The Magic of Moab – Jeeping Geology

A Snapshot Review of the Science, History and Geology Behind Moab, Utah

All ModernJeepers know the treasures of Moab, from jaw-dropping scenic jeeping to red rock crawling excitement. But there is a lot more behind the scenes about the red rock lifestyle of Utah. Today four-wheelers and recreationists worldwide come to Moab to be part of that history, nature, and lifestyle.  As jeepers, it’s important for us to see beyond just our front grill, and understand the behind the scenes of this amazing place.

The Ancient People…

As much as 10,000 years ago, ancient Anasazi native peoples were mostly peaceful farmers and explorers, living in and around Moab Utah and the Four Corners area of the southwest. They built cliff dwellings to protect themselves from enemies and to harbor their grain and food supplies high up in the red rocks. You can drive along “Wall Street” looking way high up and see the granaries to this day.

Fremont and Pueblo Native Americans have always been a part of the Moab culture. In fact, the Anasazi people were considered ancient Pueblo Indians and no matter where you travel in the area, you can find signs of Native American life. Petroglyphs (etchings in rock) and pictographs (paintings on rocks) are found in numerous areas of Moab. Modern Jeepers today respect that history and those remnants of yesteryear by not disturbing this cultural heritage.

Ancient native people told their stories in stone

Paiute people were also prevalent during later eras of Moab’s development. “Moab” is a name some say, that comes from the Paiute word “moapa” – meaning mosquito. However we look at it, Moab is today’s mecca of recreation in the red rocks.

Geology…

The geology of Moab is made up of sandstone arches, pinnacles, fins, bridges, towers and castles. Two types of sandstone are dominant – the reddish colored Entrada Sandstone, and the white/pinkish Navajo Sandstone. Entrada sandstone dates back 150 million years to the Jurassic Period. It is an amazing place for all forms of outdoor recreation.

The geology of Moab from Moab Rim Trail.

Minerals and Mining…

Moab is rich in minerals with huge deposits of uranium, vanadium and potash. In the 1950’s Moab became known as the Uranium Capital of the World and most of the roads we enjoy today as ModernJeepers were old mining and Uranium roads.

Giant potash mine just outside Moab.

Originally Moab was an agricultural economy but shifted to mining in the early twentieth century. Obviously when uranium was discovered in the 1905’s, this coincided with the advent of the nuclear era. Moab boomed!

Today…

Moab was discovered by movie makers and second home owners after the mining era wound down. Mountain bikers claimed Moab to be their mecca, as did four-wheelers. “Slickrock” became a world-famous label, describing outcroppings of smooth, weathered sandstone covering thousands of square miles around Moab, Utah and other places.

Moab never ceases to amaze

No matter how you visit Moab, Utah, you are bound to be thrilled, awed and amazed at the science, history, culture and geology. Be sure to respect this treasure of Nature.