You can also visit Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, which are both located nearby. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. 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. Trips from Moab to Salt Lake City Some of these tours are 44-based or otherwise in-person. 54 minutes Hoback. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops: Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. 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. Provo comes up pretty quickly after Lehi. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab | GetJerry.com . Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utah's gorgeous scenery. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. 1 hour Temple Square. , a rustic hotel right on the banks of the Colorado River. Don't get me wrong, Arches National Park is a must for any first-time trip to Moab. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. Goblin Valley State Park is known for its unique rock formations, which look like goblins or mushrooms. Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. Moab is a city full of adventures just waiting to be discovered. Take the stress out of the equation and explore the park with the help of an expert. It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you wont soon forget. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. The menu offers many tempting options. 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. Nearby, there were signs with what I imagine once housed information on the rocks. I rented a car for five days and traveled 700 miles across the state. Road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City. 42 minutes Lava Hot Springs. 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. 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. Its not exactly a low-calorie option, but the buttery biscuits and juicy limeade are an SLC must! In the 1880s, 46 Hawaiians left their homes to travel to Utah for religious reasons. 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. Make sure you visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. It features 10 revolving exhibits, each delving into the culture, history, and geography of Utah and The Great Salt Lake. 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. 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. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip Itinerary - Our Beautahful World The park becomes very busy by mid-morning, and parking can be difficult. 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. A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. Either way, youll want to make sure you plan enough time for a lunchtime break in Green River at Rays Tavern or Tamarisk, which boasts river-side views. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! Tucked in an old courthouse, Utah locals told me that the Jailhouse Cafe is a Moab staple when it comes to breakfast. Road Trip Conditions. Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. Avid hikers will love Canyonlands National Park. Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. From there, its up to you. 47 minutes Salina. You can visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn more about the areas past. I grabbed a seat, watched the rehearsal for a few minutes, and then headed back to my car to finish my drive. Stop at. 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. That question followed me for the rest of my afternoon in the national park that's located outside Moab. Start with the bruschetta misto or the pomodori e mozzarella to get your taste buds warmed up. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. 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. 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. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab. Drive from Las Vegas (168 miles) or Salt Lake City (314 miles) to Springdale, gateway to Zion National Park. We have some great articles on the best hikes in Moab as well as many of the off-road trails. The order of the day: burgers and fries. 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. Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. Crescent Junction 24F. The Salt Lake Express is a shuttle service that runs a route to Moab twice daily. 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. It's a Hare Krishna temple that celebrates Hindu devotion. What to do from Springdale to Bryce Canyon, : Leave SLC early, heading south towards Zion. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. It tends to be crowded on the weekend, so stick to weekdays and grab the earliest possible shuttle slot. 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. Dinosaur hunters will want to stop at the Utah State University Prehistoric Museum. Grab a picnic table and a fist full of napkins their ooey-gooey quesadillas are legendary. How Old Do You Have to Be to Rent a Uhaul? This includes my husband, our daughter (10 by the time we'll start our Adventure) and me. Moab to Salt Lake City drive - plan a road trip Get an early start to leave as much time as possible to explore Utahs first national park. 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. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars from economy to luxury so you can find the perfect ride for your trip. A straightforward road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park will take 310 miles. Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. The distance between Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is 233.8 miles (376.2 km). Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. During my short time in Moab, the Sunset Grill was mentioned multiple times by residents and due to its location, I was told it's supposed to be the best place to view a sunset (besides inside the nearby national parks). In 2019, Canyonlands welcomed 733,996 visitors, according to the National Park Service. 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. There are several rental car companies in the Salt Lake area, with many great options available at the Salt Lake Airport. 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. Lincoln Town Car Signature Insurance Cost. 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. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. We have been on this trail and had a great time. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. As I explored Iosepa I was amazed by the settler's resilience. Salt Lake City 43F. 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. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. find more stops. 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. This was one of our kids favorite things we did in Moab, and they are still talking about it. Road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City : Want to learn about the natural environment around you? 