Having enjoyed the Barbecue at Red Cliffs Lodge on Sunday afternoons as part of the Skinny Tire Festival for the last several years, we decided it was time to do more than just sit on the lawn, soaking in the sun while being somewhat mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the property. A relatively carefree adventure is always a priority so off we went!

Red Cliffs Lodge is located 14 miles up the Colorado River Corridor just outside of Moab, Utah. But just before you reach the property on the short drive from town, you will round the last bend and view the open valley with a feeling of awe and a sense of homecoming as the old west comes to life right before your eyes.

Lodging

Individual cabins line the southern bank of the beautiful Colorado River. The northern bank runs along the towering red rock cliff borders of Arches National Park. Our cabin had a kitchenette/living room and spacious, separate bedroom with a large jetted tub and a king bed. A beautiful western, rustic feel with modern comforts is the best way I can describe the cabins. Spring nights in Moab can be a little on the chilly side. As the outside temps dropped, we made our way to the fireplace to continue reliving the day’s activities.

We talked about what a fantastic location this is for a family reunion or any type of retreat. The multicolored views in any direction will take your breath away.

Film and Western History Museum

Red Cliffs Lodge is home to the area’s finest museum highlighting its rich Hollywood history.

It was 1949 when John Ford made his first motion picture in Moab, Wagonmaster. Only two years later, John returned to the area to film another western staring John Wayne in Rio Grande. Museum Poster-Red Cliffs Lodge; a Carefree Family AdventureThis was the beginning of decades of Hollywood Films being made in Utah’s Southeast.

Although it was westerns that got the ball rolling, it may surprise you how many non-westerns have been filmed in the area. On your next trip to Moab, take time to walk through the free museum. I believe you will love the stroll down memory lane as you discover that some of your favorite movies and TV commercials were made here.

Chevrolet has filmed some of their most iconic commercials just a few miles east of Moab. I don’t want this to be a spoiler alert, so I’ll just mention that stars like Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks have all been on movie sets in Southeastern Utah.

Fine Dining

Red Cliffs Lodge’s “Cowboy Grill” is an award-winning restaurant. When I think of fine dining, it’s not only about the food, the ambiance is just as important to complete the experience. Cowboy Grill covers both. It’s located on the east side of the main lodge at ground level overlooking the Colorado River. The view is stunning!

Like everything else at Red Cliffs Lodge, the attention to every detail continues in the restaurant. World class chefs prepare and display meals to perfection. It’s no wonder that reservations are required, especially during peak seasons.

Horseback Riding

There are several components that are needed to insure a top shelf horseback riding tour, one that will stand the test of time. The one at Red Cliffs Lodge has been around for almost 30 years. My thoughts on why:

First and foremost is setting. You would be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque spot, especially when it comes to horseback riding. On this ride, you get to cross an inlet feeding into the Mighty Colorado River.

Second; there needs to be a rich and interesting history packed with stories told by a cowboy or cowgirl with enough personality that you keep wanting more.  Our guide, Magda was very knowledgeable as well as friendly and encouraging.

Third is the horses. There needs to be a good mix of horses that are super mellow for the young and first time riders. A few horses that are a bit on the spunky side will keep their riders on their toes.

The rides at Red Cliffs Lodge cover all three. Their ranch hands are incredible, you ride in the shadows of 2000-foot cliffs on some of the trails that John Wayne rode while making movies.

Red Cliffs Lodge – Moab’s Carefree Adventure Headquarters

Red Cliff’s staff can assist you in booking other adventures available in the area; such as whitewater rafting, all types of off roading, canyoneering tours, zipline, via ferrata and even sky-diving or a helicopter tour; truly making your carefree family adventure a reality.

In addition, Castle Creek Winery is an award-winning, on-site winery that offers wine tasting (seasonal – Please check with the front desk for availability).  Here you will find both white and red wines from grapes grown in the Moab region.