Adventure park, challenge course, ropes course, aerial adventure...so many names for a place that is just plain fun and a great way to challenge yourself a little or a lot. Ropes course is what most of these parks were called back in the 1960’s and 70’s when my uncle built one up at the Ycamp on Lake Wenatchee in Washington. He just cut some trees, built a climbing tower (with no plastic holds, you just climbed the horizontal poles with the bark still on), a giant swing (self-facilitated, you climbed the huge ladder and swung off on the rope swing), and a ropes course that wasn’t too far off the ground. Like today’s courses, it challenged your balance, strength, agility, and maybe your fears.

Challenge courses have come a long way in the last few decades and you can find them in most major cities and some smaller ones like Moab. Adventure Park Moab is a special place. A local couple brought their dream of having a challenge course to Moab and made it happen.

Typically, a person who comes to the Adventure Park Moab begins with gearing up on safety equipment and then learning how to negotiate the course on a training station down low on the ground. Once familiar with the system, we climb up to the 30’ platform via a climbing wall or a cargo net. Some think the cargo net is the easier option, but don’t be fooled!

Once you are on top, the world is your oyster... you can choose from multiple different elements to cross and figure out. That’s right, it is more than a physical challenge, there are some thinking elements to the course. Like a puzzle. Very fun if you are into puzzles. Or a mental challenge.

The word challenge gets thrown around a lot in the adventure park world. Challenge by choice is the mantra, and it means just that. No one at the park will pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do. However, if your goal is to cross the dangling logs and you need support, that’s why we’re here! Physical and emotional support is what we, the facilitators, do.
To exit the course, many choose the giant swing. The swing is a serious thrill where the participant steps off the 30’ platform to pendulum off of a double cable for a few minutes until released at the bottom.

Another very thrilling option is the thirty-foot Leap of Faith. Here, you climb a freestanding post about 25’ with the support of a toprope. Once on the post, you jump for the trapeze bar which is just out of reach but not too difficult for the average adult to catch. Missing is nearly as fun too. A true leap into space!

The beauty of the adventure park is that when you are done, you will most likely feel a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you. You have grown as a person. Maybe overcome a little fear. And seen what you are capable of.

So if you want lots of challenge, a little challenge, or just a thrill ride, Adventure Park Moab is a pretty fun place.
Adventure Park Moab is also happy to host birthday parties at a special price per child. Call 435-259-4424 for details. Open 7 days a week.

Please take advantage of the 20% local discount with your Moab ID! Bring your friends and family to 422 Kane Creek Blvd. www.adventureparkmoab.com