We want to be leisurely, so can you suggest an overnight stop between Santa Monica and the GC. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). 33 minutes Payson Canyon. Salt Lake City & Wasatch Front Winter in Southern Utah Ski Resorts Dark Sky Parks Things To DoToggle Menu Close Menu Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Another option is to take a shuttle service, such as Moab Express or Road Runner Shuttle, which offer door-to-door service from Salt Lake City to Moab. Moab to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip The easy-rated White Rim Overlook is just under 2 miles round trip with a rewarding view. 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. 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. But realize that if we do that it will take all of our time. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental company with 40,000 vehicles listed. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. Easily one of Utah's best and most well-known areas, Moab is the perfect spot for the weekend warrior. While in Iosepa, they maintained their Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions, Insider previously reported. 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. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. Other popular stops include Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake Utah Temple, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Crescent Junction 24F. 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. A little way down the road from Moab is Green River, home to Rays Tavern. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. 37 minutes Ogden. Suggestions appreciated. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. In the morning, check out the. ($$): Lunch depends on your hiking preferences, but. Can You Rent A Car With An OpenSky Credit Card? Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. 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. 1969 - 2021 OARS Companies Inc. All rights reserved. If you're coming from Denver take the scenic Highway 128 instead of Highway 191. 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. But I can't say I'd make the 40-mile trek out to the ghost town again. The downtown area is a walkable section of the city offering visitors great dining establishments, shops, and historic sites. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. 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. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. This train ride is approximately 4.5 hours. 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. 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 Seattle to Moab - LazyTrips So even though I was visiting Canyonlands during its busy season, the park felt more deserted due to its large size and fewer visitors. 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. Explore fun things to do in beautiful Salt Lake City or explore exciting outdoor adventures in Moab by visiting our destination guides. All needed equipment is provided as you learn rappelling, rope-assisted down climbs, and chimneying through slot canyons. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab No phone calls. Trips from Moab to Salt Lake City I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. Salt Lake City to Moab in 2023: The Best Route & What to Do When You No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. Since I couldn't get close to the rocks, I strained my eyes to view the faded petroglyphs and pictographs. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! What will your adventure hold? Grab a picnic table and a fist full of napkins their ooey-gooey quesadillas are legendary. Its a great place to take a hike and explore the otherworldly landscape. However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. I entered Canyonlands National Park and immediately wondered where all the people were. Dinosaur hunters will want to stop at the Utah State University Prehistoric Museum. Follow UT-61 north back to UT-95, where youll take a right and drive for 28 miles to US-191. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. 2023 Simple Rent Car. 1 hour Temple Square. Imagine being on a movie set with John Wayne as you ride horseback through familiar movie backdrops, orfollow the path of explorer John Wesley Powellas you float down the Colorado. . Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. Before you leave, swing by Bryce Point for some of the parks best-loved vistas. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. This route takes about 4 hours. 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. Either way, youll want to make sure you plan enough time for a lunchtime break in Green River at Rays Tavern or Tamarisk, which boasts river-side views. is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. 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. With soda shops sprinkled across the state, I chose pop more often than coffee during my road trip. From there, its up to you. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip Itinerary - Our Beautahful World 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. This was one of our kids favorite things we did in Moab, and they are still talking about it. 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! As your road trip progresses further south through Utah, you will come upon a number of towns, including Provo, Spanish Fork, Heber, Price, Green River, and Thompson Springs. Do Car Rental Companies Check Your Driving License? handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! Its not exactly a low-calorie option, but the buttery biscuits and juicy limeade are an SLC must! In the video, Mr. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. From majestic mountains and deep canyons to national parks and charming small towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. 6 hours of driving. Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. 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. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. We went canyoneering while we were in Moab and had a great time. Road Trip From Salt Lake City Airport | Avis Rent a Car On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Be prepared to stand in awe of the famous geological formations that it features. drive for about 3 hours. This helps minimize overcrowding in the park. 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. 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. We loved seeing the different sizes and different kinds of dinosaurs. Greyhound estimates travel time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. Interested in a map of this Utah itinerary? One of the most fun and accessible hiking trails is The Living Room. I could hardly spot what historians believe are images of horses, pale white circles representing shields, and humans. This is a short drive from the airport, and if you have the extra time, it is totally worth it. With the Colorado and Green Rivers flowing nearby, theres no better place on the planet to start a river trip than Moab. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. 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. 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. Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. 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. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. 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. I grabbed a seat, watched the rehearsal for a few minutes, and then headed back to my car to finish my drive. 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! Why Everyone Should Raft the Rogue River at Least Once, 10 of the Worlds Most Notorious Whitewater Rapids. 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. Fullyexploring the Canyonlands regioncalls for a trip all its own, but Gooseberry is an excellent day hike to see the parks dramatic geology. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. Follow those signs. Moab Utah to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. Monster quesadillas that will fuel you up with energy for your outdoor exploits are served up at this food truck stop. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. 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. 42 minutes Lava Hot Springs. 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 interested in hiking in Moab and exploring on foot or riding through the parks on a mountain bike, your options are endless. Theres a lot of hiking coming up! Frequently referred to as the "Crossroads of the West," its location is also ideal for longer roadtrips northward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. 