Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah - Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best A 7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip: See the Mighty 5 : Once youre finished with dinner, see if you can catch a film at the Redwood Drive-In movie theater over in West Valley City. Weather conditions: Find out if there are any road closures in Utah from UDOT.Check road conditions from Moab Utah to Salt Lake City, or you can get reverse directions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah.If you're trying to avoid mountains or steep grade roads, check the elevation profile from Moab Utah to Salt Lake City.Or if you are hungry, look for places to eat between Moab Utah and Salt Lake . 1. From high-energy adventure to world-renowned musical talent, your road trip between the two will be filled with history, exploration, and great food. 10:00 am leave from Moab. Road Trip From Salt Lake City To Moab | Visit Utah Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. Or, if youre looking to cool down, a jet boat tour on the Colorado River promises everything from wildlife views to a ground level vantage point of the Goose Neck. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. 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. 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. We want to be leisurely, so can you suggest an overnight stop between Santa Monica and the GC. 6 Outdoorsy Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah - Territory Supply 2018-2023 CS Ginger. Keep in mind, because there are a handful of stops along the way, traveling by bus will make for the longest time spent on the road. OARS is a proud member of Adventure Collection, a partnership of the world's premiere adventure travel companies. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. The. Take detours through national forests like Mt. 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. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. The shops offeredwhatfelt to me like an endless combination of soda, syrups, and flavors. Answer 1 of 12: Hi there My family and I (from Switzerland) are planning a Road Trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. : This national park is a must-see once you make your way to Moab. This route takes about 4 hours. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. Type above and press Enter to search. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. Plan to enjoy a day or two on either end Moab and Salt Lake City offer their own special characters and are unique in their offerings. While I didn't find much more than a cemetery, I was engulfed by the ghost town's history. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. 1 hour Wayan. Road Trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park - LazyTrips I want to try it out on my car, but I cant seem to find the plug. 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. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. This is the perfect base to spend a couple of nights while you explore nearby Stop #2: Arches National Park, a mere 15 minutes away by car. You will find exciting adventures, history, refined culture, and amazing cuisine along the way. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. As the water moved upward, it collected minerals and deposited them on the surface, which formed the volcano-shaped dome. Will the Middle Fork Salmon Debris Flow Impact 2023 River Trips? One of Utah's most famous ghost towns is Iosepa, which was designed to be an oasis for Hawaiian followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after they were pushed out of Salt Lake City in the 1880s. National Parks road trip Santa Monica to Salt Lake City I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. Hiking in Canyonlands National Park requires some pre-planning water, sunscreen, and a trail map are at the top of the list. 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. A mix of souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and Western outfitters line the downtown area, making it a perfect spot to stretch your legs and absorb the Moab outdoorsy vibe. Many of the exhibits are outside, and with the dry desert air, you will want lots of water. You would fly out of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is located 18 miles north of Moab. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab This is the best route to Moab and displays the greatest of what Utah has to offer as you navigate through mountains and valleys. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. From Moab, its a little less than four hours back to Salt Lake Citythat is, if you can pry yourself away. Beat compares the two cities' economies, climates . Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. Denver to Saltlake City and back - Road Trips Message Board - Tripadvisor Greyhound and Salt Lake Express offer daily bus services between Salt Lake City and Moab, with prices starting at around $35 for a one-way trip. Start your day off by playing nine holes, or spend some time floating down the Colorado on a kayak or a paddleboard (either of which can be rented in town.) 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). For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. The beauty of the parks wild landscape viewed from your perch high up on the point is stunning. The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you wont soon forget. The Ultimate Utah Road Trip (National Parks + Itinerary) 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. drive for about 3 hours. On most Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Tabernacle Choir entertains audiences with their famed choir rehearsals. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. If you do visit, it is a good idea to make sure you bring a water bottle. