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. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. Bed-down at. The route from Salt Lake City to Moab is a very scenic route. Provo comes up pretty quickly after Lehi. Fullyexploring the Canyonlands regioncalls for a trip all its own, but Gooseberry is an excellent day hike to see the parks dramatic geology. We are excited to see this beautiful city. You can still experience the stunning vistas of the park from the comfort of your own vehicle on a scenic loop drive. You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Nothing quite compares to the adventurous spirit of a road trip. 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. Between eating, hiking, and exploring Utah, there are plenty of places I'm daydreaming about returning to, but there were a few pit stops that I don't think were worth my time. 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. I arrived and was told there was a 60-minute wait for a table. Crescent Junction 24F. Spend the day in the city, sampling food and enjoying local culture before you hit the road. This is Utahs adventure epicenter a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town thats brimming with local charm. 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. However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. If you dont have the proper vehicle to handle these types of trails, you can rent a jeep through Moab Adventure Center on the main street in Moab. 37 minutes Ogden. Without cell service and any information at the site, it was hard to appreciate and contextualize what I was seeing. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utah's gorgeous scenery. Beat is a good guide for explaining the differences between the two. 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. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. It tends to be crowded on the weekend, so stick to weekdays and grab the earliest possible shuttle slot. If more information had been provided on the petroglyphs, I think it may have been worth the drive. To start, take a look around the. If not, you may spring for a quick hike on BLM land alongside State Route 128 or Kane Creek. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Top 14 road trips from Salt Lake City. Some travelers drive from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park just to reconnect with nature and truly experience the sheer beauty of Moab and the surrounding areas. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber creditsand it only costs. There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. But realize that if we do that it will take all of our time. There are several rental car companies in the Salt Lake area, with many great options available at the Salt Lake Airport. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so theyre bound to have one close by. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! 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. This quintessential slot canyon hike is one of the parks most iconic. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. 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. Check out the route. As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. Two intriguing and different Utah destinations Moab and Salt Lake City are waiting for you to explore their gifts. In 2019, Canyonlands welcomed 733,996 visitors, according to the National Park Service. If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. This was one of our kids favorite things we did in Moab, and they are still talking about it. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. These sites work like Airbnb and VRBO. When I arrived, I sawfaint petroglyphs that I could only view from a distance. ). Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. To break things up, you can spend the night in Park Citythere are numerous good hotels to consider. view full itinerary. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). I arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday, and the choir practice was starting in just under an hour at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Follow the Google link below: GIMME MY UTAH MIGHTY 5 ROAD TRIP MAP! 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. 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 . 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. 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. 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. From majestic mountains and deep canyons to national parks and charming small towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. From high-energy adventure to world-renowned musical talent, your road trip between the two will be filled with history, exploration, and great food. 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. 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. Provo is the home of Brigham Young University. 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. may appear arid and sparse, theres plenty to do in the Beehive State. 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. 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. Each year, the temple holds one of the largest color festivals outside India, its website states. Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. We went canyoneering while we were in Moab and had a great time. Aside from that, just remember your sunglasses and a comfy hat. 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. With soda shops sprinkled across the state, I chose pop more often than coffee during my road trip. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. The history and stories I learned from the deserted plot of land I found were worthy of a pit stop. Be prepared to stand in awe of the famous geological formations that it features. Price is another small town with a rich mining history. You would need to figure out transportation from Green River to Moab. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. The rooms are spacious and comfy. The tour guides have everything you need and are very knowledgeable. Overcast Clouds. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. You can also visit Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, which are both located nearby. The shops offeredwhatfelt to me like an endless combination of soda, syrups, and flavors. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. Youll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. A canyoneering tour is a fun activity for those looking to see Moabs arches through a different lens. 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. Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. Real tracks from nearly a dozen different dinosaurs are on display, and your family can walk the same path they did. 2:51 pm Moab. Lincoln Town Car Signature Insurance Cost. Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. 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. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters, which hover around 94 Fahrenheit degrees year round. Both my husband and I will be driving. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. In the morning, check out the. 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. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. This train ride is approximately 4.5 hours. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. 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. 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. In addition to the idyllic small towns, numerous attractions and natural wonders await you along the route: the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Logan Canyon with the Wind . Will the Middle Fork Salmon Debris Flow Impact 2023 River Trips? Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. In pioneer days, wranglers would drive wild horses into the flat and barricade the entrance, corralling them on the inescapable point. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. 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. 33 minutes Manti. Bryce Canyon isnt lacking in outdoor activities to experience. Being able to stop wherever and whenever is my idealway to explore. Up next is Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in Utah. 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. If youre traveling with to Moab with kids, you more than likely have someone in the group crazy about dinosaurs. 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. Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. One thing is for certain, you can always find something to do in Moab. day 1 driving 4 hours. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. The park boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all levels. Highly recommend this app." 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. 