Who needs sweeping vistas when the rocks are whispering your name? Seriously, if you’ve never been hugged by a warm slab of sunbaked sandstone, you haven’t really lived. Moab, Utah, is one of those places that proves beauty doesn’t require eyesight—just a sense of curiosity, a sturdy pair of shoes, and in my case, a guide dog named Fauna.

We actually went to Moab twice. The first time was in August, and I quickly realized it was a bit too hot for Fauna to safely tag along. Rock surfaces were easily over 100 degrees, which made it a solo trip for me that time. Don’t get me wrong, I still soaked in the texture and sound of the place—but it felt like something was missing. So we went back again in the fall. This time, the cooler weather, the crunch of changing leaves, and having Fauna by my side made it the perfect trip. This article is a sensory travelogue through red rock country, designed to help blind and low vision travelers embrace Moab beyond the brochure photos.

What Makes Moab a Tactile Paradise

Moab isn’t just scenery—it’s a full-body experience. The sandstone here is coarse, warm, and incredibly satisfying to touch. Running your hands along the rock face feels like tracing the earth’s own fingerprint. The contrast of shaded canyon crevices against sun-drenched plateaus is like walking between two seasons.

Then there’s the soundscape: birds in the morning, wind sighing across the mesas, and the delicious echo of your footsteps inside a canyon. For those of us who navigate the world by ear, Moab is basically the surround sound version of nature.

Touch, sound, smell—they all come together here. And yes, sometimes even taste. Just don’t lick anything without consent. Desert air has a way of sneaking into your mouth like it owns the place.

Getting There Without Losing Your Mind (or Dog Treats)

If you have a driver in your group, you can fly into Grand Junction, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah, and rent a car for the final leg. It’s about a three- and half-hour drive from either landing spot. Moab is remote, which adds to the adventure but means planning ahead is crucial. The town itself is charming, manageable, and mostly accessible—although the sidewalk layouts sometimes feel like an M.C. Escher drawing.

Fauna’s Travel Notes:

• “10 out of 10 would sniff here again.”
• The terrain is paw-friendly in the fall, but summer? No way. Rock temps over 100°F are a no-go.
• Plan travel in the cooler months—October was ideal for us.

My Gear Bag

If you are headed to Moab, remember that this is high desert and planning ahead with a few essentials can save you a trip to the store when you arrive. Besides my camera, here are a few things that I pack for every trip regardless of how much I will be hiking.

A good hat. I love to wander outside, and I learned early on that the tops of my ears tend to get sunburned easily, so I started wearing a hat when wandering. At first, I went the cheaper route, buying a new hat every season, and never being happy with them. I finally asked for a Tilley hat for my birthday one year, and I have never looked back. This is the one I have been using for years. The hat has vents on the top which keeps the top of your head cool, it folds up in your suitcase easily and spring back to shape when you get to your destination, and there is even a little Velcro pouch inside, which I have used for room keys, and a “return if found” note. Not sponsored, if I lost my hat today I would but another of this same type. Note: they can be thrown into the washer and come out great.

https://amzn.to/3Zs5p7r

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack:

It’s a backpack you fill with water. You don’t have to carry water bottles, and it does a great job keeping things cold all day. This is another thing that I have bought plenty of, I spent money on off-brand packs only to have them discontinued and need another internal insert. CamelBak has been around forever, and their replacement bladders are easy to find online or in sporting goods shops. There are a few pockets for snacks and a foldable dog bowl. The tube that you drink from is also replaceable and clips in a good spot when wandering with a guide dog.

https://amzn.to/3ZtmQof

Anker 621 magnetic phone charger.

Using accessible apps drains you phone battery super fast. I always carry a couple of these Anker batteries with me. They attach with a magnet on the back of your phone for wireless charging.

https://amzn.to/43p8J4s

Accessible Adventures for Hands-On Explorers

Moab offers more than just photo ops. Here are my favorite tactile-friendly hikes and landmarks:

• Grandstaff Trail: Shady and full of texture, this moderate hike offers tactile diversity. You’ll cross wooden bridges, touch rocky overhangs, and hear the gentle stream alongside.
• Dead Horse Point Overlook: A paved path with rails that lets you experience open space, breezes, and an almost cinematic echo. Great for practicing echolocation or just leaning into the wind.
• Arches National Park: While not every trail is accessible, the park does offer ranger-led audio tours and paved sections like the Park Avenue trail that are manageable with a cane or guide dog.

What to Pack:

• Sun protection (hat, glasses, sunscreen)
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks for you and your pup
• Footwear with good tread

Elevation changes mean the air feels different. Thinner, drier—like nature took a sponge to your lungs. Go slow and enjoy the shift.

Moab’s Soundtrack – A Symphony of Canyons and Critters

The auditory landscape in Moab is spectacular:

• Canyon Echoes: Your footsteps turn into percussion instruments.
• Desert Birds: Chirpy, cheerful, and occasionally sassier than they should be.
• Wind: Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it shouts.

Want to capture it? Use apps like Voice Memos or Hindenburg Field Recorder. I brought a portable recorder and caught some amazing canyon acoustics. Pro tip: record at dawn when it’s quietest.

Tactile Tourism—Savoring Without Seeing

Moab has plenty of spots that engage more than your sight:

• Restaurants: Try local BBQ joints or food trucks. The textures of spicy tacos and crisp slaw are fantastic.
• Shops and Galleries: Many feature stone sculptures or woven items. We found many of them touch-friendly and welcoming.
• Photography Tours: Be aware—most are expensive ($250–$500) and designed for sighted beginners. If you already know your camera, these may not be worth it.

Want to skip the sticky braille menus? Just ask for a verbal rundown and enjoy the hospitality—most staff are happy to accommodate with a smile (and maybe a cookie).

Descriptive Tours and Audio Awesomeness

The National Park Service does offer some guided audio experiences. However, the off-road tour scene was disappointing. Jeep and Hummer adventures are iconic in Moab, but none of the companies I contacted were open to blind or low vision riders. I even offered to help them design an audio-described tour, but no one was interested.

That said, you can still create your own experience:

• Bring a descriptive travel companion.
• Use your smartphone and narration apps. Internet service is spotty in most of the parks so have your sighted companion help you snap some pics and use an Ai describer like aira later to get the details.
• Record your impressions as you go—turn your trip into a story.

Sometimes the best descriptions come from noticing what others overlook.

Sightlines are Overrated

Moab isn’t just about what you see. It’s what you touch, hear, and feel. From sandstone that leaves grit on your fingers to canyons that talk back, this place rewards curiosity and attentiveness over eyesight.

Traveling here twice showed me the value of timing, texture, and partnership. Having Fauna with me in the fall—with leaves underfoot and wind in our faces—made Moab come alive.

So go ahead. Touch the rocks. Record an echo. Let your dog choose the trail. Moab has plenty to show you, even if you don’t look.

Reader Challenge: What’s the most memorable place you’ve felt instead of seen? Share your story in the comments or tag me on Instagram @nedskee with your favorite sensory travel moment!

See you at the gate,
—Ted & Fauna 🐾🧳