Yippee-ky-yo-ky-yay; it’s the Bar-M Chuckwagon.

Bar-M Chuckwagon

7000 U.S. 191

Moab, UT 84532

(435) 259-2276

Website: http://www.barmchuckwagon.com/

After a day of sightseeing, hiking, climbing, or any of the other outdoor activities available in Moab, the Bar-M Chuckwagon is the place to go for a relaxing evening. Located just 4 miles north of the Arches National Park entrance and 1.5 miles south of the turn off to Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands National Park, it is right off of Route 191. The ticket booth is located at the entrance of the ample parking lot, and as you make your way down the path to the Bar-M, don’t forget to stop and pay your respects to those buried at Boot Hill.

The evening begins with a comedic confrontation between two cowboys, a meeting with the sheriff, and the shootout. Nothing overly dramatic to frighten the children, and lots of laughter to get everyone in a happy, “yeee-harrr” mood.

Inside the main building, guests can seat themselves at picnic style wooden tables. The sheriff, who is also the ranch cook, greets everyone, and announces how the meal will be served. When he says to hold your plate on the apple sauce side, listen up, cause the hot food is hot; and metal plates conduct heat very well.

The two choices for the main dish are barbequed chicken or roast beef; served with cowboy beans, baked potato, apple sauce, spice cake, biscuit. Drinks are lemonade, iced tea, coffee and water; all refillable. Seconds on the meal are offered, and if you’re still hungry, get up and go get it, for it goes fast. Yes, it was that good!!! Dinner is about an hour, and after cleanup, the musical entertainment starts.

Classic and modern western songs, lots of jokes (mostly corny, but you can’t help but laugh), audience participation is encouraged and very welcome; young and old alike are guaranteed a heapin’ good time. There is a gift shop on premises, right next to the saloon where you can purchase alcoholic beverages and bottled soda.

From start to finish, expect to be at the Bar-M for about 3 hours. Since it goes into late evening, children under the age of 8 might find it to be long, and get antsy and/or cranky. Parents should know their own child/children’s temperament, so plan accordingly.

If you're visiting the Moab area, and want some real old time Western style entertainment and grub (that’s food), then the Bar-M Chuckwagon won’t do you wrong.

Mary Cokenour