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Off-road enthusiasts from around the world converge on Moab every spring for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. Thousands participate in official Safari events, driving 4X4 vehicles over the area's rugged slickrock, desert and mountain trails. Thousands more come to enjoy the Safari's festive atmosphere: vendor booths, musical entertainment, cookouts, cowboy poetry — the list goes on and on…
The event runs March 19-27 and will bring a bustle of activity to Moab. Motels and campgrounds will be full and recreational areas will be crowded. Visitors who do not make advance reservations may find themselves primitive-camping along the Colorado River.
 Safari organizers limit the number of participants on various trails to protect the environment and ensure a quality experience. The most popular rides booked to capacity during the mail-in registration period, which is now over. However, there are usually slots available on other trails and you can register for them when you arrive in Moab.
Many people come for the festivities and then ride the trails on their own. That can be very enjoyable but also carries inherent risks. People occasionally get lost or experience mechanical problems and those things can become serious when you are on your own. Before heading out be sure to get accurate information about trail conditions and make sure your vehicle is running properly. Always carry a map and emergency equipment.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles of all kinds are welcome at the Safari — they don't have to be Jeeps.
Spring is perhaps the ideal time to visit Moab. Wildflowers bloom at the base of the cliffs. Daytime temperatures are mild — ideal for hiking or biking through Arches and Canyonlands national parks or exploring other nearby spots that are every bit as beautiful.
 Horseback riding is also popular at this time of year. Whitewater river rafting will be exceptional this season but won't get going until May.
Other Utah areas also offer outstanding spring recreational opportunities. This is the ideal time to play the world-class golf courses around St George. Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park offer excellent spring hiking in the St. George area.
Snow conditions continue to be excellent at our mountain ski resorts. We're enjoying a wet but mild weather pattern and the resorts are picking up new snow almost every week. Most resorts will be open well into April. This will go down as one of the best-ever years for skiing in Utah.
— Dave Webb
Upcoming Events Of Special Interest
Moab Skinny Tire Festival, Mar. 4-7. Moab is famous for its mountain biking, but also offers wonderful road biking. This festival rides the best of the best: through Arches National Park, along the mighty Colorado River and up to Dead Horse Point and back.
30th Annual Canyonlands Half Marathon, Mar. 12, Moab. The annual Canyonlands Half Marathon is a gorgeous meander through some of the most beautiful red rock scenery in Utah. The run starts near mile post 11 on Highway 128 just outside Moab and winds along the scenic banks of the Colorado River.
World Superpipe Championships, Mar. 12-13 At Park City Mountain Resort.
Gem Faire, Mar. 18-20, Salt Lake City. Held at the Utah State Fair Park, 155 N. 1000 W., Salt Lake City, UT. Fri: noon-7pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Admission $5 per weekend pass. Take advantage of the lowest prices in the market for the finest quality of jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks and minerals.
Annual Easter Jeep Safari, Mar. 19-27, Moab. The Safari consists of trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing throughout this week long event. The official event is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc. the local four wheel drive club of Moab. Participants provide their own four wheel drive vehicles.
Pond Skimming Contest & Reggae Fest, Apr. 2 at The Canyons Ski Resort. Participants attempt to ski across a pond of open water. It's great fun to watch. There will be great music and other activities.
Earth Day Festivities, Apr. 23, across Utah. Zion National Park will host special activities, sponsored by the Field Institute. The institute's theme is "Climate Change." There will be short interpretive hikes, games, workshops and things to do outdoors for all ages.
Tour of Canyonlands, Apr. 23 Moab. This annual mountain bike race draws riders from coast to coast, as well as international destinations, for a weekend of racing like no other.
See our comprehensive events listing for upcoming activities.
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