Quiet Cliffside Cowboy Accommodations

By Chad Taylor & Jake Wilhelmsen

May 19, 2017

If “rustic luxury” is an oxymoron, no one told the oxygeniuses at Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab.

The appropriately named Red Cliffs Lodge drips with authentic southeastern Utah westernness. It’s a 100-year-old working cattle ranch that has served as a backdrop for many western films — Rio Grande, Wagon Master, and even some contemporary classics like Thelma and Louise and City Slickers — but it’s also rustically luxurious. Oh, and it’s located on the Colorado River (like right alongside it) and close to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, so you can imagine how hard it is to find a bad view.

What’s that? You think it sounds awesome but you’d still like four more reasons why a stay at Red Cliffs is a Moab must? Hmm… let’s see...

4. The Rooms

Oh, the rooms. Every single one of them has a view of either the Colorado River or Castle Creek. It’s like taking a step back in time to a super cool homesteader cabin (exposed wooden beams, Mexican saltillo tile), but with flat-screen televisions, comfy beds, kitchenettes, and WiFi. The only issue is the conundrum you may find yourself in: Loving the room so much you want to stay in, but knowing everything there is to see and do outside. We’ll leave the prioritization to you, but this is definitely a no-lose type of predicament.

3. Food & Wine

The Cowboy Grill’s patio has the best view of any dining establishment in Utah. (Just our opinion, but it’s the right one.) The ribeye ain’t bad either. It’s a complete dining experience in a place Mother Nature definitely favored.

Castle Creek Winery, located on property, is Utah’s largest. Both whites and reds are produced from locally-grown grapes, and complimentary wine tastings and tours are offered daily. So, after a day of exploring, you could be sampling fine wine while overlooking the whitewater rapids and red cliffs of the Colorado River. Doesn’t sound so bad, eh?

Dining

2. Horseback Riding (and other adventures)

Looking for a true cowboy/girl experience? This place is legit as they come. No big deal, but you can ride wrangler-trailed quarter horses on the same trails John Wayne was filmed on. Yes, that John Wayne. No better way to see or smell the Wild West. So saddle up, pilgrim!

In addition, there’s river rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, tennis and a refreshing pool and hot tub.