 side canyon, Negro Bill Canyon, three miles from the intersection of Hwy 191 and Hwy 128. Beware of poison ivy. The stream is narrow and shallow. There are intermittent deeper pools. Remember pets are to be leashed and be prepared to clean up after pet companions. There are 16 campsites across the street from the trailhead at Granstaff Campground. It accommodates 24 ft RVs. Bring your firewood and drinking water. No hookups. Great tent camping.
The Colorado River is attractive, however, enter the river wearing a properly fitted life jacket to prevent an irreversible tragedy. Instead, join a river rafting company in Moab, who offer full and half day Colorado River adventures, and cool off boating. These trips average $55 for an adult for all day and include lunch.
And, of course, this may be the year to simply reserve a hotel, condo, bed and breakfast , or campground that offers a swimming pool. Prices vary for accommodations and could be well worth the refreshment that a pool dip will afford you after a day of adventure in Moab.
Moab's Facility and Event Promoter is looking forward to the opening of the new Moab city pool recreation center to offer additional venues to planners of sports, tournaments and meetings in Moab. Get connected to Moab's recreation venues, call 435-259-1340.
