Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. 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. 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. 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. Press Esc to cancel. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? Youll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. 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. 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. I found the experience of driving up to a soda drive-thru anytime during the day since many open as early as 7 a.m. to be simple, cheap, and fun. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you won't soon forget. I rented a car for five days and traveled 700 miles across the state. Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. This route is approximately 225 miles long and takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you wont soon forget. All Rights Reserved. This quintessential slot canyon hike is one of the parks most iconic. Since I couldn't get close to the rocks, I strained my eyes to view the faded petroglyphs and pictographs. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. 33 minutes Manti. Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. 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 history and stories I learned from the deserted plot of land I found were worthy of a pit stop. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. If you can, plan a layover day here and snag a permit to do a top-down hike of Zions Narrows. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. Every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Tabernacle choir group in Salt Lake City hosts rehearsals that are open to the public, according to the choir group's website. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab. Take detours through national forests like Mt. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. 10:00 am leave from Moab. One of the best things to do when traveling to Moab is to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You can still experience the stunning vistas of the park from the comfort of your own vehicle on a scenic loop drive. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. In one corner of downtown is a large food truck park where you can dine on everything from gelato to paninis. 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. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. One thing is for certain, you can always find something to do in Moab. No matter which direction you turn, the panorama is breathtakingly beautiful, offering views of Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River. No phone calls. I tried it before heading into Arches National Park, and easily saw why the breakfast eatery attracts both locals and tourists alike. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. Salt Lake City is filled with tons of outdoor options as well! Tucked in an old courthouse, Utah locals told me that the Jailhouse Cafe is a Moab staple when it comes to breakfast. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. I could hardly spot what historians believe are images of horses, pale white circles representing shields, and humans. Leg 1: Salt Lake City to Zion National Park Get an early start to leave as much time as possible to explore Utah's first national park. Being able to stop wherever and whenever is my idealway to explore. Follow those signs. 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. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. You can easily get lost in the beauty of these parks. If youre interested in hiking in Moab and exploring on foot or riding through the parks on a mountain bike, your options are endless. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. Semi-retired from a long career in marketing, Sandi is making the most of her boomer traveling, go-go years, with a goal to visit as many places as possible. Some of Utah's prettiest vistas are on display as you traverse mountains and valleys on this road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah. drive for about 4 hours. Around the corner from the park sits a lone, bright yellow truck Quesadilla Mobilla. Keep it simple and keep it delicious. 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. Top 14 road trips from Salt Lake City. 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. We have made the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and love camping in the Moab area. This is Utahs adventure epicenter a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town thats brimming with local charm. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. Traveling with a dog or cat? The. We have been on this trail and had a great time. I'm Bill Hinkson, a 37 year old writer who loves cars and traveling. Road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City. Camping in Arches and Canyonlands can be competitive, but there are plenty of campgrounds along the Colorado River on UT-128, as well as along Kane Creek Road. 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. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. As you navigate the bumpy, hair-raising descents, switchback turns, and steep climbs enjoy sweeping vistas of the La Sal Mountains while leaving the navigating to someone else. Yes! Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. It isn't a long trip but there are so many amazing places to see along the way. While it may just be the start of the road trip, Salt Lake City is a fascinating metropolis in its own right. Ready to start your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip? It was some of the best food I had during my trip. A straightforward road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 310 miles. The rooms are spacious and comfy. Provo comes up pretty quickly after Lehi. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. 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. Insider paid for the diving expenses, per our reporting standards. 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! From towing and lockout services to fuel delivery and tire changes, Jerry can get you back on the road quickly. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. 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. 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. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. The many mesas at Moabs Dead Horse Point State Park, Penne di caprino at Caffe Molise in Salt Lake City, Utah, Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. To that end, this is not your typical weekend road trip itinerary. * With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. 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. It should only take about 3 and a half hours! And while I had a blast exploring the geological wonderland, I'll skip it on my next visit. Sign up today for monthly giveaways, engaging stories & videos, special offers & more! stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. To break things up, you can spend the night in Park Citythere are numerous good hotels to consider. drive for about 1 hour. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. 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! 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. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Another option is to follow our longer route. Discover rugged beauty and classic American hospitality on this trip into the west. 6 hours of driving. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Black Canyon Dragon Viewpoint are both in Green River. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. If youre planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. I think my time would've been better spent reading, researching, and imagining the life Ogden aimed to create for her followers. 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. 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. Highway 89 and Highway 24. It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. A trip into the Utah desert requires an extensive packing list. 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. 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. 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. 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. As I explored Iosepa I was amazed by the settler's resilience. 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. Day 2. I arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday, and the choir practice was starting in just under an hour at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. 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). There are three campgrounds in Zion, two of which (South and Watchman) can be reserved in advance. The penne di caprino with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and artichoke hearts on a bed of penne is heavenly. in Springdale. Theres no better way to experience Moab than exploring the off-road trails. 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. Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. Overcast Clouds. All Rights Reseved. Experiencing the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir should be on every music lovers bucket list. The currentowners purchased the buildingin 1992 and turned it into the Jailhouse Cafe. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. Both offer killer views of the towering rock formations. Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. 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. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. 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. It cost me about $90, which included entrance into the crater, gear, and a diving partner since I was traveling solo. Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is the best place to see dinosaurs in their life-size proportions. After failing for the third time, I got the sense that the owners don't want visitors getting close to the abandoned mine. 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. , a rustic hotel right on the banks of the Colorado River. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. It enables you to save money on hotels and other living costs. Take in the staggering views of the Salt Lake Valley and the abrupt shift as the southern route morphs the landscape into barren, red rock and desert. 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. 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. Both my husband and I will be driving. You can read more about our experience in our Hells Revenge Trail Guide. Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Considering a drive/route through scenic parks (maybe Denver to Salt lake city and back) via rental car. The quickest way back is directly up State Route 61-North. Quotes from 50+ insurance companies. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. Campsites are typically much less expensive, and theres lots of free camping in Moab. 42 minutes Lava Hot Springs. 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 would need to figure out transportation from Green River to Moab. Next time, I'll watch the sunset in a national park and try a different restaurant in downtown Moab. Take an archeological tour to get a sense of the lands history. Thompson Springs, which is about a 45-minute drive north of Moab, is home to a set of petroglyphs called the Sego Canyon Rock Art. The total travel time from the Salt Lake City airport is not bad, with some beautiful scenery along the way. We are excited to see this beautiful city. The Cheapest Way to Get from Salt Lake City to Moab, Salt Lake City to Moab Drive Rent A Car In Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to Moab Driving Stops Along The Way, Salt Lake City to Moab Best Driving Route. I plugged in the Dream Mine on Google Maps, which led me to a gated road. On your road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab, you will run into Utah towns, including Provo, Heber, Price, Green River, and Thompson Springs. , but you dont have to be religious to appreciate its culture. , a New York City-style deli. 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. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. Hike the famous. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters, which hover around 94 Fahrenheit degrees year round. For $10, I loaded up on palak panir, Matar paneer, curried cauliflower, and salad. 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. : If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several trails.