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. Camping along the way? It has breathtaking view after view around every corner. After scarfing down the meal, Jailhouse Cafe earned its place on my must-visit list for Moab. In 2012, after the church clarified that cold caffeinated drinks like soda are allowed, soda shops started popping up selling what's been nicknamed "Dirty Sodas," Vice reported. Archaeologists estimate that the Bears Ears area contains more than 100,000 Indigenous cultural sites, and the concentration of human history here is truly awe-inspiring. While I could spot the bright-white building, I thought the far-away views weren't worth the time it took me to get there. Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. 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! It was clearly a popular event, and about a half-hour into the rehearsal, I noticed that nearly half the church was filled. Road Trip From Salt Lake City Airport Top Travel Destinations For a Southern Utah Road Trip The State of Utah has just about every kind of terrain that an adventurer could want. Check out the route. 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"). Moab to Salt Lake City via Vernal. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. Highly recommend this app." The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab | GetJerry.com When I arrived, I sawfaint petroglyphs that I could only view from a distance. First of all, dont panic! Day 2: Arches National Park According to Only in Your State, the building was originally a home. Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License, Can You Rent a Car with a Restricted License. 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. Monster quesadillas that will fuel you up with energy for your outdoor exploits are served up at this food truck stop. Greyhound runs a bus from Salt Lake City to Moab if youre interested in traveling that way. So when I read about the Dream Mine in Spanish Fork on Atlas Obscura, I knew I wanted to visit. If you can, plan a layover day here and snag a permit to do a top-down hike of Zions Narrows. The drive from the airport to Moab is about 20 minutes. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Black Canyon Dragon Viewpoint are both in Green River. And if youre willing to embrace the great outdoors, a long-winded journey from Salt Lake City to Moab features the best wildlife and scenery the state has to offer. In the morning, check out the. I plugged in the Dream Mine on Google Maps, which led me to a gated road. The distance between Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is 233.8 miles (376.2 km). Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. 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. 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 Coolest Utah Road Trip Pit Stops: Salt Lake City, Moab - Insider If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. 5 minutes Salt Lake City. Without cell service and any information at the site, it was hard to appreciate and contextualize what I was seeing. 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. Other popular stops include Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake Utah Temple, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Westwaters splashy Class III-IV whitewater and the chance to hike to cool sites like one of outlaw Butch Cassidys legendary hideouts will have you planning your next river trip before you even reach the takeout. Why Everyone Should Raft the Rogue River at Least Once, 10 of the Worlds Most Notorious Whitewater Rapids. How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane? The driving distance from Salt Lake to Moab is 234 miles. If you dont have time for a hike, a simple drive-through to enjoy the panoramic vistas is a minimum must-do when visiting the area. may appear arid and sparse, theres plenty to do in the Beehive State. Crescent Junction 24F. 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. Moab, Utah - A World Famous Slickrock Playground | Visit Utah . Salt Lake City to Jackson. It enables you to save money on hotels and other living costs. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. 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. Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. The quickest way back is directly up State Route 61-North. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. 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. The menu offers many tempting options. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the state's southern reaches. OARS is an equal opportunity provider. Try to take a midday nap and rest up for the amazing nighttime starlight dark sky extravaganza. The total travel time from the Salt Lake City airport is not bad, with some beautiful scenery along the way. Today, the ghost town is privately owned, so people can only view the remaining buildings from a distance. 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. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . Up next is Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in Utah. Having a rental car will also give you lots of flexibility once you get to Moab. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. I later learned on Atlas Obscura that the amphitheater, which is sometimes called the Provo Castle, was built as part of the New Deal programs in 1936 as an event space. Some of Utahs prettiest vistas are on display as you traverse mountains and valleys on this road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah. Nearly as popular as drive-thru coffee shops and fast-food chains, Utah is known for its soda shops. If you plan on visiting Arches National park between April and October, you will need to use the online bookings to get your reservation time. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. 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. Overcast Clouds. 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. What to eat from Springdale to Bryce Canyon. Top 14 road trips from Salt Lake City. 