This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. Today, the ghost town is privately owned, so people can only view the remaining buildings from a distance. 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. What will your adventure hold? The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. 5:14 pm arrive in Salt Lake City. No phone calls. 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. Park Fees: We recommend that you buy the $80 National Parks Pass that will allow you into all National Parks and Monuments. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. Wannabe paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists alike will find displays to captivate their attention. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. As you pull into the downtown area of Salt Lake City, the pretty views of the Wasatch Mountains explain why the Mormon leaders decided to call it home. Cross over and check out Dinosaur National Monument. One thing is for certain, you can always find something to do in Moab. Here are the places I'd go to again in a heartbeat, and where I'll skip on future travels. 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. Established Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. . Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them 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! The last leg of your journey would be a 50-minute drive southeast, from Green River to Moab. This is a very strenuous ride, so you might elect to sample the 1.6 mile Slickrock Practice Trail instead, or consult with a local bike shop for a better suited trail. To get there, take US-63 north onto Johns Valley Road for 34 miles. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. 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. drive for about 1 hour. 1969 - 2021 OARS Companies Inc. All rights reserved. view full itinerary. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. Clear Sky. This local dive bar has morphed into a must-stop eatery on any road trip between Moab and Salt Lake City. After the announcement that a temple was going to be built back in Hawaii, the majority of the settlers abandoned Iosepa and returned home. I arrived and was told there was a 60-minute wait for a table. Some of these tours are 44-based or otherwise in-person. But those views coupled with fewer crowds mean I'll come back to this national park over and over again. Greyhound runs a bus from Salt Lake City to Moab if youre interested in traveling that way. In May, I disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train and arrived in Moab, Utah. This was one of our kids favorite things we did in Moab, and they are still talking about it. handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! This is the most convenient and easy way to get a rental car in Salt Lake City. Sure, I wouldn't recommend all of my stops to other travelers, but for the most part, I thought Utah is full of interesting pit stops that are well worth the time and fuel. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. This is the best route to Moab and displays the greatest of what Utah has to offer as you navigate through mountains and valleys. You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. While in Iosepa, they maintained their Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions, Insider previously reported. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. J.D. The beauty of the parks wild landscape viewed from your perch high up on the point is stunning. It was clearly a popular event, and about a half-hour into the rehearsal, I noticed that nearly half the church was filled. Beat compares the two cities' economies, climates . Best Route to drive from Salt Lake City 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. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. Follow the Google link below: GIMME MY UTAH MIGHTY 5 ROAD TRIP MAP! 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. Bed-down at. 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. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. 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. 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. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. 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. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. This train ride is approximately 4.5 hours. Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. 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. Answer 1 of 12: Hi there My family and I (from Switzerland) are planning a Road Trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. 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! Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. But we love the national parks. Springdale, right on the southern tip of Zion, has a number of cozy hotels. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. Time your journey to land here for lunch. : Once youre finished with dinner, see if you can catch a film at the Redwood Drive-In movie theater over in West Valley City. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. in Springdale. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. 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. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. After spending an hour immersed in the music, I understood why so many people flockto these rehearsals every week, and if I ever happen to be in Salt Lake on a Thursday, I'd make an effort to visit again. 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. 33 minutes Payson Canyon. As long as you are practicing attentive driving and taking your time, the drive is totally doable and not scary. Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. 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 video, Mr. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. With obstacles to attack with names like the Tip-Over Challenge and Rubble Trouble, you know you are in for an exciting ride. Plus, it offers your family a consistent place to live while making your way down the road. eat at Red Iguana. Plan to enjoy a day or two on either end Moab and Salt Lake City offer their own special characters and are unique in their offerings. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. Day 2: Arches National Park 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 . Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. This is a great book that has helped us when we are exploring the off-road trails in Moab like Poison Spider Mesa. The second route also was blocked off. For suggestions on where to stay in Moab, click here. The Salt Lake Express is a shuttle service that runs a route to Moab twice daily. Find pet-friendly stops. , a New York City-style deli. 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. 5 minutes Salt Lake City. Road Trip Conditions. 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. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. Take detours through national forests like Mt. You will find exciting adventures, history, refined culture, and amazing cuisine along the way. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. Another option is to follow our longer route. Highly recommend this app." 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). 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. And, like in Switzerland, the town is located near some of Utah's best skiing. 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. 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. The road from Salt Lake City to Moab is open and awaiting you. After failing for the third time, I got the sense that the owners don't want visitors getting close to the abandoned mine. Last but not least, Sego Canyon Rock Art in Thompson Springs is one of the last highlights to see on your road trip before arriving in Moab. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in 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. The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you wont soon forget. One of the most common and quick stops in the Great Salt Lake City is Temple Square. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. Choose a half (easy route) or full (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. * With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars. As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Each year, the temple holds one of the largest color festivals outside India, its website states. 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. I spotted bed and breakfasts that look like Swiss-style chateaus and chalets, and across town, I discovered Swiss-influenced architecture with gabled roofs and ornate, overhanging eaves. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. I later learned on Atlas Obscura that the amphitheater, which is sometimes called the Provo Castle, was built as part of the New Deal programs in 1936 as an event space. 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. Type above and press Enter to search. Depending on when you arrive you may have enough time for a full afternoon in Arches National Park (Read: "The Best Time to Visit Moab"). Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail, Bone Trail, Willow Springs Dinosaur Track Site, and the Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Track Site are other Moab locations for more Jurassic fun! So when I read about the Dream Mine in Spanish Fork on Atlas Obscura, I knew I wanted to visit. 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. Up next is Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in Utah. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! Camping along the way? We have some great articles on the best hikes in Moab as well as many of the off-road trails. This helps minimize overcrowding in the park. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. 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 . driving 4 hours. As I drove through Provo, which is located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake, I was itching to stretch my legs. Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. You are going to love visiting Moab. There are altitude changes along the route, the terrain is mountainous, and the highway is sometimes undivided. . I experienced crowdsand had to contend with the hassle of needing a timed reservation to enter the park. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take a bus or shuttle, the journey from Salt Lake City to Moab is sure to be an adventure that youll never forget. for cool landscapes and Instagram-ready scenesand, most importantly, a little bit of shade! Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. 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. Exploring Hells Revenge is at the top of everyones list when visiting Moab. Salt Lake City 43F. Crescent Junction 24F. Hiking in Canyonlands National Park requires some pre-planning water, sunscreen, and a trail map are at the top of the list. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. After her husband died, she believed she was receiving messages directly from god, instructing her to build a colony to survive the imminent end of the world. In one corner of downtown is a large food truck park where you can dine on everything from gelato to paninis. Our flight from ATL . The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. Tucked in an old courthouse, Utah locals told me that the Jailhouse Cafe is a Moab staple when it comes to breakfast. Check if you are overpaying for car insurance. ). The tour guides have everything you need and are very knowledgeable. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. 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 Nearly as popular as drive-thru coffee shops and fast-food chains, Utah is known for its soda shops. Both my husband and I will be driving. 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If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. follow the path of explorer John Wesley Powell, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told. 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. How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Uhaul? Check out the route. There are a lot of different places to rent an RV. Quotes from 50+ insurance companies. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. 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. There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock.