Overview
Red Moon Lodge in Moab, Utah, is a serene retreat set on six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with stunning views of red cliffs. The tranquil retreat provides a restorative escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This eco-friendly bed and breakfast offers five unique rooms, each with a private entrance off of custom stone walkways and a private bath. The property features a spring-fed pond, expansive organic gardens, a greenhouse, multiple outdoor seating and dining areas, a yoga barn, and a medicine wheel guests can use for meditation and prayer. Guests can enjoy a homemade organic continental-style breakfast with a variety of options, including gluten and dairy-free choices. The lodge is just under five miles from Moab’s city center, providing a peaceful escape with convenient access to local attractions.
Moab
Moab, Utah, is a small city in the southeastern part of the state, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s located in Grand County and is a popular destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone interested in exploring the American Southwest’s unique scenery.
Key Attractions and Activities:
- Arches National Park: Just a few miles north of Moab, this park is famous for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The park offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for photography.
- Canyonlands National Park: Located a bit farther from Moab, Canyonlands is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Each district offers unique landscapes, from vast canyons to towering mesas and spires.
- Dead Horse Point State Park: This park provides breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyon country. The overlook at Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed spots in Utah.
- Mountain Biking: Moab is famous for its mountain biking trails, particularly the Slickrock Bike Trail. The challenging terrain and stunning scenery make it a must-visit for biking enthusiasts.
- Off-Roading: The area around Moab offers numerous off-roading trails, including the famous Hell’s Revenge and Fins and Things. Jeep tours and ATV rentals are popular ways to explore these rugged landscapes.
- Colorado River: The river flows near Moab, offering opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Guided tours are available for those looking to experience the river’s rapids.
- La Sal Mountains: Just southeast of Moab, these mountains provide a cool retreat from the desert heat and offer hiking, camping, and even skiing in the winter.
Climate:
Moab has a high-desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures are more moderate, often ranging from the 30s to 50s°F (1-15°C).
History and Culture:
Moab has a rich history, with evidence of Native American habitation dating back thousands of years. The area was later explored by Spanish missionaries and became a Mormon settlement in the 19th century. The city’s name is believed to be derived from the Biblical “Moab,” though the exact origin is debated.
Moab has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Moab Music Festival, Moab Jeep Safari, and the Moab Folk Festival. The town has a variety of restaurants, shops, and art galleries catering to tourists and locals alike.
Accessibility:
Moab is accessible by car via U.S. Route 191 and is about a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City. The closest airport is Canyonlands Field Airport, with limited flights, but many visitors fly into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction, Colorado, and drive to Moab.
Moab serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the United States, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through the region.
My Stay at Red Moon Lodge
I had the absolute pleasure of staying at Red Moon Lodge during the entirety of my recent visit to Moab, Utah from July 31st to August 2nd. From the moment I arrived on the property I felt a calming aura, almost like that of stepping into a personal sanctuary. Upon arrival I was greeted at the entrance by Courtney, who owns and runs Red Moon Lodge with her partner Danny. Courtney graciously showed me around the entire property as well as where I could locate things in my suite that I might need during my stay at Red Moon Lodge. Additionally, she showed me the breakfast room and where I could help myself to complimentary coffee and tea.
Throughout my stay I was able to enjoy the expansive property from a sunset yoga practice in the yoga barn, to strolling through the gardens and greenhouse.
History of Red Moon Lodge
The history of Red Moon Lodge is rooted in its dedication to providing a sanctuary. The previous owner dedicated the property to Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion. In October 2022, Courtney and Danny took ownership and continue to maintain and share this special space with guests. The lodge is proudly solar-powered and focuses on sustainability and organic living.
Red Moon Lodge hosts various retreats, including yoga and canyoneering, yoga and climbing, and offers its facilities for other retreat groups. These retreats are designed to provide adventure, relaxation, and inner exploration amidst the stunning red rock scenery of Moab.
Rooms at Red Moon Lodge
Red Moon Lodge offers five uniquely-curated rooms designed for guest comfort, with decor style reflective of Southwest history and culture. As aforementioned each room features a private entrance off of custom stone walkways with serene seating right outside the door. In addition to each room having its own private bath, the lodge provides guests with plush towels and organic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. All rooms have tempurpedic mattresses for guests to obtain rejuvenating and restful sleep, and a lack of landline phones and televisions in rooms adds to the tranquil, retreat-like escape that Red Moon Lodge seeks to offer its guests.
