Opinion: I miss the “innocent Moab” of pre-mass tourism
Impressive Fisher Towers located east of Moab off of UT 128 – photo by authorI visited Moab, Utah for the first time in 22 years over the past weekend. I might as well have been on a different planet from the wonderful western town I fell in love with back in 2003. While certain aspects of the “then innocent Moab” of two decades ago still exist, particularly in the neighborhoods and near downtown, much of the rest of the main drag (U.S. 191 corridor) has been infected by mass tourism.
Source: bay.comSome of the quaint classic motels and motor courts still remain — the Apache Motel being the most famous. Otherwise, multitudes of chain hotels populate the area. Despite some efforts towards unique designs, many of them have the blandness of a suburban office park. Bleh.
A new hotel that looks more like an office building and whose appearance hardly evokes images of the southwest, the American west, or the red rock landscapes of Moab. Enhancing local building, zoning, and design standards could be an helpful option for the community to consider.Some primary streets have become a dodgem course filled with Mad Max-like off-road vehicles that appear to be able to could conquer Mars with little or no effort. To equip the multitudes of adventure seekers descending on Moab, there are lots filled with rentable off-road vehicles posing like motorized bodybuilders demonstrating their toughness and rugged physiques.
Elsewhere there are outfitters for biking, hiking, rafting, repelling, rock-climbing, and a plethora of other outdoor activities. One can hardly escape the busloads of folks being transported to/from “adventure nirvana.” In general, I have no problem with these activities as long as their size, scale, and scope does not negatively intrude or impact local residents nor detract from the Moab experience for other (less adventurous) tourists who are also trying to enjoy their vacation.
“And that’s the rub — mass tourism takes enjoyment away from locals who are going about their daily lives, usually in the form of noise, pollution, congestion, prices, and other sins, largely for the benefit of those visiting for the community for fleeting moments.”
Source: panethos.wordpress.com
I knew Arches National Park had become so popular that one has to reserve their visit in advance for peak times. Thankfully, the park is as gloriously beautiful and impressive as it was back in 2003. In addition, the reservation process only applies from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m, which is fine by me, as most of that is hottest part of the day. Let the elite reservation holders melt in the midday furnace 🥵, while we sane travelers attend at times that are milder 😌 and considerably less busy.
Turret Arch (which resembles the shape of Africa) in Arches N.P. – photo by authorWhy do Americans have such a need to over love the things we find attractive? Why can’t we just enjoy things in a respectful manner? Is that too much to ask? Joni Mitchell lamented that humans “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” She was spot on!
Some tourist towns have figured out how to preserve their sense of “place.” Sadly, they are too often the exception rather than the rule.
Meanwhile, Moab is working very hard to maintain its truly unique appeal and identity. Unfortunately, this lovely small city is up against some very powerful forces: money💲, power 💪, and influence, whether it be emanating from corporate offices, Salt Lake City, or Washington, D.C.
Those of us travelers who adore the experience of a place as much as the trip itself can help Moab maintain its identity in both overt and covert ways.
- Spend your money at places that are locally owned or operated. The might take a little prior research, but is often worth the effort.
- Learn ahead of time what businesses are good community and environmental stewards and frequent them while dissing the others.
- Recommend those same places to friends and family who may be visiting Moab.
- Try not to patronize chains, especially those that do not appear to be making a sincere attempt to enhance Moab and the surrounding area.
- Leave no trace behind on your adventure – that includes staying on designated trails when required, not climbing on geological wonders without a permit or permission, always tossing trash into receptacles or packing it out with you, and above all…never leave plastic baggies filled with Fluffy’s poop by the side of the trail!
THERE IS NO POOP FAIRY, PEOPLE!
Source: bernco.gov- Donate to local nonprofits or to the National Park Service while you are in the Moab area and/or send a donation upon returning home. Heaven knows in today’s political environment these organizations can use all the help we can afford to provide them.
Hopefully, with a little thought and effort, especially ahead of time, responsible tourists can make a positive impact that helps curtail the sins of mass tourism. The principles of responsible tourism include the following:
- Benefits local communities directly
- Promotes positive change in tourism practices
- Reduces environmental impact
- Creates meaningful travel experiences
- Supports local economic growth
- Protects natural and cultural resources
All six of these principles are excellent steps for each of us to take for helping communities like Moab address the negative impacts from mass tourism.
Peace!
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