Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. OARS is a proud member of Adventure Collection, a partnership of the world's premiere adventure travel companies. Prices vary by individual listings. 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. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. Plus, a soda never cost me more than $3.14. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. day 1 driving 4 hours. It was a short drive off the highway. Get up early to start your National Park tour. Overcast Clouds. I opted to go scuba diving one morning on my trip. 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. Fullyexploring the Canyonlands regioncalls for a trip all its own, but Gooseberry is an excellent day hike to see the parks dramatic geology. view full itinerary. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. 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. In pioneer days, wranglers would drive wild horses into the flat and barricade the entrance, corralling them on the inescapable point. We went canyoneering while we were in Moab and had a great time. 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. What will your adventure hold? In one corner of downtown is a large food truck park where you can dine on everything from gelato to paninis. No phone calls. 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. is a trendy spot serving up a range of summer eats. 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. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. If not, you may spring for a quick hike on BLM land alongside State Route 128 or Kane Creek. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. Discover rugged beauty and classic American hospitality on this trip into the west. Other musical events offered include their famed organ recitals, bell performances, Music and the Spoken Word, and other events. Around this time, you will see signs for US-6 E toward Price. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. A straightforward road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 310 miles. I tried it before heading into Arches National Park, and easily saw why the breakfast eatery attracts both locals and tourists alike. for cool landscapes and Instagram-ready scenesand, most importantly, a little bit of shade! * With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so theyre bound to have one close by. ($$): Lunch depends on your hiking preferences, but. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. Road trips from Salt Lake City In May, I went to Moab, Utah. National Parks road trip Santa Monica to Salt Lake City 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. 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. Drive back via Ashley National Forest. Do Car Rental Companies Check Your Driving License? Why Everyone Should Raft the Rogue River at Least Once, 10 of the Worlds Most Notorious Whitewater Rapids. From Zion, head back to UT-9 (24 miles, then take a left on US-89 north. And the easiest way to get it is to use. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. 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. Hike the famous. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. A 7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip: See the Mighty 5 Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. Salt Lake City to Moab drive - plan a road trip Greyhound estimates travel time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. Road Trip From Salt Lake City Airport | Avis Rent a Car 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. A little way down the road from Moab is Green River, home to Rays Tavern. Salt Lake City to Jackson. 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. It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. Tucked in an old courthouse, Utah locals told me that the Jailhouse Cafe is a Moab staple when it comes to breakfast. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. By the time I sat down, the sun had fully set and the food wasn't as tasty as I'd hoped. How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane? ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. 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. drive for about 3 hours. 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. 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 easy-rated White Rim Overlook is just under 2 miles round trip with a rewarding view. For thrill-seekers who are happy to hand over the controls to a professional, there are large all-terrain vehicles where you can buckle in and enjoy the scenic route. 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. You will find the Prehistoric Museum presented by Utah State University Eastern in Price. The currentowners purchased the buildingin 1992 and turned it into the Jailhouse Cafe. 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. As I drove through Provo, which is located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake, I was itching to stretch my legs. 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. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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 rooms are spacious and comfy. Highway 89 and Highway 24. 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. It's an outstanding drive, especially around sunset. From Moab, its a little less than four hours back to Salt Lake Citythat is, if you can pry yourself away. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. You can visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn more about the areas past. As your weekend trip winds down, you may be looking for a relaxing way to ease yourself back into reality. In the 1880s, 46 Hawaiians left their homes to travel to Utah for religious reasons. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. Mostly because I thought it was crowded and complicated to enter. The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary Road Trip From Salt Lake City To Moab | Visit Utah In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. As I explored the 257,640-acre national park, I parked in empty lots, hiked trails without crossing paths with another person, and saw breathtaking views without seeing another soul. While its a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time. Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. , a healthy spot for a variety of fresh eats. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. 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. Theres a lot of hiking coming up! Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. Find pet-friendly stops. Take detours through national forests like Mt. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. 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. 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. Salt Lake City to Denver via Moab drive - plan a road trip Each year, the temple holds one of the largest color festivals outside India, its website states. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. That question followed me for the rest of my afternoon in the national park that's located outside Moab. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. 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. Since I couldn't get close to the rocks, I strained my eyes to view the faded petroglyphs and pictographs. It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. Start with the bruschetta misto or the pomodori e mozzarella to get your taste buds warmed up. 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 more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. Since the church's members are urged not to consume alcohol, tobacco, and hot caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee in the church, according to The Washington Post, some people turned to soda. O.A.R.S. This is Utahs adventure epicenter a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town thats brimming with local charm. