The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. 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. Be sure to bring a vivid imagination and taste for exploration along with your hiking shoes, sunscreen and water bottle, because this is not your typical retreat. The Homestead Crater's website states that it formed more than 10,000 years ago when melting snow seeped into the earth, where it heated and percolated upward. 2023 Simple Rent Car. Heighten your adrenaline and explore the stark landscape on the Fins and Things 44 trail. WATCH: The Differences Between Salt Lake City & Denver. Clear Sky. Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. Before you leave, swing by Bryce Point for some of the parks best-loved vistas. Insider paid for the meal, per our reporting standards. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir that's ideal for paddleboarding. As an avid ghost-town explorer, a handful of my pit stops revolved around stopping at Utah's abandoned mines, deserted settlements, and empty, eerie hotels. 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. Drop off your camping gear, then head into the park to hike to the Emerald Pools or, if youve left most of the day, the classic (and seriously exposed) Angels Landing, which is not for the faint of heart. 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. For suggestions on where to stay in Moab, click here. Feels like 22.75 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1039 hPa. It isn't a long trip but there are so many amazing places to see along the way. The park also has two primitive campgrounds, which are free. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. No phone calls. Discover rugged beauty and classic American hospitality on this trip into the west. Remain on US-6 E for nearly 130 miles, then merge ontoI-70 E/US-191 S. This route will carry you the final 24 miles into Moab. After speaking to shop owners and other Moab residents, I took their advice and ordered two popular dishes: ginger pancakes and southwestern eggs benedict. Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. 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. 1 hour Malad City. An RV is an excellent way to travel if you are planning to be on the road for several days or even weeks. While heavily trafficked, the 10.5 mile Slickrock Trail leads riders deep into a solitary ocean of rolling slickrock terrain. Seattle to Leavenworth Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Fargo to Theodore Roosevelt National Park Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Providence to Cape Cod Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route. The distance between Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is 233.8 miles (376.2 km). The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. driving 4 hours. 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. for cool landscapes and Instagram-ready scenesand, most importantly, a little bit of shade! 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. This is a family favorite place to stop along the route to Moab. From there, its up to you. However, most visitors flock to the beautiful and unique red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. OARS is an equal opportunity provider. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. Stretch your legs after the drive and take a hike on the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park for a high concentration of arches, or drive out to Canyonlands National Parks Island in the Sky district and hike out to Murphy Point for a breathtaking view. While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. 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. On this road trip, you'll trace the river and its tributaries across Utah and Colorado, seeing all the ways in which water has shaped the land. Check if you are overpaying for car insurance. 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. Flying Into Salt Lake City Once you land in Salt Lake City, plan to pick up your car or RV rental and head south toward Moab, Utah. Its a great place to take a hike and explore the otherworldly landscape. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. At the top of Dead Horse Point State Park, there is a large flat area the point surrounded by deep, rocky canyons with precipitous drops. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. 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. City: round-trip one-way. 1 hour Temple Square. Check out the route. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. If youre looking for a short hike, Bridal Veil Falls is also in this area. 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. There are companies you can rent from, as well as platforms like Airbnb but for RVs. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. So even though I was visiting Canyonlands during its busy season, the park felt more deserted due to its large size and fewer visitors. We have been on this trail and had a great time. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails. 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. 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 could hardly spot what historians believe are images of horses, pale white circles representing shields, and humans. 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 a Hare Krishna temple that celebrates Hindu devotion. 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. offers an excellent roadside assistance program. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). 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. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. 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. The mine, which is located about an hour south of Salt Lake City, was purchased by John Hyrum Koyle in 1894 after he received a message from an angel who instructed him to purchase an already-abandoned mine, according to the same source. 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. What is a 2007 Honda Civics life expectancy? Jerry user. Lehi 23F. However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utahs gorgeous scenery. Considering a drive/route through scenic parks (maybe Denver to Salt lake city and back) via rental car. The driving distance from Salt Lake to Moab is 234 miles. Choose a half (easy route) or full (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. Finally, turn right on UT-261 south (four miles) and keep an eye out for the Kane Gulch Ranger Station, where youll start your journey. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. : If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several trails. 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. The downtown area is a walkable section of the city offering visitors great dining establishments, shops, and historic sites. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. Overcast Clouds. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. According to Only in Your State, the building was originally a home. 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. 11:00 am start in Salt Lake City. 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). Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. 42 minutes Lava Hot Springs. Salt Lake City to Jackson. If you stick to the interstate, this can easily be done within 5 hours without making any stops. 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. 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! 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. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, as it gets hot out there! We loved seeing the different sizes and different kinds of dinosaurs. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. I thought the two eggs were cooked to perfection and the entire dish had a nice kick, while the pancakes balanced the sweet and spicy flavors of ginger. 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. 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. Other popular stops include Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake Utah Temple, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain. If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. 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. Having a rental car will also give you lots of flexibility once you get to Moab. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. Its a great place to watch the sunset. Salt Lake City 23F. With the Colorado and Green Rivers flowing nearby, theres no better place on the planet to start a river trip than Moab. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. 6 hours of driving. Price is another small town with a rich mining history. The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and you can make reservations between March and October. One thing is for certain, you can always find something to do in Moab. Its a great place to stop for a meal or to explore the historic downtown area. 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 . handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! . I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. If you do visit, it is a good idea to make sure you bring a water bottle. 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. 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. In pioneer days, wranglers would drive wild horses into the flat and barricade the entrance, corralling them on the inescapable point. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. 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. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. In 2019, Canyonlands welcomed 733,996 visitors, according to the National Park Service. 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. I think my time would've been better spent reading, researching, and imagining the life Ogden aimed to create for her followers. Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. Then, cap your day off with an adrenaline pumping tour of Hells Revenge with a local guide. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. Take the stress out of the equation and explore the park with the help of an expert. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. 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. If youre traveling with to Moab with kids, you more than likely have someone in the group crazy about dinosaurs. Traveling with a dog or cat? 47 minutes Salina. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. From Moab, its a little less than four hours back to Salt Lake Citythat is, if you can pry yourself away. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so theyre bound to have one close by. 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. Even equipped with a Salt Lake City to Moab itinerary, so much lies ahead. Drive from Las Vegas (168 miles) or Salt Lake City (314 miles) to Springdale, gateway to Zion National Park. The easy-rated White Rim Overlook is just under 2 miles round trip with a rewarding view. Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. This route takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. Murray With soda shops sprinkled across the state, I chose pop more often than coffee during my road trip. The park becomes very busy by mid-morning, and parking can be difficult. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. 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. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. : Try to get up early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat while youre still out and about. Quotes from 50+ insurance companies. I'd love to visit places like Utah's little Switzerland again, but I'd skip Arches National Park. Plus, the trip gives you a backstage pass to Canyonlands National Park. . 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. 1. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Moab to Salt Lake City via Vernal. Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. 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. 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. 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. , a healthy spot for a variety of fresh eats. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. There are several rental car companies in the Salt Lake area, with many great options available at the Salt Lake Airport. : Want to learn about the natural environment around you? To get there, take US-63 north onto Johns Valley Road for 34 miles. From there, youll follow UT-17 for six miles to its junction with UT-9, which will deliver you to Zion National Park. 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. I opted to go scuba diving one morning on my trip. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops: Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. Crescent Junction 24F. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. This quintessential slot canyon hike is one of the parks most iconic. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. Amtraks California Zephyr will carry you from Salt Lake to Green River, UT, which is the closest stop to Moab. 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. 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. Typically 14 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can . All needed equipment is provided as you learn rappelling, rope-assisted down climbs, and chimneying through slot canyons. 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. From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip. It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. day 1 driving 4 hours. You can also visit Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, which are both located nearby. 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. 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. Six Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City. 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. This train ride is approximately 4.5 hours. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. Theres a lot of hiking coming up! Butafter visiting, I believe it absolutely was. Youll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. The more scenic route is via Highway 89 and Highway 24, which takes you through Mount Pleasant, Fairview, and Capitol Reef National Park before reaching Moab. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. Be sure to check out the Bean Life Science Museum and the BYU Museum of Paleontology. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab. Prices vary by individual listings. Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. Highway 89 and Highway 24. In the video, Mr. Sign up today for monthly giveaways, engaging stories & videos, special offers & more! The 360-member chorus of men and women had powerful voices, I thought, and the design of the Tabernacle only amplified their sound. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. Finally, end your day with stargazing at RedRock Astronomy for a sense of Southern Utahs dark skies. If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. The community didn't last long. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. You can easily get lost in the beauty of these parks. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the state's southern reaches. . Ready to start your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip? The order of the day: burgers and fries. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. That question followed me for the rest of my afternoon in the national park that's located outside Moab. If youre looking for a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah, then the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a must-see. While its a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time. On most Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Tabernacle Choir entertains audiences with their famed choir rehearsals. It's an outstanding drive, especially around sunset. The second route also was blocked off. You could do it in a week, but with all that red rock country has to offer, its worth treating yourself to some extra time. If youre interested in hiking in Moab and exploring on foot or riding through the parks on a mountain bike, your options are endless. 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.