It’s a warm September morning in Moab, Utah. As you wake up and peek through the sheers hanging in your window, the sun begins to crest the horizon, casting a golden glow over the red rock landscape. You can already sense it’s going to be a beautiful day. The clock reads just before 6 am, and you crack open the window to let in the crisp desert air. Like clockwork, the soft echoes of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” drift through the mountains, turning the start of your day into a living piece of art. This is the spirit of Moab, brought to life by the unforgettable presence of Jerry Ehlers.
Jerry Ehlers (1940-1988) was a beloved figure in Moab, known for his warmth, creativity, and the joy he spread throughout the community. In the mid-1970s, Jerry moved his wife and ten children to Castle Valley, Utah, a few miles from Moab, to start a new life on a bare piece of land. To support his family, Jerry poured his passion into painting, creating murals that still grace the landscapes of Castle Valley, Moab, and other nearby Western towns.
In 1976, as the building that would become Expedition Lodge Moab neared completion, Jerry was commissioned to paint murals in every room, infusing the space with his unique artistic vision for just $65 per room—about $300 in today’s currency. His work captured the essence of Moab’s untouched beauty and became an integral part of the lodge’s character.
Fast forward to 2016, when new owners took over the property and began the transformation into what is now Expedition Lodge Moab. While many structural changes were needed to create the updated lodge, one thing was clear: Jerry Ehlers’ paintings had to stay. These artworks offered more than just decoration; they provided a glimpse into Moab’s past—a serene, almost untouched landscape that beautifully represented the natural beauty and spirit of the 1970s.
Today, Jerry’s murals remain the focal point of each guest room at Expedition Lodge Moab. Framed in reclaimed barn wood, they stand as a tribute to a time when life in Moab was simpler and more connected to nature. Each painting invites travelers to pause and reflect on the timeless beauty of Moab and its storied past.
While the world around us continues to evolve, here at Expedition Lodge Moab, we treasure these opportunities to reflect on what once was. Come stay with us, and experience a piece of Moab’s artistic history through the eyes of Jerry Ehlers.