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. This includes my husband, our daughter (10 by the time we'll start our Adventure) and me. 11 Stops Along A Scenic Road Trip From Moab To Salt Lake City 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. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Wannabe paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists alike will find displays to captivate their attention. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. Moab Utah to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. eat at Red Iguana. Theres no better way to experience Moab than exploring the off-road trails. 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. These sites work like Airbnb and VRBO. 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. Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. This route takes about 4 hours. For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or opt for a rowdy 2- or 3-day Westwater Canyon rafting trip, just upstream from Moab. 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. 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. 47 minutes Salina. We want to be leisurely, so can you suggest an overnight stop between Santa Monica and the GC. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) Having a rental car will also give you lots of flexibility once you get to Moab. Tours and equipment for these sports are available throughout the area and are a good time, especially if you are doing activities for the first time. Finally, end your day with stargazing at RedRock Astronomy for a sense of Southern Utahs dark skies. Choose a half (easy route) or full (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. : Want to learn about the natural environment around you? They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. find more stops. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. : This national park is a must-see once you make your way to Moab. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. Considering a drive/route through scenic parks (maybe Denver to Salt lake city and back) via rental car. 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. 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. Ready to start your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip? This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. Then switch gears with a heart racing 4x4 tour of Hells Revenge, or a mountain bike ride on the beloved slickrock trail. The second route also was blocked off. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. You can also take a short detour to Goblin Valley State Park. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. In May, I disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train and arrived in Moab, Utah. However, most visitors flock to the beautiful and unique red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. You are going to love visiting Moab. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. 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. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. Then, once youve packed up your car and youre headed back home, add the scenic La Sal Mountain Loop to your route for a few last unforgettable photo ops. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you dont have to. WATCH: The Differences Between Salt Lake City & Denver Highly recommend this app." Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. 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. Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. There are several car rental companies at Salt Lake City International Airport, including: Rental car prices can vary depending on the type of car and the rental period. 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. 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. On most Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Tabernacle Choir entertains audiences with their famed choir rehearsals. Explore fun things to do in beautiful Salt Lake City or explore exciting outdoor adventures in Moab by visiting our destination guides. You will find exciting adventures, history, refined culture, and amazing cuisine along the way. There are two main driving routes from Salt Lake City to Moab: 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. 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. Don't get me wrong, Arches National Park is a must for any first-time trip to Moab. Sign up today for monthly giveaways, engaging stories & videos, special offers & more! Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars from economy to luxury so you can find the perfect ride for your trip. in Springdale. However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utah's gorgeous scenery. Rent Car for A Month: How to Rent a Car for a Month? Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. There are also tons of vocational rentals nearby! It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. Spend the day in the city, sampling food and enjoying local culture before you hit the road. Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. Even equipped with a Salt Lake City to Moab itinerary, so much lies ahead. Another option is to follow our longer route. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most famous hike in the area, but there are many more that the whole family will love. Easily one of Utah's best and most well-known areas, Moab is the perfect spot for the weekend warrior. The menu offers many tempting options. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. Best Route to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License, Can You Rent a Car with a Restricted License. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. Quotes from 50+ insurance companies. Moab to Salt Lake City via Vernal. You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. 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. If youre looking to explore Salt Lake and the surrounding areas along the way to Moab over an extended period of time, you might want to consider renting an RV. An Epic 5-Day Southwest Road Trip & National Park Itinerary Nearby, there were signs with what I imagine once housed information on the rocks. 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 penne di caprino with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and artichoke hearts on a bed of penne is heavenly. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, as it gets hot out there! The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. Amtraks California Zephyr will carry you from Salt Lake to Green River, UT, which is the closest stop to Moab. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! 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 . While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. 37 minutes Ogden. Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. offers an excellent roadside assistance program. 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. Interested in a map of this Utah itinerary? Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental company with 40,000 vehicles listed. 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! Feels like 15.98 Wind speed 5.8 mph Pressure 1029 hPa. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Without cell service and any information at the site, it was hard to appreciate and contextualize what I was seeing. The quickest way back is directly up State Route 61-North. 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. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. This was one of our kids favorite things we did in Moab, and they are still talking about it. It enables you to save money on hotels and other living costs. 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). Day 1: Arrive in Moab. 1. It was clearly a popular event, and about a half-hour into the rehearsal, I noticed that nearly half the church was filled. The Perfect 7-Day Mighty 5 Utah Road Trip Itinerary (2021) If more information had been provided on the petroglyphs, I think it may have been worth the drive. Salt Lake City to Moab in 2023: The Best Route & What to Do When You Moab, Utah - A World Famous Slickrock Playground | Visit Utah