Nestled in the heart of Utah, Moab is a haven for adventurers, a desert wonderland with towering red rock formations, endless skies, and a sense of infinite possibility. For professional highliner Ryan Robinson, this rugged landscape is both a playground and a proving ground. With his RV as his basecamp, Robinson blends the comforts of home with the raw beauty of the wild, living a life that few dare to imagine—let alone pursue.
Discovering Moab’s Magic
“It’s crazy to think that I didn’t even come to the desert until about 10 years ago,” Robinson reflects. “When I first got here, I realized very quickly that this was going to be a place I was going to spend a lot of time.”
One such landmark is the Looking Glass Arch, a stunning natural formation Robinson describes as a “standalone feature” in the desert. “On the other side of the dome is this beautiful cathedral that opens up,” he explains. “And on the side, there’s this hole that they call the Looking Glass. It peers into this spot where we decided to rig a highline.”
Highlining: The Art and the Fear
For the uninitiated, highlining involves walking across a one-inch-wide flat rope suspended between two points—often high above the ground. It’s an activity that combines technical expertise with mental fortitude. “Highlining usually exists between two mountains, two cliffs, two buildings…whatever you can think of, we can string a line up between it and walk across it,” says Robinson.
But here’s the kicker: Robinson, a professional highliner, is afraid of heights. “Something that people don’t often assume about me is that I’m actually very afraid of heights,” he admits. “But I actually think that’s why I love highlining so much. It gives me this thing to work on constantly. It’s never easy for me.”
The vulnerability inherent in highlining is part of its appeal. “When you’re up there on the line and there’s one inch of fabric between you and falling, you have no choice. You just have to be vulnerable,” he explains. It’s a lesson in trust—trusting the rigging, the process, and himself.
Rigging the Line: Precision and Patience
Before the adrenaline rush of stepping onto the line comes the meticulous process of setting it up. “The biggest thing with establishing the line is just making sure it’s all measured out correctly, set up properly,” Robinson says. “Then the next step is to get the line from point A to point B, check everything to make sure it’s safe, and then it’s time to have fun.”
Highlining over Looking Glass Arch adds another layer of complexity. The natural beauty of the arch and its surroundings is a constant reminder of the stakes. Each step is a blend of calculation and courage, a dance with gravity in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable.
The RV Advantage
At the heart of Robinson’s adventurous lifestyle is his RV, which serves as both home and headquarters. “One of the things I love the most about having an RV is that you’re having the experience of camping, but you have all the comforts of being at home,” he says.
Whether it’s cooking a meal, recharging after a day of highlining, or simply enjoying the quiet of the desert night, the RV provides a base that’s as mobile as his ambitions. “No matter where you are, you’re always home,” he adds. “And no matter what you’re doing, you can always come right back and get comfortable or head out to the next adventure.”
Lessons from the Line
For Robinson, highlining isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. “I had a conversation once with a friend, and he gave me a piece of advice,” he recalls. “He said if you want to live a life that no one else gets to live, you need to be willing to live a life that no one else is willing to live.”
That advice rings true in every aspect of Robinson’s journey. Becoming a professional highliner required sacrifices—financial, emotional, and physical. But it also opened doors to extraordinary experiences, like walking a line suspended over Looking Glass Arch. “If I had to pinpoint one thing that created the most opportunity in my adventurous life, it is having an RV,” he says.
Practical Tips for RV Adventurers
Robinson’s lifestyle offers plenty of takeaways for those looking to merge adventure with RV living:
- Stay Organized: Keeping the RV ready for quick transitions between locations is key. “You never know when the next adventure will call,” he says.
- Embrace Versatility: The ability to cook, sleep, and relax in one’s RV adds a layer of convenience that makes even the most remote destinations accessible.
- Prioritize Maintenance: Regular checks ensure the RV is road-ready, minimizing disruptions to your journey.
- Balance Comfort and Adventure: “You don’t have to choose between the thrill of the wild and the comforts of home,” Robinson emphasizes.
Living the Dream
As the sun sets over the Moab desert, Robinson and his friends gather around the campfire, sharing stories and soaking in the quiet majesty of the landscape. Tomorrow, the adventure continues, but for now, there’s a sense of peace that only the desert can provide.
