Help plan our week in Moab, UT

nazpaz wrote:
We are planning on being there for a few days in early May. We will arrive on a weekday and want to boondock at Goose Island or maybe Big Bend campground just north of Moab. Do any of you with Moab boondocking experience think we'll have a problem getting a site?

I'd consider arriving on Sunday through Wednesday by noon (or earlier if possible). All of these CG's are incredibly popular that time of year, although the first week of May isn't too bad, as spring breaks are over and colleges haven't gotten out yet. By mid-May, it's crowded again until the heat of June gets people heading elsewhere.

dverstra wrote:
A scenic drive with a jeep rental sounds fun. Nothing too crazy! Maybe a half day tour with a jeep tour operator.

I'd rent a jeep rather than go with a tour. That way you can do things at your own pace. For an easy introduction, I'd start with Schafer Trail off of Island in the Sky down to the Potash Road and return along the river to Moab. The White Rim Trail mentioned above does have one section near Murphy's Hogback that can be tricky in a vehicle without true four wheel drive. Here is a good description of some of the other trails around Moab. In your CRV, I'd stick with 1's and 2's to start, graduating to 3's when you have more confidence. Note that the trail ratings given in my link are different from some other websites, where the rating goes from 1 to 5, not 1 to 10.

For hiking, Arches has a lot of short excursions, but no dogs allowed on the trails. If you get a hot day there, head up the LaSal Mountain Loop for great views down on the red rock canyons.