Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. It was a stark contrast from Arches National Park, where I previously spent two daysconstantlyhunting for parking spots and avoiding people on crowded trails. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Day 2: Arches National Park is a lovely four-mile tour of the parks backcountry. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. 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. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. As you visit, do your part to keep Utah Forever Mighty. 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. Both my husband and I will be driving. All needed equipment is provided as you learn rappelling, rope-assisted down climbs, and chimneying through slot canyons. Nearly as popular as drive-thru coffee shops and fast-food chains, Utah is known for its soda shops. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. . Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. 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. Salt Lake City 23F. 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. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! Yes! Jerry user. OARS is a proud member of Adventure Collection, a partnership of the world's premiere adventure travel companies. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. How can I make sure my friend is covered to drive my car during a road trip? Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. Its a great place to take a hike and explore the otherworldly landscape. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early. If you do plan on going on many of the off-road trails without a travel guide, make sure you purchase the off-road guidebook called Moab, Ut Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. 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. 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. For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. All Rights Reserved. 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. Moab is located about 3 hours and 40 minutes (234mi / 377km) away from Salt Lake City and where our Utah road trip itinerary begins from. Day 1: Arrive in Moab. Todays drive through Utahs high desert is around two hours and 45 minutes. O.A.R.S. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Drive back via Ashley National Forest. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. 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. 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 . 47 minutes Salina. , a rustic hotel right on the banks of the Colorado River. Salt Lake City to Fifth Water Hot Springs Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah The first stop on your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip itinerary is Fifth Water Hot Springs. For thrill-seekers who are happy to hand over the controls to a professional, there are large all-terrain vehicles where you can buckle in and enjoy the scenic route. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. 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. Try the Sloppy Joe! The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. 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. Easily one of Utah's best and most well-known areas, Moab is the perfect spot for the weekend warrior. Find pet-friendly stops. But I can't say I'd make the 40-mile trek out to the ghost town again. 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. 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. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. If youre planning to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab, renting a car is the best option. Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. Plus, a soda never cost me more than $3.14. If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. day 1 driving 4 hours. You are going to love visiting Moab. , a healthy spot for a variety of fresh eats. While its a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time. 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. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . Our family travels throughout the United States in our RV visiting beaches, national parks and everything in between. Time your journey to land here for lunch. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters, which hover around 94 Fahrenheit degrees year round. Established Salt Lake City is filled with tons of outdoor options as well! You can also take a short detour to Goblin Valley State Park. 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. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. If youre interested in hiking in Moab and exploring on foot or riding through the parks on a mountain bike, your options are endless. * With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars. to get a sense of the park. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. view full itinerary. . This tour is perfect for adventure-seeking families. Top 14 road trips from Salt Lake City. Cross over and check out Dinosaur National Monument. 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. I thought it was an iconic Utah experience, and one I think everyone should try. 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. This guide will help you get from Salt Lake City to Moab with some tips on great activities as well. The town is bustling with mountain bikers, river rafters, climbers, canyoneerers, hikers and off-roaders who have come to play. Stretch your legs on the Queens Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile trip to Queen Victoria Hoodoo and back. Moab 27F. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. The order of the day: burgers and fries. The. 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. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. Its a beautiful campus and also offers museum options (much less expensive than those at Thanksgiving Point) for kids. 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. The short hike to House on Fire from Mule Canyon is well worth the effort, and if you have more time, a longer hike in Road Canyon passes numerous archaeological sites. It's a Hare Krishna temple that celebrates Hindu devotion. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you dont have to. 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. 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. Highly recommend this app." 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 76,000-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, otherworldly land forms, and expansive views. Both offer killer views of the towering rock formations. There are altitude changes along the route, the terrain is mountainous, and the highway is sometimes undivided. For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. After failing for the third time, I got the sense that the owners don't want visitors getting close to the abandoned mine. Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into 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! Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. It tends to be crowded on the weekend, so stick to weekdays and grab the earliest possible shuttle slot. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. This leg is a two-for-one national park special, and while the parks are relatively close together, youll want to be up with the sun to pack in as much exploring as possible if you plan to do both in the same day. Salt Lake City . The bus journey time between Salt Lake City and Moab is around 4h 55m and covers a distance of around 251 miles. The rooms are spacious and comfy. 33 minutes Jackson. for cool landscapes and Instagram-ready scenesand, most importantly, a little bit of shade! But those views coupled with fewer crowds mean I'll come back to this national park over and over again. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. A canyoneering tour is a fun activity for those looking to see Moabs arches through a different lens. Then its right on Browns Lane (2.7 miles) and, finally, a right on UT-24 east for a little over 17 miles into Capitol Reef. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told. All Rights Reseved. What is a 2007 Honda Civics life expectancy? After speaking to shop owners and other Moab residents, I took their advice and ordered two popular dishes: ginger pancakes and southwestern eggs benedict. Of all the tours available in the Moab area, Hells Revenge is the one you cant miss! Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. Monster quesadillas that will fuel you up with energy for your outdoor exploits are served up at this food truck stop. When I arrived, I sawfaint petroglyphs that I could only view from a distance. If you're coming from Denver take the scenic Highway 128 instead of Highway 191. As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. 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. 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. You can also visit Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, which are both located nearby. While I wouldn't go far out of my way to stop at the Castle Amphitheater, I thought it was an ideal place for a quick break. Greyhound runs a bus from Salt Lake City to Moab if youre interested in traveling that way. 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. 