Beat compares the two cities' economies, climates . The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park, and you can make reservations between March and October. The quickest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab is via I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S. The route takes you through some breathtaking scenery, including the Wasatch Mountains, which are part of the Rocky Mountains. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. According to Atlas Obscura, the petroglyphs and pictographs were created by three Indigenous tribes, the Utes, Fremont, and Archaic groups, thousands of years ago. 1 hour Temple Square. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. It was a stark contrast from Arches National Park, where I previously spent two daysconstantlyhunting for parking spots and avoiding people on crowded trails. 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. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! An Epic 5-Day Southwest Road Trip & National Park Itinerary day 1 driving 4 hours. Campsites are typically much less expensive, and theres lots of free camping in Moab. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. Time your journey to land here for lunch. 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. Throughout the West, you will come upon dinosaur museums in the most unlikely little towns. It's about a six hour drive from Denver, a 4.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City, or a 6.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. So when I read about the Dream Mine in Spanish Fork on Atlas Obscura, I knew I wanted to visit. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. Heighten your adrenaline and explore the stark landscape on the Fins and Things 44 trail. 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. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. This route takes about 4 hours. Nothing quite compares to the adventurous spirit of a road trip. No long forms. 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). The abandoned settlement is about an hour outside of Salt Lake, so I spent one morning exploring the property. 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 Perfect One Week in Utah Road Trip Itinerary (7 Day Guide) The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. While heavily trafficked, the 10.5 mile Slickrock Trail leads riders deep into a solitary ocean of rolling slickrock terrain. Bears Ears National Monument has become a rallying cry in the fight for public lands, and though its gained plenty of press, this stretch of your Utah road trip is almost certain to be the quietest on your journey. Many of the exhibits are outside, and with the dry desert air, you will want lots of water. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. Road Trip From Salt Lake City To Moab | Visit Utah 1 hour Wayan. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. Answer 1 of 8: In May 016 we are renting a car to drive from Santa Monica to Grand Canyon South rim then on to Bryce and Zion for two nights, then to Salt Lake City. 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. I opted to go scuba diving one morning on my trip. The easy-rated White Rim Overlook is just under 2 miles round trip with a rewarding view. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. Highway 89 and Highway 24. Get up early to start your National Park tour. 6 Outdoorsy Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah - Territory Supply Utah and Colorado National Parks Road Trip Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters, which hover around 94 Fahrenheit degrees year round. Or, if youre looking to cool down, a jet boat tour on the Colorado River promises everything from wildlife views to a ground level vantage point of the Goose Neck. Imagine being on a movie set with John Wayne as you ride horseback through familiar movie backdrops, orfollow the path of explorer John Wesley Powellas you float down the Colorado. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. The landscape along the way makes you want to grab your water bottle a must-have in the hot, desert environment and hike through the red rock formations. Moab, 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. 33 minutes Manti. My sister loaned me her spare car while Im between vehicles, and Im kind of tempted to just take this one off her hands. Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. : Get up early and start exploring the park. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the state's southern reaches. The. 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. I want to try it out on my car, but I cant seem to find the plug. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab | GetJerry.com Located on a tree-lined street downtown, the hotel exterior blends beautifully into the neighborhood in a charming and unassuming way. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 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 town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. SLC in mid-March - Salt Lake City Forum - Tripadvisor In 2019, Canyonlands welcomed 733,996 visitors, according to the National Park Service. Answer 1 of 12: Hi there My family and I (from Switzerland) are planning a Road Trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. I experienced crowdsand had to contend with the hassle of needing a timed reservation to enter the park. But those views coupled with fewer crowds mean I'll come back to this national park over and over again. Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License, Can You Rent a Car with a Restricted License. We have some great articles on the best hikes in Moab as well as many of the off-road trails. Utah Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Moab for a few nights Drive time Salt Lake City -> Moab: about 4 hours Stop #1 on your Utah road trip is Moab. Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? The downtown area is a walkable section of the city offering visitors great dining establishments, shops, and historic sites. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. 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. To start, take a look around the. , a rustic hotel right on the banks of the Colorado River. The second route also was blocked off. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. Here are the places I'd go to again in a heartbeat, and where I'll skip on future travels. When I arrived, I sawfaint petroglyphs that I could only view from a distance. Trips from Moab to Salt Lake City 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. Today, the ghost town is privately owned, so people can only view the remaining buildings from a distance. 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! Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. About 40 minutes south of Salt Lake, you will run into Lehi, which is home to Thanksgiving Point. Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into Moab. There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. West, Inc. holds Transportation Charter Permits (TCP0022913 - C and TCP0022913 A) with the California Public Utilities Commission. 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. 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. Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. The 1,080-mile road trip between Seattle and Moab will take about 17 hours to drive. : Try to get up early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat while youre still out and about. Will the Middle Fork Salmon Debris Flow Impact 2023 River Trips? However, you definitely want to stop and explore Utah's gorgeous scenery. Plus, the trip gives you a backstage pass to Canyonlands National Park. Having a rental car will also give you lots of flexibility once you get to Moab. 6 hours of driving. How far is Salt Lake City to Moab by plane? Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. 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. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. There are several flights that depart from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and arrive at Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. It has breathtaking view after view around every corner. Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. Or you can book a roundtrip flight from Vegas and drive back from Moab or Salt Lake City (both drives are 6-6.5 hours). 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. And if youre willing to embrace the great outdoors, a long-winded journey from Salt Lake City to Moab features the best wildlife and scenery the state has to offer. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. 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. Check out the route. 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. And, like in Switzerland, the town is located near some of Utah's best skiing. While I could spot the bright-white building, I thought the far-away views weren't worth the time it took me to get there. 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. 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. A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. 5 minutes Salt Lake City. I entered Canyonlands National Park and immediately wondered where all the people were. Fly into Denver, Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and rent a car. 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. You can still experience the stunning vistas of the park from the comfort of your own vehicle on a scenic loop drive. 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. Road Trip from Seattle to Moab - LazyTrips As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. If you do visit, it is a good idea to make sure you bring a water bottle. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. . We have made the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and love camping in the Moab area. The park also has two primitive campgrounds, which are free. Each year, the temple holds one of the largest color festivals outside India, its website states. The best part is it only takes four days. 33 minutes Jackson. Buckle up! The rooms are spacious and comfy. 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. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. 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. Follow those signs. 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. 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. 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.)