Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy McElhaney.
Hi Christy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our Story
Jeff and I are proud to call Moab, Utah home, both of us were born and raised here, surrounded by the red rock landscapes that make this place so special. What is now known as Angel Rock Rentals of Moab began as something much more personal, our very first home.
We purchased the original 2-bedroom, 1-bath house and completely remodeled it ourselves, right down to the plumbing and electrical. It was a true labor of love, done on a tight budget with the help of family and friends. As our family began to grow in 2002, we considered adding on, but instead transformed the home into a duplex to better fit our needs.
As Moab started to grow in the early 2000s, we had the idea of creating nightly rentals on the property. At the time, we were told it likely wouldn’t be successful, but the idea never left us. About ten years later, we decided to take a leap and bring that vision to life. We began designing small, thoughtfully laid-out townhomes that would fit the property and hired my husband’s brother to help build them.
Our goal was simple: create comfortable spaces for small families, welcome dogs, and include garages so guests could safely store their bikes, off-road vehicles, and gear. Each of the townhome buildings is thoughtfully named after local hiking or off-road trails, or iconic rock formations, giving guests a deeper connection to the landscape that makes Moab so unique.
In 2018, we completed the first phase of our mini townhomes, and by 2022, the final phase was finished.
What started as our first home has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of, a place where we can share the quiet beauty, adventure, and spirit of Moab with others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. We worked through the detailed approval process with the planning and zoning commission, navigated impact fees, and coordinated structural and engineering plans, often feeling like we were jumping through one hoop after another. Then, during our final phase, COVID hit. The building budget we had carefully planned before the pandemic quickly became unrealistic as material costs surged. We had to get creative, lean on our experience, and put our own skills to work to keep the project moving forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Angel Rock Rentals of Moab, we specialize in providing clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed accommodations for travelers looking to experience Moab beyond the typical hotel stay. As a locally owned and family-operated business, everything we’ve built has come from hands-on experience, hard work, and a genuine love for this area.
What sets us apart is that our properties were designed with purpose. We created our townhomes to be functional for real travelers, whether that’s a small family on vacation, couples exploring the parks, or outdoor enthusiasts bringing bikes, off-road vehicles, or gear. Many of our units include private garages, which is something guests truly value in Moab. We’re also proudly dog-friendly, because we know pets are part of the adventure too.
We’re known for being responsive, honest, and easy to work with. Guests appreciate clear communication, straightforward expectations, and spaces that are clean, well-maintained, and accurately represented. We take pride in offering a smooth, reliable experience from booking to checkout.
One of the things guests really enjoy is the extra local insight we provide. We put together a detailed 4-page guide of our favorite hiking trails, including trail lengths, difficulty, and directions on how to get there, helping guests explore beyond the usual spots and experience Moab like a local.
What we’re most proud of is that this business was built from the ground up—starting with our first home and growing into a place where we can host guests from all over the world. Every detail reflects who we are and the standards we believe in.
Above all, we want guests to feel comfortable, taken care of, and able to fully enjoy everything Moab has to offer. Whether they’re here for adventure or relaxation, our goal is to provide a stay that feels simple, welcoming, and dependable.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing in ways that stay true to what we’ve built, providing comfortable, reliable stays with a local touch.
One of our newest additions is something we’re especially excited about: we’ve introduced a monthly rental option in our original home. It’s a 2-bedroom, 1-bath space available for stays of 30 days or more, designed to be a more affordable option for guests who need longer-term accommodations in Moab.
We see this as a great fit for traveling professionals, seasonal workers, or anyone wanting to spend more time in the area without the higher cost of nightly rates.
As we move forward, we’re focused on continuing to improve the guest experience, maintaining the quality of our properties, and offering flexible options that meet the needs of both short-term visitors and longer-term stays.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelrockrentals.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/angelrockrentalsofmoab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Angelrockrentalsmoab/