33 minutes Payson Canyon. Start your day off by playing nine holes, or spend some time floating down the Colorado on a kayak or a paddleboard (either of which can be rented in town.) 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. 10:00 am leave from Moab. Drive from Las Vegas (168 miles) or Salt Lake City (314 miles) to Springdale, gateway to Zion National Park. Get up early to start your National Park tour. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. I opted to go scuba diving one morning on my trip. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. I thought the views at Canyonlands alone were worthy of a stop in Utah. 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. 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. Can You Rent A Car With An OpenSky Credit Card? Exploring a national park can seem daunting. According to Atlas Obscura, this set of petroglyphs is one of the world's largest collections and looks much more vividthan the ones I saw in Thompson Springs, based on pictures I've viewed online. I plugged in the Dream Mine on Google Maps, which led me to a gated road. Sign up today for monthly giveaways, engaging stories & videos, special offers & more! Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. 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. Essential Eligibility Criteria for River Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Sea Kayaking Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Hiking Trips, Essential Eligibility Criteria for Grand Canyon Hiking In/Out, Colorado River Rafting through Cataract Canyon. If youre looking for a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah, then the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a must-see. As I drove through Provo, which is located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake, I was itching to stretch my legs. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. For eager hikers, the. drive for about 4 hours. 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. For suggestions on where to stay in Moab, click here. With obstacles to attack with names like the Tip-Over Challenge and Rubble Trouble, you know you are in for an exciting ride. 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. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. Take detours through national forests like Mt. Follow UT-61 north back to UT-95, where youll take a right and drive for 28 miles to US-191. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. : This national park is a must-see once you make your way to Moab. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you won't soon forget. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. Next time, I'll watch the sunset in a national park and try a different restaurant in downtown Moab. That question followed me for the rest of my afternoon in the national park that's located outside Moab. 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. in Springdale. 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 As long as you are practicing attentive driving and taking your time, the drive is totally doable and not scary. In 2012, after the church clarified that cold caffeinated drinks like soda are allowed, soda shops started popping up selling what's been nicknamed "Dirty Sodas," Vice reported. 6 hours of driving. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. In May, I went to Moab, Utah. There are also tons of vocational rentals nearby! is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. As the water moved upward, it collected minerals and deposited them on the surface, which formed the volcano-shaped dome. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. If you plan on visiting Arches National park between April and October, you will need to use the online bookings to get your reservation time. Salt Lake City 43F. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. The abandoned settlement is about an hour outside of Salt Lake, so I spent one morning exploring the property. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Black Canyon Dragon Viewpoint are both in Green River. Moab to Salt Lake City via Vernal. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services' website, state agencies, the general public, and USH employees can reserve the amphitheater. 1 hour Malad City. Road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City. It was a short drive off the highway. Its a beautiful campus and also offers museum options (much less expensive than those at Thanksgiving Point) for kids. This includes my husband, our daughter (10 by the time we'll start our Adventure) and me. Follow US-89 for 43 miles, hang a right onto UT-12 (13 miles), and take another right onto US-63 south, which brings you into the 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. 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. : Try to get up early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat while youre still out and about. Feels like 15.98 Wind speed 5.8 mph Pressure 1029 hPa. offers an excellent roadside assistance program. Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. Discover rugged beauty and classic American hospitality on this trip into the west. 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. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. If you do visit, it is a good idea to make sure you bring a water bottle. 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. 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. No trip to Moab is complete without visiting Arches National Park. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. Moab 27F. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. Both offer killer views of the towering rock formations. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. Amtraks California Zephyr will carry you from Salt Lake to Green River, UT, which is the closest stop to Moab. You would fly out of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is located 18 miles north of Moab. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. Well known for its biking and rugged dirt roads, Moab is less recognized for its golf, yet the Moab Golf Club layout is one of the most spectacular anywhere with the rich green grass accented by the backdrop of rugged red cliffs. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. 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. The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. Stop at. 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. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. These ancient beasts left copious footprints and fossil evidence that will amaze you and peak your imagination. That same year, Arches National Park had 1.65 million visitors in a park that's about 180,000 acres smaller in size, according to the same source. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. What will your adventure hold? The driving distance from Salt Lake to Moab is 234 miles. Salt Lake City is the ideal starting point to set out to the Yellowstone National Park and to discover the natural resources in northern Utah as well. Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? A straightforward road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 310 miles. In one corner of downtown is a large food truck park where you can dine on everything from gelato to paninis. Typically 14 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can . 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. You can easily get lost in the beauty of these parks. If youre looking to take your time making your way down the road, or if you just need to give the kids a chance to stretch and blow off some steam, there are a variety of attractions to see in these cities. 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. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. In the 1880s, 46 Hawaiians left their homes to travel to Utah for religious reasons. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. . There are three campgrounds in Zion, two of which (South and Watchman) can be reserved in advance. 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. 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. 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. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. , a healthy spot for a variety of fresh eats. 1969 - 2021 OARS Companies Inc. All rights reserved. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to 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. Grab a picnic table and a fist full of napkins their ooey-gooey quesadillas are legendary. Many people will start their Moab vacation from the Salt Lake City area or the SLC airport. 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. Don't get me wrong, Arches National Park is a must for any first-time trip to Moab. In conclusion, the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is a scenic and unforgettable experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard.