Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. Exploring Hells Revenge is at the top of everyones list when visiting Moab. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. 33 minutes Manti. Our flight from ATL . This quintessential slot canyon hike is one of the parks most iconic. 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. First of all, dont panic! So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. Many people will start their Moab vacation from the Salt Lake City area or the SLC airport. Road Trip From Salt Lake City Airport Top Travel Destinations For a Southern Utah Road Trip The State of Utah has just about every kind of terrain that an adventurer could want. 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. What to do from Springdale to Bryce Canyon, : Leave SLC early, heading south towards Zion. 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. 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. 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. 54 minutes Hoback. Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. 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). Press Esc to cancel. If youre interested in hiking in Moab and exploring on foot or riding through the parks on a mountain bike, your options are endless. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. 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. Beat compares the two cities' economies, climates . The drive from the airport to Moab is about 20 minutes. Whether youre looking to make the journey in a single day or take your time and explore the many stops along the way, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. 11:00 am start in Salt Lake City. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. 33 minutes Jackson. 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. But those views coupled with fewer crowds mean I'll come back to this national park over and over again. There are a lot of different places to rent an RV. 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. An RV is an excellent way to travel if you are planning to be on the road for several days or even weeks. 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. With soda shops sprinkled across the state, I chose pop more often than coffee during my road trip. The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. This helps minimize overcrowding in the park. 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 town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. 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. 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. 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. Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most famous hike in the area, but there are many more that the whole family will love. It isn't a long trip but there are so many amazing places to see along the way. From Moab, its a little less than four hours back to Salt Lake Citythat is, if you can pry yourself away. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. Lehi 23F. In the video, Mr. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. Just 15 minutes from Temple Square, and featuring two restaurants, it features everything you could need for a one-night downtown stay. The currentowners purchased the buildingin 1992 and turned it into the Jailhouse Cafe. Another option is to take a shuttle service, such as Moab Express or Road Runner Shuttle, which offer door-to-door service from Salt Lake City to Moab. Explore fun things to do in beautiful Salt Lake City or explore exciting outdoor adventures in Moab by visiting our destination guides. Highly recommend this app." We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. But luckily, no matter where you are, Jerrys comprehensive roadside assistance package features up to 10 miles of towing plus jump starts, tire changes, fuel deliveries, and more. 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. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). 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. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told. It cost me about $90, which included entrance into the crater, gear, and a diving partner since I was traveling solo. Greyhound and Salt Lake Express offer daily bus services between Salt Lake City and Moab, with prices starting at around $35 for a one-way trip. Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. After failing for the third time, I got the sense that the owners don't want visitors getting close to the abandoned mine. No phone calls. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into Moab. Few Clouds. How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane? 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. With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, climbing, and rafting, there's no shortage of things to do. 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. 1 hour Malad City. Top it all off with the crme brle for a truly decadent dinner. It features 10 revolving exhibits, each delving into the culture, history, and geography of Utah and The Great Salt Lake. 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. 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. may appear arid and sparse, theres plenty to do in the Beehive State. It was a short drive off the highway. After the announcement that a temple was going to be built back in Hawaii, the majority of the settlers abandoned Iosepa and returned home. Its a great place to take a hike and explore the otherworldly landscape. Offering fine Italian cuisine in an old brownstone, you will be charmed by the hip interior. If you're coming from Denver take the scenic Highway 128 instead of Highway 191. 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. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. 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. With obstacles to attack with names like the Tip-Over Challenge and Rubble Trouble, you know you are in for an exciting ride. This train ride is approximately 4.5 hours. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. 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. 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. Road Trip Conditions. Even equipped with a Salt Lake City to Moab itinerary, so much lies ahead. 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. In May, I disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train and arrived in Moab, Utah. All Rights Reseved. 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. Leg 1: Salt Lake City to Zion National Park Get an early start to leave as much time as possible to explore Utah's first national park. The penne di caprino with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and artichoke hearts on a bed of penne is heavenly. Road Trip Conditions. