This is a good option if you want to save some money, but you will very possibly still need or want a car once you get into Moab. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. This tour is perfect for adventure-seeking families. Moab to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip One of the most fun and accessible hiking trails is The Living Room. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. If youre looking for a short hike, Bridal Veil Falls is also in this area. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. . Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. The route from Salt Lake City to Moab is a very scenic route. I spotted bed and breakfasts that look like Swiss-style chateaus and chalets, and across town, I discovered Swiss-influenced architecture with gabled roofs and ornate, overhanging eaves. I grabbed a seat, watched the rehearsal for a few minutes, and then headed back to my car to finish my drive. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. The park becomes very busy by mid-morning, and parking can be difficult. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. The quickest way back is directly up State Route 61-North. , a New York City-style deli. Rental Car Age Requirements & Restrictions, Denver to Durango, Colorado Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Arizona, How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car In Canada, How old do you have to be to rent a car in Colorado, How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car In Florida, How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Hawaii, How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Illinois, How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car In Italy, How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Oregon, How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Car in Texas, How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car In Washington. We have made the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and love camping in the Moab area. Day 1: Fly to Salt Lake City, Drive to Moab Driving time and distance: 4 hours, 240 miles Pick up your rental car at the airport (a standard vehicle is fine for this itinerary) and drive to Moab. Salt Lake City makes a great gateway for travelers making a trip to Utah's ski resorts or southward to Utah's renowned red rock country. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. 6 Outdoorsy Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah - Territory Supply * With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars. : This national park is a must-see once you make your way to Moab. Day 1: Arrive in Moab. Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. Moab was once home to some of these prehistoric creatures, so be sure to visit the spots that showcase the dinosaur fossils, like the Moab Giants. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. As I explored Iosepa I was amazed by the settler's resilience. Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. Other musical events offered include their famed organ recitals, bell performances, Music and the Spoken Word, and other events. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. Discover rugged beauty and classic American hospitality on this trip into the west. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Theres a lot of hiking coming up! I opted to add an extra hour of driving to my road trip across Utah just so I could spend the night in Midway, which has been dubbed Utah's little Switzerland, according to Only In Your State. The last leg of your journey would be a 50-minute drive southeast, from Green River to Moab. , but you dont have to be religious to appreciate its culture. Hiking in Canyonlands National Park requires some pre-planning water, sunscreen, and a trail map are at the top of the list. A 7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip: See the Mighty 5 But I can't say I'd make the 40-mile trek out to the ghost town again. Established The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and you can make reservations between March and October. For more road trip ideas, explore these articles: Whether she is leaving on a jet plane or exploring the open road, Sandi loves to visit destinations that offer cool and interesting activities, fabulous culinary creations, and fun libations. 8 Reasons You Should Consider Taking Back-To-Back Cruises, 10 Fascinating Spots In New York City For History Lovers, 11 Best Things To Do In Enchanting San Miguel De Allende, 5 Amazing Stops On The Scenic Route From Reno To Lake Tahoe, 8 Gorgeous Stops On A Road Trip From Las Vegas, Nevada To Albuquerque, New Mexico, Wild West Road Trip: 5 Gorgeous Stops From Flagstaff, Arizona To Circleville, Utah, 5 Amazing Stops From Eureka Springs, Arkansas To Pawhuska, Oklahoma, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 8 Gorgeous Stops On A Road Trip From Sunnyvale, California To Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are altitude changes along the route, the terrain is mountainous, and the highway is sometimes undivided. Moab, Ut Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails, Hells Revenge 44 Off-Roading Tour from Moab, Introductory Moab Courthouse Loop Mountain Biking Tour, Guide to the Best Hotels in Downtown Moab, Everything to Know About Jeep Tours in Moab. If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. In the 1880s, 46 Hawaiians left their homes to travel to Utah for religious reasons. Hike the famous. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. Aside from that, just remember your sunglasses and a comfy hat. But those views coupled with fewer crowds mean I'll come back to this national park over and over again. But we love the national parks. The next time I'm in Midway, I'll still visit, but I'd likely opt to just swim instead of dive, which costs only $18, or I'd splurge for a $75 paddleboard yoga session in the crater. Moab 27F. Take an archeological tour to get a sense of the lands history. Find pet-friendly stops. There are several rental car companies in the Salt Lake area, with many great options available at the Salt Lake Airport. 