Crisp, clean, clear air. Spectacular views. Night skies so clear you feel like you can reach out and touch the stars.
Welcome to Whispering Oaks in the La Sal Mountains in Utah. This 50-acre property is located just 20 miles southeast of Downtown Moab via the iconic La Sal Mountain Loop Road, and the private vacation rental property offers a true respite from city life.
The locale was created by Mike and Kelly Shumway, who opened it in 2005. For Mike, who has since passed, it had marked the culmination of a childhood dream. He had grown up in Moab, spending his time enjoying the impressive outdoors and hoping to someday build a lodge. The couple took the first step toward that dream in 1998, when they purchased a piece of property on the west side of the La Sal Mountains.
After building on the land and spending time there, the couple realized they couldn’t keep the view to themselves and, after building several cabins, began welcoming guests.
Today, there are a total of seven cabins of ranging sizes perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat, stunning views of majestic red rock formations, and comfortable lodging, with plenty of activities to take part in if desired.
The Cabins
Whether you’re arriving as just a couple, as a family, or as a large group, there are options to accommodate. The cabins sleep two to 24 guests, depending on which of the seven you choose. Whispering Oaks can accommodate a total of approximately 65 guests per night.
“They are all secluded, peaceful cabins that are surrounded by trees and views, and where you can sit outside on porches/patios without seeing your neighboring cabin guests—yet they are within walking distance,” Kelly says. “I call the décor rustic luxe, and they feel like home.”
Each quaint, cottage-like cabin is equipped with kitchen amenities, full bathrooms, fireplaces, and a hot tub. There are barbecue grills, fiber optic internet, and satellite television, and some cabins also have outdoor showers.
One of the cabins—Cedar Bend Lodge Cabin—is 6,000 square feet and includes wraparound decks, as well as a detached deck that’s ideal for micro weddings or events for up to 35 people.
The Pavilion
In 2007, the Shumways added a pavilion to the destination to accommodate the growing requests for onsite weddings, corporate events, and group retreats. Located at just under an 8,000-foot elevation, its cooler mountain temperature, coupled with the stunning scenery and private locale, made it an immediately popular option.
The pavilion itself is a covered 1,800 square feet of event space that can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers numerous layout options.
There’s also a 55,000-square-foot lawn outlined with aspen and pine trees.
“Although our intent wasn’t for Whispering Oaks to be a wedding venue,” Kelly says, “word of mouth spread and, since 2007, we’ve hosted some 300 pavilion events.”
Although Whispering Oaks is open all year (four-wheel drive is recommended during the winter months), the pavilion is only available May through October. Micro weddings can always be held in the Cedar Bend Cabin, regardless of the time of year.
What to Do
Some arrive looking for solitude and relaxation. This they find in the serene nature—the views of the La Sal Mountains, the Canyonlands, the Abajo Mountains (Monticello), and the Henry Mountains (Lake Powell), and the setting in general.
For those who come looking to explore, there is much to see and do.
“There's convenient access to Utah’s Adventure Capital—Moab, the Colorado River, Arches National Park, Canyonland National Park, Dead Horse State Park, and more,” Kelly says. “And there’s so much to explore on the La Sal Mountains. There are lakes, bicycle trails, hiking, repelling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.”
There are also four catch-and-release ponds on property, a canoe and floating dock, and a children’s playground and sandbox.
Getting There
Whispering Oaks is just an eight-hour drive from Scottsdale or there are convenient flights from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport to Utah’s Adventure Capital in Moab.
No matter your purpose—event, relaxation, or exploration—Whispering Oaks provides the perfect backdrop.
“Twenty-five years ago, when seeking help to build Whispering Oaks, a young architect gave me the best advice—build a place you’d like to stay at,” Kelly says.
“They are all secluded, peaceful cabins that are surrounded by trees and views."
“There's convenient access to Utah’s Adventure Capital."