Scott M Matheson Preserve is an outdoor space run by the Nature Conservancy. It is located on the outskirts of Moab and is a nice morning stop. This is a great place for anyone who loves birding, or loves a peaceful place for a stroll.
UPDATE: The original entrance on Kane Creek Blvd was washed out. So they are asking visitors to enter at 1070 W 400 N, Moab. This road dead ends at a gate where you can park. This entrance is not wheel friendly. Hopefully the official entrance will reopen soon.
A boardwalk winds around the preserve, leading to several viewpoints. We saw some interesting birds along the way. We counted about ten spotted towhees. There were also robins, pheasants, and mourning doves. The trail is nice and stroller friendly. Although the paths are not paved, they are flat and wheels can easily roll over them. It wanders about a mile across a bridge and around a loop. There is one spur that leads to an overlook of the river.
In the river we saw a strange sight. About 20 large fish, probably either carp or catfish were surfacing as if they were gulping for air. We watched (and listened) for a while as they gasped for air at the top of the water.
Directions
The Matheson Preserve is a nice spot in Moab to get away from the crowds that are ever-present in Arches and other more touristy areas. To get to the Scott M Matheson Preserve, turn off Main Street onto Kane Creek Boulevard between McDonalds and Burger King. The preserve is nearly 1.5 miles down the road. Go left when the road splits. The preserve will be on the right. All the trails are stroller friendly, and most are boardwalks.
If you are looking for other family-friendly adventures in Moab, check out our Things to do in Moab post. It is full of ideas!