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? As the rehearsal began, I observed a slow but steady stream of people who walked into the building to watch. If you are short on time or if you are leaving Salt Lake City late in the day, you should continue to Moab without stopping here. There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. So even though I was visiting Canyonlands during its busy season, the park felt more deserted due to its large size and fewer visitors. On most Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Tabernacle Choir entertains audiences with their famed choir rehearsals. The history and stories I learned from the deserted plot of land I found were worthy of a pit stop. 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. Start with the bruschetta misto or the pomodori e mozzarella to get your taste buds warmed up. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. Some of these tours are 44-based or otherwise in-person. . How Old To Rent A Car? I chose to start this road trip in Salt Lake City because I think the drive from SLC to Moab is a beautiful introduction to the southwest. In May, I went to Moab, Utah. This is Utahs adventure epicenter a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town thats brimming with local charm. The 360-member chorus of men and women had powerful voices, I thought, and the design of the Tabernacle only amplified their sound. Price is another small town with a rich mining history. ). handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! Of all the tours available in the Moab area, Hells Revenge is the one you cant miss! Salt Lake City to Jackson. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. , but you dont have to be religious to appreciate its culture. How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car Dolly, How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car for a Week, Portland to Olympic National Park Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Portland to San Francisco Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Rapid City to Badlands National Park Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Rent a Car in Siesta Key: $35+ Per Day To Enjoy Your Vacation. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. I found the experience to be quite refreshing after spending several hot days exploring Moab's desert. Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. Moab to Salt Lake City road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Moab to Salt Lake City. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. , a rustic hotel right on the banks of the Colorado River. Overcast Clouds. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you won't soon forget. I entered Canyonlands National Park and immediately wondered where all the people were. You will find exciting adventures, history, refined culture, and amazing cuisine along the way. 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. This tour is perfect for adventure-seeking families. From majestic mountains and deep canyons to national parks and charming small towns, this road trip offers something for everyone. Their harmonious voices reverberate through your entire being with their glorious musical prayers. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. But I can't say I'd make the 40-mile trek out to the ghost town again. Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. 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. 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. 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. Do Car Rental Companies Check Your Driving License? A straightforward road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 310 miles. 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. The town is bustling with mountain bikers, river rafters, climbers, canyoneerers, hikers and off-roaders who have come to play. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. Or opt for a rowdy 2- or 3-day Westwater Canyon rafting trip, just upstream from Moab. 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. As many road trippers will start in Salt Lake City, the state's main transportation hub, we'll start there for the purposes of this itinerary. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. This is the best route to Moab and displays the greatest of what Utah has to offer as you navigate through mountains and valleys. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. 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. If you stick to the interstate, this can easily be done within 5 hours without making any stops. 2:51 pm 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. It was clearly a popular event, and about a half-hour into the rehearsal, I noticed that nearly half the church was filled. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. Prices vary by individual listings. Its a beautiful campus and also offers museum options (much less expensive than those at Thanksgiving Point) for kids. Youll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. It should only take about 3 and a half hours! You can visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn more about the areas past. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. 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. Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. The order of the day: burgers and fries. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. 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. Drive from Las Vegas (168 miles) or Salt Lake City (314 miles) to Springdale, gateway to Zion National Park. This is a family favorite place to stop along the route to Moab. 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. The menu offers many tempting options. If you can, plan a layover day here and snag a permit to do a top-down hike of Zions Narrows. City: round-trip one-way. drive for about 4 hours. 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. 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. 2023 Simple Rent Car. * With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. customize this trip 10:00 am start in Salt Lake City drive for about 44 minutes 10:44 am Provo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:44 am drive for about 1.5 hours 1:10 pm Price (Utah) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:10 pm drive for about 1 hour 3:15 pm Green River (Utah) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:15 pm drive for about 1 hour