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. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. There are three campgrounds in Zion, two of which (South and Watchman) can be reserved in advance. 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. 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. I want to try it out on my car, but I cant seem to find the plug. Real tracks from nearly a dozen different dinosaurs are on display, and your family can walk the same path they did. to get a sense of the park. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. This is a good option if you want to save some money, but you will very possibly still need or want a car once you get into Moab. 10:00 am leave from Moab. Welcome to CS Ginger! 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. Then, cap your day off with an adrenaline pumping tour of Hells Revenge with a local guide. Before you leave, swing by Bryce Point for some of the parks best-loved vistas. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, as it gets hot out there! 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. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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. Around the corner from the park sits a lone, bright yellow truck Quesadilla Mobilla. handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! O.A.R.S. If not, you may spring for a quick hike on BLM land alongside State Route 128 or Kane Creek. As I explored the 257,640-acre national park, I parked in empty lots, hiked trails without crossing paths with another person, and saw breathtaking views without seeing another soul. Utah and Colorado National Parks Road Trip 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 You can read more about our experience in our Hells Revenge Trail Guide. How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane? 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. Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. Copyright All Rights Reserved. A 7-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip: See the Mighty 5 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 Another option is to follow our longer route. ). Next time, I'll watch the sunset in a national park and try a different restaurant in downtown Moab. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. To that end, this is not your typical weekend road trip itinerary. There are companies you can rent from, as well as platforms like Airbnb but for RVs. The best part is it only takes four days. 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. Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. While I didn't find much more than a cemetery, I was engulfed by the ghost town's history. From there, youll follow UT-17 for six miles to its junction with UT-9, which will deliver you to Zion National Park. They also have a picnic table or two, so it is a good location to bring lunch if you dont want to purchase food there. Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? Suggestions appreciated. 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. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. How can I make sure my friend is covered to drive my car during a road trip? Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. 11 Stops Along A Scenic Road Trip From Moab To Salt Lake City If youre planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. According to Atlas Obscura, the petroglyphs and pictographs were created by three Indigenous tribes, the Utes, Fremont, and Archaic groups, thousands of years ago. is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. The 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. City: round-trip one-way. Camping along the way? 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. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. If you can, plan a layover day here and snag a permit to do a top-down hike of Zions Narrows. The currentowners purchased the buildingin 1992 and turned it into the Jailhouse Cafe. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. J.D. 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. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. 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. , a New York City-style deli. The quickest way back is directly up State Route 61-North. Cross over and check out Dinosaur National Monument. It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber creditsand it only costs. Utah Road Trips [Itineraries, Maps & More] | Visit Utah 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. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain. 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. This scenic drive really is a sight to behold. Nearly as popular as drive-thru coffee shops and fast-food chains, Utah is known for its soda shops. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. Jerry user. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. Lying just 10 minutes from downtown, this 2.2-mile out-and-back hike leads to incredible views of Downtown and the surrounding landscape. Try the Sloppy Joe! The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. 1969 - 2021 OARS Companies Inc. All rights reserved. One of the most fun and accessible hiking trails is The Living Room. Two intriguing and different Utah destinations Moab and Salt Lake City are waiting for you to explore their gifts. The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. I thought it was an iconic Utah experience, and one I think everyone should try. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and you can make reservations between March and October. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. 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. This is the most convenient and easy way to get a rental car in Salt Lake City. As your road trip progresses further south through Utah, you will come upon a number of towns, including Provo, Spanish Fork, Heber, Price, Green River, and Thompson Springs. The 360-member chorus of men and women had powerful voices, I thought, and the design of the Tabernacle only amplified their sound. 37 minutes Ogden. This quintessential slot canyon hike is one of the parks most iconic. 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. Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. 2023 Simple Rent Car. You can easily get lost in the beauty of these parks. offers an excellent roadside assistance program. Day 1: Fly to Salt Lake City, Drive to Moab Driving time and distance: 4 hours, 240 miles Pick up your rental car at the airport (a standard vehicle is fine for this itinerary) and drive to Moab. This local dive bar has morphed into a must-stop eatery on any road trip between Moab and Salt Lake City. I looked for a nearby park, and instead, spotted the amphitheater on the map.