DH and I will be spending three nights in Moab, UT, in May -- hiking, biking, rafting. I'm anticipating more than a few sore muscles and would like to treat DH to a massage--preferably a couple's massage--in Moab while we're there. I'm considering a one-night stay at The Gonzo Inn in order to use their massage services, then switching to another, less expensive hotel for the remainder of our stay. Before I commit to The Gonzo Inn, does anyone have a recommendation for massage services in Moab? I've found some online listings, but only a few businesses have websites and none have photos of their facilities. I know a couple resorts in the area offer massage services, but we really don't want to drive an additional 30 minutes to get a massage. How will we ever stay awake for the drive back?? Recommendations would be welcome! Thanks.

Since you're only going to be there for 3 days why don't you get in all of the strenuous stuff and then get the massage back home where I'm sure you've got your favorites?

I spent most of 4 days there last May and they were pretty full days.

That's a good point. I did manage to hurt my back rather badly over this past weekend and just returned to the office after having a fabulous deep tissue massage. I would go back to this masseuse in a hearbeat!

Hiking45,

Like I wrote, I spent several days in Moab and then worked my way southwest ending in Bryce Canyon and then driving to SLC.

I don't do "hard" although I'm pretty much non-stop.

Some of the highlights of the Moab area:
Hike to Delicate Arch about an hour before sunset and sit and watch the reflection on the Arch.
Fiery Furnace ranger-led hike.
A morning of rafting.
Hiking around the Windows/Double Arch area.
Hiking thru Devil's Garden.
Hiking around Fisher Towers and seeing some rock climbers.
Canyonlands - Mesa Arch. I believe this is the only arch that is approached from the top rather than the bottom. Look for the Washerwoman thru the Arch.
And more.

If you'd like to see my photos go to:

www.travelwalks.com

Select the Utah 2008 trip

Myer -- Love your photos. The Corona Arch hike looks to be rather strenuous. Did you go on a ranger-led hike through Fiery Furnace? It looks intriguing. The dog seems to be having a swell time at Lower Calf Creek Falls. Was happy to see your Goblin Valley photos. We plan to hike in the valley and nearby Little Wild Horse slot canyon. Also, Canyonlands & Arches & hopefully a half-day raft trip. Having seen beautiful photos of the Flaming House Anasazi ruins, I am determined to hike there as well. It took some doing, but I did manage to find directions to the Mule Canyon trailhead leading to the Flaming House. It's been fun researching to find a few lesser visited locations. There is much to see and do in the area!

Thanks. i'm glad you enjoyed the photos.

I was under the impression that you whole trip was a few days in Moab.

I think the Anasazi ruins are near Boulder (UT). Correct? If you're going to be there I would strongly suggest Lower calf Creek Falls. The hike was a bit long at 2.5 miles each way and you're walking on a sandy trail. But the falls at the end are spectacular.

Corona Arch was my only defeat. Hanging onto a chain looked a bit scary but wasn't too bad. What stopped me was a 20 foot side slope. I really shouldn't have had a problem with it but losing your traction and rolling sideways down and over a cliff wasn't what I had in mind. Turning around and going back was easier.

I don't remember there being much to do in goblin valley other than climbing around the rock formations. It was fun as they're quite small and easy to climb around.

Fiery Furnace. That's a ranger-led hike that lasts about 3 hours. You're not allowed in that part of the park on your own. There are some "approved" guides you can hire or go on the ranger-led hike which I did. It was a lot of fun. Nothing really hard except some places were really narrow and my boots couldn't touch the ground.

Another surpirse was Willis Creek. It's about 30 minutes east of Bryce Canyon NP about 5-10 miles south of Canonville. A real slot canyon.

Thank you so much for the information. Given that my back is still in the recovery phase, I may skip the Corona Arch hike. Going down and over a cliff doesn't sound too healthy for anyone! Hope you weren't hurt too badly.

I may not have been clear. I didn't fall at Corona Arch. I stopped when I felt uncomfortable with crawling across the side-slope. I then retraced and went back down.

The Corona Arch hike starts at the railroad tracks of the potash mine. I had read that the train now runs about once a week.

Well, just as we got out of the car I saw the train coming. Got a great photo of it.