An array of colorful tipis adorned with Native American symbols sits just off the road, not far from a warehouse that once served as a bean factory.
Not exactly what one might expect in Pleasant View, Colo., yet there it is, a tipi dealership known as Moab Outback.
Located in Moab, Utah, from 1999 until 2008, Moab Outbacks was recently reopened in Pleasant View at the behest of owner Wayne Bower.
Specializing in tipis, yurts and tents, the dealership offers unique multipurpose products capable of a wide variety of needs.
Tipis
Originally used by nomadic tribes in the Great Plains region, modern-day tipis are constructed from several wooden poles surrounded by a canvas wall.
Known for their versatility and portability, the conic structures offered by Moab Outback come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 12 to 28 feet in diameter.
Manufactured by Earthworks, Moab Outback's tipis are capable of serving a variety of purposes, including residences, guest homes, camping shelters or playhouses for children.
Built with durable walls and sanded wooden Lodgepole pine polls, Earthworks tipis are capable of lasting several years.
"They stand up real well in the wind," explained Bower. "They are not as tight as a yurt, but we used to set up camps for people and rent them to people."
Especially attractive for individuals on a tight budget, Earthworks tipis offered by Moab Outback range in cost from $644 to $3,297 depending on the size and type of wall fabric used.
Fabric and/or polls may also be purchased separately if an individual so desires.
Yurts
In addition to the tipis offered by Moab Outback, a variety of yurts, manufactured by Colorado Yurts, are offered.
Originating in Mongolia, the round domelike structures are similar to tipis in that they utilize canvas stretched around a frame.
Unlike tipis however, yurts include rafters and higher ceilings, allowing for more space and greater protection against the elements.
Perfect to be used as a ski lodges, guesthouses or permanent residences, Colorado Yurts are offered in sizes ranging from 16 feet in diameter to 30 feet in diameter.
Cost effective and naturally beautiful, yurts provide the ideal option for individuals or families interested in living a comfortable, albeit alternative lifestyle.
Tents
Rounding out Moab Outback's offerings is a series of heavy-duty tents capable of providing shelter in even the harshest conditions.
Much like Moab Outback's yurts and tipis, the tents offered by the company range in size and price.
"The tents we offer are great for hunting camps," said Bower. "Really, they can be used for all sorts of things."
And ultimately, such versatility is what sets Moab Outback products apart.
Capable of serving a wide variety of purposes, Pleasant View's newest and most unique dealership is a must see for adventure-inclined individuals, as well as those curious about an alternative way of life.