Room Amenities
- A/C
- Heat
- Ceiling fans
- A table and chairs
- Extra pillows and comforters
- Dressers and wardrobe
- Lamps
- Stainless steel re-usable water bottles
- High-speed internet
The Coyote Room
During my stay I had the distinct pleasure of staying in The Coyote Room. The Coyote Room is double occupancy and was exceptionally-located for several reasons including:
- The Coyote Room is the nearest to the courtyard, outside dining area, and the breakfast room.
- It is just steps away from the spring-fed pond in one direction.
- In the opposite direction, the path leads to the medicine wheel and expansive gardens.
Getting To Know The Owners of Red Moon Lodge
When visiting small locally-owned businesses I like to provide my readers with a more in-depth view of the journey of the business and owners. In a world where we are so bombarded with chains, it is refreshing to connect with, support, and promote small business. It also allows for us to connect with the local culture on a deeper, more personal level. This said, Courtney and Danny, current owners of Red Moon Lodge graciously took the time to answer a few questions I had for them.
- When was Red Moon Lodge founded?
- The Red Moon Lodge opened in 2015 and was created by previous owner, George Weil, and his partner at the time, Deanna King. They had a beautiful vision of creating a unique retreat-style Bed and Breakfast in Moab that offers a respite from the business of town, immersion into nature, and dedication to organic, homemade food. Danny and Courtney purchased the Lodge in October of 2022, and are so happy to continue to build on the original vision! We remain focused on offering an experience that provides a respite for our guests that allows them to unwind, connect with nature, and nourish themselves with organic, homemade food, with special farm to table additions from our garden and greenhouse!
- Where did you get the idea for Red Moon Lodge?
- We knew we were ready for a career change and were wanting to do work that would better people and the planet. Danny was looking for the perfect location to put on a yoga retreat in Moab when he stumbled upon the Red Moon Lodge. When we heard it was for sale, we thought it would be fun to pretend we could buy it and do a tour. Never did we imagine we would become the new proud owners of such a unique inn!
- What led you to, or inspired the name?
- We are not sure how George came up with the name. We had come out to stay and feel out the property during a special weekend, and the night we decided to buy, we watched a blood moon full lunar eclipse! It was magical and felt so right!
- What is your background, professionally or personally, that led you to creating the lodge?
- Danny has a long background in zero waste and has been dedicated to the field of recycling, composting and waste reduction since he was in college. He has always had a deep respect for nature. He has been a yoga instructor for over 10 years and offers yoga classes in our yoga barn in addition to retreats and private classes. Danny’s business degree supports the running of our business in big ways! Courtney has a background in ecopsychology, environmental and adventure education and school administration, as well as mindfulness and meditation. She loves gardening and cooking (especially when the food comes from the garden)! We love meeting new people from all over the world and having the honor of offering a unique and memorable stay in Moab.
- What has your journey been like to get to where you are today?
- It was more challenging than we thought it would be to leave our long-term jobs and friends behind in Boulder, CO, and shift to running our own business in a new town. We laugh when we remember we thought we would have more time running a lodge than working our 9-5 jobs! We run all aspects of the lodge from making beds to marketing to cleaning the toilets every day, with the exception of a few fabulous days a month that our awesome employee works for us. It has been a lot of work, but it is really rewarding!
- What sets you apart from other local bed and breakfasts as well as bed and breakfasts in general?
- There are numerous things that set us apart from other B&B’s! One of the aspects that makes the Red Moon Lodge so special is the 6 acres of oasis that it resides on. We are so lucky to have a spring fed pond and water rights so that we can irrigate the property. We are a green gem surrounded by the stunning red rocks of Moab! The 3 season gardens that surround the lodge add color and beauty to our guests’ stay. Our designated green space has gorgeous old growth cottonwood trees that offer shade and shelter. We have a medicine wheel for those who wish to meditate, pray or reflect. Our campfire area has provided nights of laughter and connection for families and strangers alike; we love to sit around the fire and get to know our guests. Our giant garden and greenhouse are filled with beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables that we incorporate into our breakfasts, from our homemade preserves to our gluten free pumpkin bread and chocolate chip zucchini muffins. We have a fabulous yoga barn facing the Moab Rim. Guests can join any of our yoga classes we are offering for free, sign up for private yoga classes or utilize our mats and blocks to practice on their own. But the biggest thing that sets us apart is the relationship we care about building with our guests! We love to greet our guests as much as possible to provide a tour of their room, the breakfast room, and the grounds. We love hearing about what our guests are hoping to get from their vacation and offering insider tips on where to go and what to do. We’ve met some wonderful people in this line of work and we are so happy we can assist in offering a truly memorable and unique experience.