42 minutes Lava Hot Springs. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you wont soon forget. may appear arid and sparse, theres plenty to do in the Beehive State. If you fancy a few days in Zion, check out an Airbnb or VRBO in Springdale! Road Trip Conditions. Salt Lake City to Moab in 2023: The Best Route & What to Do When You In one corner of downtown is a large food truck park where you can dine on everything from gelato to paninis. I found the experience to be quite refreshing after spending several hot days exploring Moab's desert. Hang a left onto UT-22 (seven miles), then take a right onto UT-62 east (26 miles). 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. As your weekend trip winds down, you may be looking for a relaxing way to ease yourself back into reality. With the Colorado and Green Rivers flowing nearby, theres no better place on the planet to start a river trip than Moab. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. Finally, end your day with stargazing at RedRock Astronomy for a sense of Southern Utahs dark skies. Then, cap your day off with an adrenaline pumping tour of Hells Revenge with a local guide. The more scenic route is via Highway 89 and Highway 24, which takes you through Mount Pleasant, Fairview, and Capitol Reef National Park before reaching Moab. To get from Salt Lake City to Moab, you will first take I-15 S for about 50 miles. Start with the bruschetta misto or the pomodori e mozzarella to get your taste buds warmed up. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus or shuttle, the journey from Salt Lake City to Moab is sure to be an adventure that youll never forget. If youre planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. 10:00 am leave from Moab. Being able to stop wherever and whenever is my idealway to explore. Try the Sloppy Joe! Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. This quintessential slot canyon hike is one of the parks most iconic. It has breathtaking view after view around every corner. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. There are two main driving routes from Salt Lake City to Moab: I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S The quickest route is via I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S, which takes you through Spanish Fork and Price before reaching Moab. I've never seen petroglyphs before, so when I learned Sego Canyon was within driving distance from Moab, I added it to my list of pit stops. Buckle up! They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. It isn't a long trip but there are so many amazing places to see along the way. Follow US-89 for 43 miles, hang a right onto UT-12 (13 miles), and take another right onto US-63 south, which brings you into the park. Moab Utah to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip If youre looking to make some stops along the way, there are plenty of great places to visit on the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab. I thought the two eggs were cooked to perfection and the entire dish had a nice kick, while the pancakes balanced the sweet and spicy flavors of ginger. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. All Rights Reserved. I tried it before heading into Arches National Park, and easily saw why the breakfast eatery attracts both locals and tourists alike. Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah - Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Sure, I wouldn't recommend all of my stops to other travelers, but for the most part, I thought Utah is full of interesting pit stops that are well worth the time and fuel. After scarfing down the meal, Jailhouse Cafe earned its place on my must-visit list for Moab. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. Bears Ears National Monument has become a rallying cry in the fight for public lands, and though its gained plenty of press, this stretch of your Utah road trip is almost certain to be the quietest on your journey. Crescent Junction 24F. According to Atlas Obscura, the petroglyphs and pictographs were created by three Indigenous tribes, the Utes, Fremont, and Archaic groups, thousands of years ago. Depending on when you arrive you may have enough time for a full afternoon in Arches National Park (Read: "The Best Time to Visit Moab"). We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. My sweetheart and I are going to SLC 3/14-3/21. The Homestead Crater's website states that it formed more than 10,000 years ago when melting snow seeped into the earth, where it heated and percolated upward. In May, I went to Moab, Utah. drive for about 4 hours. 1 hour Temple Square. Salt Lake City 43F. Rent Car for A Month: How to Rent a Car for a Month? The Perfect One Week in Utah Road Trip Itinerary (7 Day Guide) Other popular stops include Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake Utah Temple, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Feels like 15.98 Wind speed 5.8 mph Pressure 1029 hPa. It's a Hare Krishna temple that celebrates Hindu devotion. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better? Photos: The Narrows in Zion National Park Frances Gunn/Unsplash; Bryce Canyon National Park Photo by Edgar Chaparro/Unsplash; Camping near Moab Photo by Ben Duchac/Unsplash; Arches National Park Shutterstock; Cataract Canyon rafting trip James Kaiser. Both my husband and I will be driving. Lincoln Town Car Signature Insurance Cost. Written by Tom Hindle Reviewed by Carrie Adkins Updated on Jun 27, 2022 Table of Contents Though Utah may appear arid and sparse, there's plenty to do in the Beehive State. An intelligent AI-based tool like Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you. There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. Price is another small town with a rich mining history. