I started off Day 17 at the KOA in Moab, hands down the nicest and coolest KOA I’ve stayed at so far. Nestled between two mountain ranges, it felt like the perfect basecamp for exploring this adventure-driven town. Moab is the kind of place I’d love to spend a full week in—hiking, biking, and taking in the landscape. I hope I’ll get the chance to come back one day.
I took my time getting going this morning and headed to Mas Cafe for coffee. Mas fits the Moab vibe perfectly—earthy, welcoming, and unpretentious. They had just celebrated their one-year anniversary, and I had another great conversation with the staff before grabbing a drip coffee. Mas is exactly the type of local coffee shop I seek out when traveling—authentic to the community, inviting, and focused on great coffee.
Before heading into the national park, I made a stop at the Moab Golf Course to hit some balls. There was something surreal about standing on the range, surrounded by towering red rock formations. It felt great to swing a club again, and the contrast between the manicured green grass and the rugged desert landscape made for a truly unique golf experience.
From there, I made my way to Canyonlands National Park for a six-mile hike. The trail I chose was relatively unpopular, which meant long stretches of solitude. In fact, it was probably the most remote hike I’ve done alone. Most of the way, I had to follow cairns—small stacked rocks—to stay on the right path. It was both eerie and exhilarating.
After the hike, I stretched out, set my map for Glenwood Canyon, and hit the road. That night, I stayed at Glenwood Springs Lodge, where I spent the evening soaking in the hot springs—a much-needed reward after days of hiking and driving. I cannot recommend this place enough—the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Before hitting the road the next morning, I took one last stew in the springs, soaking in the warm water as the crisp morning air swirled around me. It was the perfect way to start the next leg of the journey.