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. If you have ever wanted to move to or visit either Salt Lake City or Denver to help contribute to their traffic problems, this video from Mr. Being able to stop wherever and whenever is my idealway to explore. 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. 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. 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. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip. 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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. A canyoneering tour is a fun activity for those looking to see Moabs arches through a different lens. You would need to figure out transportation from Green River to Moab. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. Downtown Moab is a fun place to shop, eat, and people watch. Salt Lake City - Dining, Shopping & Lodging | Visit Utah 33 minutes Manti. , a New York City-style deli. Salt Lake City - Eurowings Discover We have made the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and love camping in the Moab area. It enables you to save money on hotels and other living costs. After failing for the third time, I got the sense that the owners don't want visitors getting close to the abandoned mine. Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. Provo comes up pretty quickly after Lehi. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. With four to five national park stops, a visit to Bears Ears National Monument, and endless opportunities for adventure, this Utah road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab is a definite bucket list experience. 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. Goblin Valley State Park is known for its unique rock formations, which look like goblins or mushrooms. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. Try the Sloppy Joe! Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. We have some great articles on the best hikes in Moab as well as many of the off-road trails. Insider paid for the meal, per our reporting standards. . If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. Road Trip Conditions. 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. Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. We have been on this trail and had a great time. Be sure to check out the Bean Life Science Museum and the BYU Museum of Paleontology. follow the path of explorer John Wesley Powell, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. I think my time would've been better spent reading, researching, and imagining the life Ogden aimed to create for her followers. You will find exciting adventures, history, refined culture, and amazing cuisine along the way. I looked for a nearby park, and instead, spotted the amphitheater on the map. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. With obstacles to attack with names like the Tip-Over Challenge and Rubble Trouble, you know you are in for an exciting ride. The rooms are spacious and comfy. I'd love to visit places like Utah's little Switzerland again, but I'd skip Arches National Park. 1 hour Wayan. And the easiest way to get it is to use. 2:51 pm Moab. 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. How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane? If youre planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. offers an excellent roadside assistance program. Then, cap your day off with an adrenaline pumping tour of Hells Revenge with a local guide. may appear arid and sparse, theres plenty to do in the Beehive State. To sit back and enjoy the slick rock ride, book a tour with Big Iron Tours and hop aboard the Pain Train a 1970 M35 military transport vehicle. 11 Stops Along A Scenic Road Trip From Moab To Salt Lake City It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. Utah Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Moab for a few nights Drive time Salt Lake City -> Moab: about 4 hours Stop #1 on your Utah road trip is Moab. This scenic drive really is a sight to behold. As the rehearsal began, I observed a slow but steady stream of people who walked into the building to watch. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. Get up early to start your National Park tour. Prices vary by individual listings. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. Many people will start their Moab vacation from the Salt Lake City area or the SLC airport. Find pet-friendly stops. The 360-member chorus of men and women had powerful voices, I thought, and the design of the Tabernacle only amplified their sound. 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. I tried it before heading into Arches National Park, and easily saw why the breakfast eatery attracts both locals and tourists alike. Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. To break things up, you can spend the night in Park Citythere are numerous good hotels to consider. 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 . 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. 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. 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. There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. Day 1: Salt Lake City A full day in Salt Lake City is an ideal way to start your trip. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. This includes my husband, our daughter (10 by the time we'll start our Adventure) and me. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. : For a proper western experience, stay at the. Around this time, you will see signs for US-6 E toward Price. Salt Lake City 43F. : Want to learn about the natural environment around you? Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. Denver to Saltlake City and back - Road Trips Message Board - Tripadvisor With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, climbing, and rafting, there's no shortage of things to do. Plus, it offers your family a consistent place to live while making your way down the road. My sister loaned me her spare car while Im between vehicles, and Im kind of tempted to just take this one off her hands. 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 You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. Its a great place to watch the sunset. If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. Sign up today for monthly giveaways, engaging stories & videos, special offers & more! It features 10 revolving exhibits, each delving into the culture, history, and geography of Utah and The Great Salt Lake. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. 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. 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. Start with the bruschetta misto or the pomodori e mozzarella to get your taste buds warmed up. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. : Get up early and start exploring the park. The drive from the airport to Moab is about 20 minutes. That question followed me for the rest of my afternoon in the national park that's located outside Moab. Road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Plus, a soda never cost me more than $3.14. These ancient beasts left copious footprints and fossil evidence that will amaze you and peak your imagination. Answer 1 of 8: In May 016 we are renting a car to drive from Santa Monica to Grand Canyon South rim then on to Bryce and Zion for two nights, then to Salt Lake City. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. We are both senior citizens and do not hike or ski. For $10, I loaded up on palak panir, Matar paneer, curried cauliflower, and salad. 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. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Hang a left onto UT-22 (seven miles), then take a right onto UT-62 east (26 miles). After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. In May, I disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train and arrived in Moab, Utah. The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Get an early start to leave as much time as possible to explore Utahs first national park. While its a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time. Take an archeological tour to get a sense of the lands history. 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. 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.