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). Moab, Utah - A World Famous Slickrock Playground | Visit Utah Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. The Ultimate Utah Road Trip (National Parks + Itinerary) All Rights Reseved. The quickest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab is via I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S. The route takes you through some breathtaking scenery, including the Wasatch Mountains, which are part of the Rocky Mountains. It's also one of Moab's few fine-dining restaurants, located in the former house of Charles A. Steen, a uranium miner who became a millionaire. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. If youre traveling with young children or those who might be unable to explore the parks on foot, never fear! From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train, Utah Department of Health and Human Services' website, crowdsand had to contend with the hassle of needing a timed reservation to enter the park, mistakes park rangers often see in the national parks. Day 1 Salt Lake to Moab 234 Miles Arches National Park It takes about four hours to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, or flights from Salt Lake City International Airport are available most days and only take about an hour. Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. Located on a tree-lined street downtown, the hotel exterior blends beautifully into the neighborhood in a charming and unassuming way. The easy-rated White Rim Overlook is just under 2 miles round trip with a rewarding view. But realize that if we do that it will take all of our time. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. It was a stark contrast from Arches National Park, where I previously spent two daysconstantlyhunting for parking spots and avoiding people on crowded trails. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. The rooms are spacious and comfy. You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. OARS is an equal opportunity provider. No phone calls. Its not exactly a low-calorie option, but the buttery biscuits and juicy limeade are an SLC must! Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. That same year, Arches National Park had 1.65 million visitors in a park that's about 180,000 acres smaller in size, according to the same source. The beauty of the parks wild landscape viewed from your perch high up on the point is stunning. Next time I'm near Moab, I'd skip the Sego Canyon Rock Art and stop at Newspaper Rock instead, which is about 50 minutes south of Moab. to get a sense of the park. Six Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City. The intrepid explorer can pilot their own ATV/UTV up and down the precarious rock formations following in the footsteps of many a skilled driver. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. A little way down the road from Moab is Green River, home to Rays Tavern. As an avid ghost-town explorer, a handful of my pit stops revolved around stopping at Utah's abandoned mines, deserted settlements, and empty, eerie hotels. While its a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time. Outside of the Alps-inspired chateaus and chalets, The Homestead Crater is one of Midway's most popular attractions, according to travel blogs like Travel Lens, VacationIdea, and Wanderlust with Lisa. This is a great book that has helped us when we are exploring the off-road trails in Moab like Poison Spider Mesa. However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utahs gorgeous scenery. Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. With soda shops sprinkled across the state, I chose pop more often than coffee during my road trip. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. Some travelers drive from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park just to reconnect with nature and truly experience the sheer beauty of Moab and the surrounding areas. in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University and has worked as a raft guide, avalanche educator, and backpacking instructor around the American West. Whether you want to make the drive in a single day or plan to take several stops along the way, this guide will help you plan your journey from start to finish. Gas prices in Utah are relatively low compared to other states, and you can expect to pay around $35 for a full tank of gas. The landscape along the way makes you want to grab your water bottle a must-have in the hot, desert environment and hike through the red rock formations. As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. Having 33 states and territories, 23 countries, and a grand collection of national and state parks in her travel log; her current goal is to visit all 50 states in the next 5 years. In conclusion, the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a scenic and unforgettable experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip. You can easily get lost in the beauty of these parks. Moab is a city full of adventures just waiting to be discovered. Summer rates are reasonable, and potential activities are plentiful. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. Interested in a map of this Utah itinerary? We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. is a trendy spot serving up a range of summer eats. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. We have been on this trail and had a great time. This is a family favorite place to stop along the route to Moab. The second route also was blocked off. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. Springdale, right on the southern tip of Zion, has a number of cozy hotels. The Salt Lake Express is a shuttle service that runs a route to Moab twice daily. Day 2. Utah and Colorado National Parks Road Trip Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir that's ideal for paddleboarding. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! This is a short drive from the airport, and if you have the extra time, it is totally worth it. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Experiencing the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir should be on every music lovers bucket list. No long forms. Lying just 10 minutes from downtown, this 2.2-mile out-and-back hike leads to incredible views of Downtown and the surrounding landscape. 33 minutes Jackson. Trips from Moab to Salt Lake City While I wouldn't go far out of my way to stop at the Castle Amphitheater, I thought it was an ideal place for a quick break. Salt Lake City is filled with tons of outdoor options as well! Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) According to Atlas Obscura, this set of petroglyphs is one of the world's largest collections and looks much more vividthan the ones I saw in Thompson Springs, based on pictures I've viewed online. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2023 Simple Rent Car. Provo is the home of Brigham Young University. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. The abandoned settlement is about an hour outside of Salt Lake, so I spent one morning exploring the property. You can also take a short detour to Goblin Valley State Park. City: round-trip one-way. Nearby, there were signs with what I imagine once housed information on the rocks. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. In the morning, check out the. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. Salt Lake City is the ideal starting point to set out to the Yellowstone National Park and to discover the natural resources in northern Utah as well. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, climbing, and rafting, there's no shortage of things to do. For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. Salt Lake City 23F. As you pull into the downtown area of Salt Lake City, the pretty views of the Wasatch Mountains explain why the Mormon leaders decided to call it home. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. Suggestions appreciated. During my short time in Moab, the Sunset Grill was mentioned multiple times by residents and due to its location, I was told it's supposed to be the best place to view a sunset (besides inside the nearby national parks). This route takes about 4 hours. This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. Whether youre looking to make the journey in a single day or take your time and explore the many stops along the way, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. It enables you to save money on hotels and other living costs. With obstacles to attack with names like the Tip-Over Challenge and Rubble Trouble, you know you are in for an exciting ride. WATCH: The Differences Between Salt Lake City & Denver. 33 minutes Payson Canyon. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. As the rehearsal began, I observed a slow but steady stream of people who walked into the building to watch. In addition to the idyllic small towns, numerous attractions and natural wonders await you along the route: the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Logan Canyon with the Wind . If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. Tours are available in the evening, at which time you may be able to watch the sky burst with color as the sun sets behind the red rock horizon. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. If youre visiting on a busy weekend, holiday or any day between mid-March through fall, youll also need to make a shuttle reservation online to access many parts of the park (shuttle tickets are not available at the park). follow the path of explorer John Wesley Powell, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. I thought the views at Canyonlands alone were worthy of a stop in Utah. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. It was some of the best food I had during my trip. For eager hikers, the. 37 minutes Ogden. From Bryce Canyon, head northeast to Moab. Flying Into Salt Lake City Once you land in Salt Lake City, plan to pick up your car or RV rental and head south toward Moab, Utah. It was a short drive off the highway. drive for about 1 hour. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. Youll pass by the Provo River, which is a popular spot for fly-fishing, and through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, which is home to some of Utahs most stunning scenery. You can still experience the stunning vistas of the park from the comfort of your own vehicle on a scenic loop drive. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? This is the most convenient and easy way to get a rental car in Salt Lake City. Remain on US-6 E for nearly 130 miles, then merge ontoI-70 E/US-191 S. This route will carry you the final 24 miles into Moab. How can I make sure my friend is covered to drive my car during a road trip? When you think of Moab you may think of hiking the Delicate Arch Trail, gazing over Canyonlands National Park or four wheeling down a slickrock trail. Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. Salt Lake City to Fifth Water Hot Springs Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah The first stop on your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip itinerary is Fifth Water Hot Springs. 33 minutes Manti. Moab is located about 3 hours and 40 minutes (234mi / 377km) away from Salt Lake City and where our Utah road trip itinerary begins from. Wannabe paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists alike will find displays to captivate their attention. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Feels like 22.75 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1039 hPa. Clear Sky. How Old To Rent A Car? As the day winds down, be sure to spend the evening popping into the galleries, gift shops and outfitters that line Main Street for a sense of Moabs charm.