If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. 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. This guide will help you get from Salt Lake City to Moab with some tips on great activities as well. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. The hotel is in the perfect spot after a day of exploring Salt Lake City. Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail, Bone Trail, Willow Springs Dinosaur Track Site, and the Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Track Site are other Moab locations for more Jurassic fun! Top 14 road trips from Salt Lake City. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. Buy vs Rent a Car: Should I Buy or Rent a Car? Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. These ancient beasts left copious footprints and fossil evidence that will amaze you and peak your imagination. If there is snow on the road, make sure you drive carefully, and you will make it safely. As I dropped off my car and boarded a plane home to Denver, Colorado, I felt like a road trip across Utah was the best way to see the state for the first time. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails. My sister loaned me her spare car while Im between vehicles, and Im kind of tempted to just take this one off her hands. The mine, which is located about an hour south of Salt Lake City, was purchased by John Hyrum Koyle in 1894 after he received a message from an angel who instructed him to purchase an already-abandoned mine, according to the same source. 54 minutes Hoback. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. Finally, end your day with stargazing at RedRock Astronomy for a sense of Southern Utahs dark skies. Lincoln Town Car Signature Insurance Cost. Interested in a map of this Utah itinerary? On most Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Tabernacle Choir entertains audiences with their famed choir rehearsals. Seattle to Leavenworth Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Fargo to Theodore Roosevelt National Park Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Providence to Cape Cod Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). Highway 89 and Highway 24. 6 hours of driving. This is a very strenuous ride, so you might elect to sample the 1.6 mile Slickrock Practice Trail instead, or consult with a local bike shop for a better suited trail. City: round-trip one-way. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. From high-energy adventure to world-renowned musical talent, your road trip between the two will be filled with history, exploration, and great food. Ready to start your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip? Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into Moab. After spending an hour immersed in the music, I understood why so many people flockto these rehearsals every week, and if I ever happen to be in Salt Lake on a Thursday, I'd make an effort to visit again. customize this trip 10:00 am start in Salt Lake City drive for about 44 minutes 10:44 am Provo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:44 am drive for about 1.5 hours 1:10 pm Price (Utah) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:10 pm drive for about 1 hour 3:15 pm Green River (Utah) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:15 pm drive for about 1 hour How Old To Rent A Car? Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. driving 4 hours. If you do decide to visit, don't make the mistakes park rangers often see in the national parks, like expecting solitude or forgetting to pack enough water. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. In 1947,Atlas Obscura reported thatKoyle said he was forced to sign a statement that admitted his prophecies were false, and eventually, the mine was re-abandoned. Stop at. Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. Everyone is welcome to stop and visit the temple, which was built in the late 1900s by Charu Das and Vaibhavi Devi Dasi, a couple that wanted Utah's Hindu population to have a place to worship, according to the temple's website. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. That means purchasing the best, most affordable insuranceand signing up for, Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! The penne di caprino with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and artichoke hearts on a bed of penne is heavenly. I found the experience to be quite refreshing after spending several hot days exploring Moab's desert. Copyright All Rights Reserved. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Today, the ghost town is privately owned, so people can only view the remaining buildings from a distance. Hells Revenge 44 Off-Roading Tour from Moab is a fun-filled adventure that takes you down all of the challenging parts along the Hells Revenge Trail. Salt Lake City . The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and you can make reservations between March and October. To that end, this is not your typical weekend road trip itinerary. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. I wouldn't think of castles and hospitals going together, but in Provo, there's a castle-like amphitheater located on Utah State Hospital's property. 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. If youre looking for a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah, then the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a must-see. If you do plan on going on many of the off-road trails without a travel guide, make sure you purchase the off-road guidebook called Moab, Ut Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. Heighten your adrenaline and explore the stark landscape on the Fins and Things 44 trail. 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. 1 hour Malad City. 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. 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. This leg is a two-for-one national park special, and while the parks are relatively close together, youll want to be up with the sun to pack in as much exploring as possible if you plan to do both in the same day. Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. Nearby, there were signs with what I imagine once housed information on the rocks. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain. Two intriguing and different Utah destinations Moab and Salt Lake City are waiting for you to explore their gifts. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. You will find the Prehistoric Museum presented by Utah State University Eastern in Price. I rented a Jeep for five days with a plan to explore Moab and its surrounding desert towns,before heading up to Midway, andending in Salt Lake City. To break things up, you can spend the night in Park Citythere are numerous good hotels to consider. Park Fees: We recommend that you buy the $80 National Parks Pass that will allow you into all National Parks and Monuments. Experiencing the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir should be on every music lovers bucket list. Real tracks from nearly a dozen different dinosaurs are on display, and your family can walk the same path they did. 47 minutes Salina. Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. We have made the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and love camping in the Moab area. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. Overcast Clouds. Suggestions appreciated. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. OARS is proud to be an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The last leg of your journey would be a 50-minute drive southeast, from Green River to Moab. Whether you arrive in Moab by car, plane, or the Rocky Mountaineer, you will love the Western vibe in this dusty adventure town. Here are the places I'd go to again in a heartbeat, and where I'll skip on future travels. It earned its comparison to Switzerland thanks to the nearby Wasatch mountain range, which Swiss settlers in the 1850s compared to the Alps, according to The Herber Valley Utah. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? If you do visit, it is a good idea to make sure you bring a water bottle. ($$): Lunch depends on your hiking preferences, but. While it may just be the start of the road trip, Salt Lake City is a fascinating metropolis in its own right. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. And the easiest way to get it is to use. I looked for a nearby park, and instead, spotted the amphitheater on the map. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. But I can't say I'd make the 40-mile trek out to the ghost town again. How can I make sure my friend is covered to drive my car during a road trip? It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber creditsand it only costs. Within two hours of departing the city, you'll enter the Colorado Plateau, which is home to the mountains, rock arches, canyons, and rivers that make the Southwest a stunning natural playground. If you stick to the interstate, this can easily be done within 5 hours without making any stops. Plus, a soda never cost me more than $3.14. There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. The. drive for about 1 hour. Follow the Google link below: GIMME MY UTAH MIGHTY 5 ROAD TRIP MAP! stay at Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City - a Kimpton Hotel. is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. While I visited in the spring, I'm eager to return to Midway in the winter, when winter activities are in full swing and the town is blanketed in snow. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. First of all, dont panic! In May, I disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train and arrived in Moab, Utah. Salt Lake City 23F. I chose to start this road trip in Salt Lake City because I think the drive from SLC to Moab is a beautiful introduction to the southwest. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. If youre on a budget and looking for the cheapest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab, taking a bus is your best option. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. Or you can book a roundtrip flight from Vegas and drive back from Moab or Salt Lake City (both drives are 6-6.5 hours). Their harmonious voices reverberate through your entire being with their glorious musical prayers. Next time, I'll opt for one of the less-crowded parks in Southern Utah like Dead Horse Point State Park or Canyonlands National Park, both of which don't require a reservation. To get from Salt Lake City to Moab, you will first take I-15 S for about 50 miles. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. Each year, the temple holds one of the largest color festivals outside India, its website states. After her husband died, she believed she was receiving messages directly from god, instructing her to build a colony to survive the imminent end of the world. The influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be spotted across the entire state, but tucked in Spanish Fork Valley, about an hour south of Salt Lake City, is the Hindu Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. Just 15 minutes from Temple Square, and featuring two restaurants, it features everything you could need for a one-night downtown stay. Greyhound estimates travel time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. Guided mountain biking tours along the Moab Courthouse Loop (introductory route, 7-10 miles) are a great option for families riding together who want to experience mountain biking at an introductory level. Fullyexploring the Canyonlands regioncalls for a trip all its own, but Gooseberry is an excellent day hike to see the parks dramatic geology. Bryce Canyon isnt lacking in outdoor activities to experience. After years of renting cars and sharing my findings with friends, I decided to start a blog so that I could help others save money and find the best possible car rental deals. As many road trippers will start in Salt Lake City, the state's main transportation hub, we'll start there for the purposes of this itinerary. It was a short drive off the highway. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. 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. Day 1: Salt Lake City A full day in Salt Lake City is an ideal way to start your trip. 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. 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. It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. 10:00 am leave from Moab. 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. 37 minutes Ogden. 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. 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. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. The short hike to House on Fire from Mule Canyon is well worth the effort, and if you have more time, a longer hike in Road Canyon passes numerous archaeological sites. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. No phone calls. Salt Lake City 43F. Hike the famous. This route is approximately 225 miles long and takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. From majestic mountains and deep canyons to national parks and charming small towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. There are a lot of different places to rent an RV. I thought the views at Canyonlands alone were worthy of a stop in Utah. In May, I went to Moab, Utah. Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. It was a stark contrast from Arches National Park, where I previously spent two daysconstantlyhunting for parking spots and avoiding people on crowded trails. For suggestions on where to stay in Moab, click here. Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. If you can, plan a layover day here and snag a permit to do a top-down hike of Zions Narrows. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. This is the best route to Moab and displays the greatest of what Utah has to offer as you navigate through mountains and valleys. As long as you are practicing attentive driving and taking your time, the drive is totally doable and not scary. We are excited to see this beautiful city. I arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday, and the choir practice was starting in just under an hour at the Tabernacle on Temple Square.