- What has been your key driving source?
- Danny and I are both extremely motivated. We get a vision and we go for it. We are very hard workers and we are good partners. We feel so blessed to have been chosen to purchase the Red Moon Lodge and we want to not only keep the previous owner’s 5-star rating, but continue to expand what we offer.
- How do you generate new ideas?
- Hahaha!!! The questions is, how can we stop generating new ideas so we have time to implement them?!
- How do you define success?
- We define success by the feedback and reviews our guests give us. We so appreciate our guests’ feedback and have gotten so many good wishes and support from those who have stayed with us. We also define success by paying attention to being able to find some time for balance to enjoy each other and the things we love – like playing on the rocks and rivers in Moab!
- Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
- Positive attitude, good communication with partners, dedication and hard work, and being business savvy.
- What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
- It sure is nice to work for ourselves and know that we get to create everything and reap all of the benefits!
- What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
- Getting positive feedback from guests that have truly had a magical time here has filled us up more than anything.
Courtney additionally shared that they are both very grateful to have the opportunity to live there and provide a special space for people.
Red Moon Lodge Property Features
The Gardens and Greenhouse
Spring-Fed Pond
Red Moon Lodge Yoga Barn
Medicine Wheel
The Breakfast Room
Choosing Red Moon Lodge
Booking a local bed and breakfast over a chain hotel can offer several distinctive advantages that cater to travelers seeking a unique and personalized lodging experience. Here are some key reasons to consider Red Moon Lodge for your next Moab stay:
- Unique Character and Style: Red Moon Lodge was designed with a keen eye for aesthetics and individuality. Each suite has its own distinct theme, providing an atmosphere that can’t usually be found in the more standardized chain hotels
- Personalized Service: With far fewer rooms compared to chain hotels, Red Moon Lodge offers a higher level of service with attention to individual guest needs. The owners provide a far more personalized experience, from custom recommendations to tailored services
- Expansive Property: Guests seeking a restorative experience can enjoy Red Moon Lodge and its expansive six acres as a unique and serene nature retreat.
- Prime Location: Red Moon Lodge is conveniently located just under 5 miles from the Moab city center.
- Fewer Guests, More Privacy: With smaller occupancy capacity than chain hotels, Red Moon Lodge can offer a more private and serene experience. This is particularly appealing for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large hotel environments.
- Supporting Small Businesses: Staying at Red Moon Lodge means supporting a local small business. This can be a gratifying choice for travelers who are conscious about the economic impact of their spending
- Eco-Friendly: Red Moon Lodge is proudly solar-powered and is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Furthermore guests are provided with all organic products from shampoo to the delectable breakfast items homemade fresh daily!
- Memorable Experience: Ultimately, the blend of design, service, and energy at Red Moon Lodge can lead to a more memorable lodging experience compared to the more formulaic approach of large hotel chains.
Choosing to stay at Red Moon Lodge can transform a simple stay in Moab into a distinctive and delightful experience, blending luxury with the charm and personality of the local area.
Booking Your Stay at Red Moon Lodge
About The Author
Isabel is a single mother and avid traveler based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Just over one year ago, she established this travel blog as a passion project. Letting her ‘creative juices’ flow, she was able to combine to of her hobbies: writing and photography.
Isabel’s goal for this pursuit is to highlight a growing collection of destinations that cater to a wide variety of lifestyle and budgets. Isabel has undertaken a variety of projects including: general travel guides, guides to museums and other attractions, restaurant reviews, reviews on unique lodging and even commissioned work allowing her to work with in conjunction with tourism boards to promote a certain destination.
In addition to dedicating near-full-time hours to her job as a travel blogger and micro-influencer, Isabel is a full-time emergency room paramedic and part-time firefighter. Above all, Isabel is a devoted mother to her 8-year-old daughter, Lily.
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