From Vegas to Denver and a Little Yoga in Between

​“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
 
This past summer, my partner and I traveled out west. We flew into Las Vegas, walked along the Grand Canyon, drove to Zion National Park, waded in the Virgin River, hiked to the top of Observation Point, passed through Utah, admired Arches and Canyonlands, traveled to Colorado, toured Pikes Peak, caught a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains, ate vegetarian feasts, drank in breweries, practiced yoga, and my god it was perfect. 
 
Though I’m only getting around to writing about it a handful of months later, I can still see the unbelievable sites. I can still feel the sunshine. I will go back someday. I must go back. 

At the top of Observation Point in Zion National Park.

​We travelled for 10 days, so you know I managed to get a few yoga practices in on the road.  
 
Moab Yoga 
 
Moab is a small town in Utah near Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Given its proximity to the parks, its red rock landscapes, and the nearby Colorado river, Moab is a popular tourist destination. You might say it’s “one of the most sought-after outdoor recreation destinations in the American Southwest.” 

The population of Moab is 5,235, and they’re all active. Seriously, everyone bikes and owns a bike shop. The area is popular for hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, skydivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers. The streets are lined with health-conscious cafés and local art galleries. 
 
I fit right in. 
​
On the morning of our last day in Moab, I practiced at Moab Yoga. 
 
Moab Yoga is a 6-year-old studio founded by Angela Houghton, who moved to Moab in 2001 to be a mountain bike guide. See, I told you: everyone bikes. The studio sits just one block off of Main Street, a friendly reminder to counter an active lifestyle with mindful movement. I’d been in a car from Las Vegas to Zion National Park and from Zion to Moab, so I appreciated the opportunity to move and to stretch the east side of my body.  
 
The studio is a modestly sized space, longer than it is wide, and – like much of the town – it is decorated with local art. I immediately felt welcomed; that small-town vibe was comforting, as I’d been away from home for almost a week at that point. 
 
The instructor set herself up in front of a small altar. Students began filing in, dropping their bike helmets in the cubbies. In all, there were about 12 of us students. Two rows of mats. Mostly locals. Some tourists. Various levels of experience. 
 
The class was lovely, and the instructor accommodated all bodies. It was a nice break from my vacation. I bought myself a little souvenir from the boutique: a Moab Yoga tank top. 
 
Here’s a little bit more about Moab Yoga: 
 
Style: The style of that class was a slow, intentionally sequenced vinyasa flow. The instructor had been working with twists that month. 

Heat: The studio is non-heated.  

Rentals: Mats and props are available, free of charge. 

​Offerings: Moab Yoga offers Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Pilates, Teacher Trainings, and Moab Yoga Retreats, which include morning and evening practices, guided hikes, and accommodations near the studio. 

While we were out west, I also practiced at Yoga High in Denver, Colorado. It wasn’t that kind of high (think endorphins, people), though there were a few cannabis and CBD-infused yoga classes in the area. I can’t even imagine… sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t operate heavy machinery after a normal yoga class. Anyways, Yoga High is a small studio space in the basement of a historic building downtown. The instructor was VERY knowledgeable, and, again, I appreciated the opportunity to be led through a healing yoga practice. 
 
It was a whirlwind of a trip out west. We’ll have to go back. We’ll have to go back because we skipped a few parks, and I’m already itching for more excursions. 
 
I started this post with a quote by Helen Keller: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” After an 8-mile hike in Zion National Park, we stopped in a café where I ate the most amazing veggie wrap in the whole wide world – though it might have just been the 5-hour hike, I can’t be sure – but anyways, I saw a locally-made magnet with this quote, and I bought it. 
 
What an adventure it all was.