A Luxury Weekend in Moab at Sorrel River Ranch

Really this is all about how to spend a weekend in Moab, in style, because at Sorrel River Ranch you feel like you are on another level of Moab with it all to yourself. Tucked back in the canyon about 20 minutes from the main downtown area is where you’ll find Sorrel River Ranch. This beautiful ranch started as a working ranch long ago and has now been transformed into a farm to table, luxury desert oasis.

Arriving at Sorrel River Ranch

You drive through the gates and immediately pass their huge garden, lovingly taken care of by their amazing gardener and her pup. Make sure to stop and chat, she would be more than happy to give you a tour! Then you make your way past the horse pasture overlooking the beautiful desert mesa, finally arriving at the string of semi-private bungalows right along the river. Sounding like your type of vacation? Mine too, so let me tell you all about our magical weekend celebrating our anniversary at Sorrel River Ranch.

After we checked in we got escorted to our riverfront room with a front porch- complete with rocking chairs! Oh, and the best part is they are a dog friendly resort! Our two dogs got to join us which was honestly our favorite part, because most of the time if we want a dog friendly hotel its the Motel 6 in town. Our 1 bedroom suite was huge! Full sitting area, kitchenette, plenty of clothing space, queen sized bed plus a full shower and a separate soaking tub! I was in heaven and so were the dogs, we all appreciated having the room to spread out.

We had driven down from Salt Lake City after work so we arrived just in time for dinner our first night. We headed over to the riverfront dining room where everything is locally sourced for the meals (and you can tell the difference in quality for sure)! I highly recommend the half chicken, the best I have ever had by far, with garden fresh veggies. After dinner we enjoyed a multitude of desert options plus they have nightly smores by the fire! We headed to bed to start our adventure filled day early on Saturday.

Day 1

Saturday morning we woke up early for some breakfest before heading to the stables for a private ride out into the desert! I was most excited for this activity as it had always been my dream to ride a horse out into the red rocks (everyone who grew up watching Spirit can probbaly agree haha). Our guide was super friendly and knowledge, we loved chatting the whole ride. If you are vsiitng in the summer make sure to book most of your activities early to avoid the afternoon heat!

By the time we got back to the ranch it was already pretty hot so we decided to take the dogs to the river and get some energy out so we could enjoy the rest of our day as well. There isn’t really direct river access at the ranch but just a few minutes down the road is “beach” with a perfect little swimming spot.

After dropping the dogs off at the room for a well deserved nap, we headed to the pool to relax and grab some lunch poolside. By the middle of the day it was about 110 degrees in Moab so a dip was much needed! I love that the pool overlooks the river, allowing it to feel so peaceful and relaxing. Definitely make time in your schedule to relax by the pool, play some of their board games or get a game of horseshoes in. There are also hammocks hung around the property perfect for some mid nap reading spots in the shade.

We then headed to the room to get ready for our reservation at the Garden Dinner. Every few weeks in the summer they host this beautiful multi course dinner in part of the garden area with fresh, local ingredients highlighted in every dish. This was definitely a highlight of the weekend and such a special touch to be able to chat with the cook and gardener about each dish.

Day 2

Sunday morning we woke up bright and early to grab some breakfast before heading out on our last excursion! We headed out to the mesa in our own side by side UTV with our guide leading the way. It was my first time riding in one and I was pleasantly surprised how fun it was! We got to pass through 4 different “sections” of landscape, with some fun river crossings along the way that helped cool us down. It was such a unique way to see that area of Moab, and we didn’t see another soul the whole morning. I highly recommend booking this activity especially if you have kids, they would love it!

Tips and Tricks

Overall, our weekend in Moab at Sorrel River Ranch greatly exceeded our expectations and we can’t wait to go again next year! It is the perfect place for a romantic anniversary trip or for a larger family gathering. They are open spring-fall and closed over the winter so make sure to get your bookings in early.

Some other activities to try while you stay at Sorrel: