A prime place to take in the astonishing beauty of Utah's mountains, canyons, and deserts is the area around Moab, in the southeastern part of the state. This premier active-travel destination offers trekking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Alas, its accommodations have been considerably less exciting, but things change this summer with the debut of Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge. Set on a spectacular ridge some 100 feet above the Colorado River, this

A pool, a spa, tennis courts, and a small museum documenting the area's cowboy and film history-Moab has been a location for numerous Westerns-are also part of the picture. Rates start at $169, double; phone: (435)259-2002; fax: (435)259-5050. Note if you prefer your adventures prepackaged,

Abercrombie & Kent has a one-week Moab trip that combines whitewater rafting with two nights in a tented camp and four nights at Red Cliffs' $2,275 per person;
phone: (800)323-7308; fax: (630)954-3324;
E-mail: info@abercrombiekent.com