33 minutes Payson Canyon. After years of renting cars and sharing my findings with friends, I decided to start a blog so that I could help others save money and find the best possible car rental deals. I turned around and tried another route to get closer to the Dream Mine. In pioneer days, wranglers would drive wild horses into the flat and barricade the entrance, corralling them on the inescapable point. I think my time would've been better spent reading, researching, and imagining the life Ogden aimed to create for her followers. Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most famous hike in the area, but there are many more that the whole family will love. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. 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. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. Nearby, there were signs with what I imagine once housed information on the rocks. Few Clouds. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. Buckle up! This local dive bar has morphed into a must-stop eatery on any road trip between Moab and Salt Lake City. If you're planning a road trip to Salt Lake City, you can research locations to stop along the way. So when I read about the Dream Mine in Spanish Fork on Atlas Obscura, I knew I wanted to visit. Their harmonious voices reverberate through your entire being with their glorious musical prayers. For $10, I loaded up on palak panir, Matar paneer, curried cauliflower, and salad. 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. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. 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. Overcast Clouds. Up next is Canyonlands National Park, the largest national park in Utah. Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. The park boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all levels. What to eat from Springdale to Bryce Canyon. The route from Salt Lake City to Moab is a very scenic route. : Once youre finished with dinner, see if you can catch a film at the Redwood Drive-In movie theater over in West Valley City. While in Iosepa, they maintained their Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions, Insider previously reported. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. 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. 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. 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. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. From Bryce Canyon, head northeast to Moab. You would need to figure out transportation from Green River to Moab. Buy vs Rent a Car: Should I Buy or Rent a Car? Road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City. Next time, I'll opt for one of the less-crowded parks in Southern Utah like Dead Horse Point State Park or Canyonlands National Park, both of which don't require a reservation. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. 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. Today, the ghost town is privately owned, so people can only view the remaining buildings from a distance. Many of the exhibits are outside, and with the dry desert air, you will want lots of water. Since I couldn't get close to the rocks, I strained my eyes to view the faded petroglyphs and pictographs. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. The menu offers many tempting options. We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. 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. driving 4 hours. 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. According to Only in Your State, the building was originally a home. 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. Other popular stops include Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake Utah Temple, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. It isn't a long trip but there are so many amazing places to see along the way. I arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday, and the choir practice was starting in just under an hour at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? Insider paid for the diving expenses, per our reporting standards. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you wont soon forget. Clear Sky. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. If there is snow on the road, make sure you drive carefully, and you will make it safely. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. Finally, end your day with stargazing at RedRock Astronomy for a sense of Southern Utahs dark skies. Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. You can read more about our experience in our Hells Revenge Trail Guide. In May, I went to Moab, Utah. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. 1 hour Wayan. Around the corner from the park sits a lone, bright yellow truck Quesadilla Mobilla. Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. It's also one of Moab's few fine-dining restaurants, located in the former house of Charles A. Steen, a uranium miner who became a millionaire. First of all, dont panic! That question followed me for the rest of my afternoon in the national park that's located outside Moab. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. The hotel is in the perfect spot after a day of exploring Salt Lake City. Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! Check out the route. Day 1: Salt Lake City A full day in Salt Lake City is an ideal way to start your trip. 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. 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. 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. If you fancy a few days in Zion, check out an Airbnb or VRBO in Springdale! Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. Next time, I'll watch the sunset in a national park and try a different restaurant in downtown Moab. Answer 1 of 12: Hi there My family and I (from Switzerland) are planning a Road Trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. Having 33 states and territories, 23 countries, and a grand collection of national and state parks in her travel log; her current goal is to visit all 50 states in the next 5 years. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. You will find the Prehistoric Museum presented by Utah State University Eastern in Price. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. From Moab, its a little less than four hours back to Salt Lake Citythat is, if you can pry yourself away. 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. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, climbing, and rafting, there's no shortage of things to do. One thing is for certain, you can always find something to do in Moab. Two intriguing and different Utah destinations Moab and Salt Lake City are waiting for you to explore their gifts. Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. Theres no better way to experience Moab than exploring the off-road trails. Just jump on the bus in downtown Salt Lake City, and 5 hours later, youre in Moab! One of Utah's most famous ghost towns is Iosepa, which was designed to be an oasis for Hawaiian followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after they were pushed out of Salt Lake City in the 1880s. In May, I disembarked the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train and arrived in Moab, Utah. Murray 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. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops: Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the state's southern reaches. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. 1 hour Malad City. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. From horseback riding to backcountry hiking, the options are endless. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. 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. eat at Red Iguana. I want to try it out on my car, but I cant seem to find the plug. Beat is a good guide for explaining the differences between the two. While I didn't find much more than a cemetery, I was engulfed by the ghost town's history. Fly into Denver, Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and rent a car. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. 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! These ancient beasts left copious footprints and fossil evidence that will amaze you and peak your imagination. : For a proper western experience, stay at the. Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. 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. 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. One of the most fun and accessible hiking trails is The Living Room. If you are flying into Salt Lake City from another location or if you are concerned about your vehicles capability to make the journey from Salt Lake City to Moab, you will want to rent a car. The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). 5:14 pm arrive in Salt Lake City. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. Wannabe paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists alike will find displays to captivate their attention. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. 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. 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. What to do from Springdale to Bryce Canyon, : Leave SLC early, heading south towards Zion. Road Trip Conditions. If youre looking for a short hike, Bridal Veil Falls is also in this area. 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. ($$): Lunch depends on your hiking preferences, but. 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.