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. Can You Rent A Car With An OpenSky Credit Card? Essential Eligibility Criteria for River Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Sea Kayaking Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Hiking Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Grand Canyon Hiking In/Out, Colorado River Rafting through Cataract Canyon. If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. Feels like 22.75 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1039 hPa. Our flight from ATL . Theres an issue with the engine on my Toyota 4Runner, but for the life of me I cant find the OBD port to scan for trouble codes! The Perfect One Week in Utah Road Trip Itinerary (7 Day Guide) As I explored Iosepa I was amazed by the settler's resilience. Established They also have a picnic table or two, so it is a good location to bring lunch if you dont want to purchase food there. Nearly 70% of people living in Utah identify as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to the World Population Review. 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. Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. If youre traveling with young children or those who might be unable to explore the parks on foot, never fear! Then its right on Browns Lane (2.7 miles) and, finally, a right on UT-24 east for a little over 17 miles into Capitol Reef. 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. Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. Wannabe paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists alike will find displays to captivate their attention. Take the stress out of the equation and explore the park with the help of an expert. Buckle up! Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. 5 minutes off the main route, 17% of way to Moab Best stops along Salt Lake City to Moab drive The top stops along the way from Salt Lake City to Moab (with short detours) are Temple Square, Canyonlands National Park, and Deer Valley Resort. Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. If you are flying into Salt Lake City from another location or if you are concerned about your vehicles capability to make the journey from Salt Lake City to Moab, you will want to rent a car. handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! Afterwards, with tired legs and an unshakeable smile its time to head back into town for a bite to eat before gazing upwards into some of the darkest night skies anywhere in the world. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! Salt Lake City to Moab drive - plan a road trip 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. There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. The Salt Lake Express is a shuttle service that runs a route to Moab twice daily. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. Its a beautiful campus and also offers museum options (much less expensive than those at Thanksgiving Point) for kids. Follow the Google link below: GIMME MY UTAH MIGHTY 5 ROAD TRIP MAP! Theres no better way to experience Moab than exploring the off-road trails. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. While it may just be the start of the road trip, Salt Lake City is a fascinating metropolis in its own right. : If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several trails. But luckily, no matter where you are, Jerrys comprehensive roadside assistance package features up to 10 miles of towing plus jump starts, tire changes, fuel deliveries, and more. The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and you can make reservations between March and October. Goblin Valley State Park is known for its unique rock formations, which look like goblins or mushrooms. 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. The park also has two primitive campgrounds, which are free. The order of the day: burgers and fries. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. 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. 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. This is a great book that has helped us when we are exploring the off-road trails in Moab like Poison Spider Mesa. 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). 33 minutes Payson Canyon. Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. This scenic drive really is a sight to behold. The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Beat is a good guide for explaining the differences between the two. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. Lying just 10 minutes from downtown, this 2.2-mile out-and-back hike leads to incredible views of Downtown and the surrounding landscape. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. 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. If you're planning a road trip to Salt Lake City, you can research locations to stop along the way. 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. The town is bustling with mountain bikers, river rafters, climbers, canyoneerers, hikers and off-roaders who have come to play. 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. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. Provo comes up pretty quickly after Lehi. If you fancy a few days in Zion, check out an Airbnb or VRBO in Springdale! Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain. For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. It tends to be crowded on the weekend, so stick to weekdays and grab the earliest possible shuttle slot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The OARS catalog has turned into a coffeetable dream book for adventure junkies. T. Edward Nickens. 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. If youre planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. I could hardly spot what historians believe are images of horses, pale white circles representing shields, and humans. Grab a picnic table and a fist full of napkins their ooey-gooey quesadillas are legendary. This tour is perfect for adventure-seeking families. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. Amtraks California Zephyr will carry you from Salt Lake to Green River, UT, which is the closest stop to Moab. While heavily trafficked, the 10.5 mile Slickrock Trail leads riders deep into a solitary ocean of rolling slickrock terrain. Its impossible to squeeze a trip to Moab into a single day (you could easily spend a week in this adventure hub), but whatever you do, dont miss a malt at Milts Stop & Eat.