, but you dont have to be religious to appreciate its culture. It tends to be crowded on the weekend, so stick to weekdays and grab the earliest possible shuttle slot. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. . First of all, dont panic! Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. What to eat from Springdale to Bryce Canyon. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. The Cheapest Way to Get from Salt Lake City to Moab, Salt Lake City to Moab Drive Rent A Car In Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City to Moab Driving Stops Along The Way, Salt Lake City to Moab Best Driving Route. Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. : If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several trails. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails. From Bryce Canyon, head northeast to Moab. At 234 miles, this route takes about 4 hours. As I explored Iosepa I was amazed by the settler's resilience. Youll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. Next time, I'll watch the sunset in a national park and try a different restaurant in downtown Moab. 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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. 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. Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. Theres no better way to experience Moab than exploring the off-road trails. driving 4 hours. The order of the day: burgers and fries. You can easily get lost in the beauty of these parks. 2:51 pm Moab. I think my time would've been better spent reading, researching, and imagining the life Ogden aimed to create for her followers. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. One of the most common and quick stops in the Great Salt Lake City is Temple Square. 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 is the most convenient and easy way to get a rental car in Salt Lake City. There are also tons of vocational rentals nearby! : This national park is a must-see once you make your way to Moab. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. 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. 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. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. Highway 89 and Highway 24. Breakdowns happen to everyone, its just important that you and your car are prepared. 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. drive for about 3 hours. Type above and press Enter to search. But we love the national parks. 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. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University and has worked as a raft guide, avalanche educator, and backpacking instructor around the American West. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). 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 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. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. 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. 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. Cross over and check out Dinosaur National Monument. Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, as it gets hot out there! The second route also was blocked off. 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. You would fly out of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is located 18 miles north of Moab. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. Provo is the home of Brigham Young University. to get a sense of the park. My sweetheart and I are going to SLC 3/14-3/21. Heighten your adrenaline and explore the stark landscape on the Fins and Things 44 trail. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. The road from Salt Lake City to Moab is open and awaiting you. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. 5 minutes Salt Lake City. 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. No trip to Moab is complete without visiting Arches National Park. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. Two intriguing and different Utah destinations Moab and Salt Lake City are waiting for you to explore their gifts. You can still experience the stunning vistas of the park from the comfort of your own vehicle on a scenic loop drive. For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. is a trendy spot serving up a range of summer eats. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. The park becomes very busy by mid-morning, and parking can be difficult. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. One of the best things to do when traveling to Moab is to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Best Route to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab Hang a left onto UT-22 (seven miles), then take a right onto UT-62 east (26 miles). Being able to stop wherever and whenever is my idealway to explore. There are two main driving routes from Salt Lake City to Moab: The quickest route is via I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S, which takes you through Spanish Fork and Price before reaching Moab. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab Drive through the Utah desert, visiting four national parks before arriving in Moab. Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. Seattle to Leavenworth Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Fargo to Theodore Roosevelt National Park Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route, Providence to Cape Cod Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route. 1 hour Temple Square. 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 . We are both senior citizens and do not hike or ski. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. A canyoneering tour is a fun activity for those looking to see Moabs arches through a different lens. 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. Bryce Canyons otherworldly hoodoos are truly unlike anything else on the planet. Exploring Hells Revenge is at the top of everyones list when visiting Moab. If you're coming from Denver take the scenic Highway 128 instead of Highway 191. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. Or opt for a rowdy 2- or 3-day Westwater Canyon rafting trip, just upstream from 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. Beyond a beautiful temple and delicious food, the property also has an animal park with llamas, cows, and peacocks, and offers yoga classes. Try to take a midday nap and rest up for the amazing nighttime starlight dark sky extravaganza. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. We loved seeing the different sizes and different kinds of dinosaurs. 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. Since I couldn't get close to the rocks, I strained my eyes to view the faded petroglyphs and pictographs. If there is snow on the road, make sure you drive carefully, and you will make it safely. What will your adventure hold? Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is the best place to see dinosaurs in their life-size proportions. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. Beat compares the two cities' economies, climates . 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. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. 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. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. Spend the day in the city, sampling food and enjoying local culture before you hit the road. This is Utahs adventure epicenter a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town thats brimming with local charm. find more stops. The history and stories I learned from the deserted plot of land I found were worthy of a pit stop. 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. I rented a car for five days and traveled 700 miles across the state. 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. Aside from that, just remember your sunglasses and a comfy hat. Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. It has breathtaking view after view around every corner. As your weekend trip winds down, you may be looking for a relaxing way to ease yourself back into reality. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. Take an archeological tour to get a sense of the lands history. Salt Lake City 43F. No matter which direction you turn, the panorama is breathtakingly beautiful, offering views of Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Tours and equipment for these sports are available throughout the area and are a good time, especially if you are doing activities for the first time. I'd love to visit places like Utah's little Switzerland again, but I'd skip Arches National Park. Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. Butafter visiting, I believe it absolutely was. I arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday, and the choir practice was starting in just under an hour at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. If youre looking to take your time making your way down the road, or if you just need to give the kids a chance to stretch and blow off some steam, there are a variety of attractions to see in these cities. 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. 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! This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. The drive from the airport to Moab is about 20 minutes. 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! 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. Some of Utahs prettiest vistas are on display as you traverse mountains and valleys on this road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops: Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. A little way down the road from Moab is Green River, home to Rays Tavern. Easily one of Utah's best and most well-known areas, Moab is the perfect spot for the weekend warrior. 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. Overcast Clouds. Whether you arrive in Moab by car, plane, or the Rocky Mountaineer, you will love the Western vibe in this dusty adventure town. 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. Members save $872/year. To break up the driving, I planned my road trip withstops atpopular roadside attractions and under-the-radar places. Insider paid for the meal, per our reporting standards. I turned around and tried another route to get closer to the Dream Mine. day 1 driving 4 hours. The total travel time from the Salt Lake City airport is not bad, with some beautiful scenery along the way. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. 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. 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. Follow those signs. 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! Both my husband and I will be driving. Take advantage of some of them, and make sure you take in the wonderful views! City: round-trip one-way. 11:00 am start in Salt Lake City. The hotel is in the perfect spot after a day of exploring Salt Lake City. Campsites are typically much less expensive, and theres lots of free camping in Moab. 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. I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. 2023 Simple Rent Car. 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. According to Only in Your State, the building was originally a home. 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. Stretch your legs on the Queens Garden Trail, a 1.8-mile trip to Queen Victoria Hoodoo and back. 1 hour Malad City. 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. Top it all off with the crme brle for a truly decadent dinner. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars from economy to luxury so you can find the perfect ride for your trip. Around the corner from the park sits a lone, bright yellow truck Quesadilla Mobilla. If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. 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. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. But realize that if we do that it will take all of our time. With mountain biking, hiking, climbing, OHV opportunities, climbing, and rafting, there's no shortage of things to do. 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. Springdale, right on the southern tip of Zion, has a number of cozy hotels. A drive through the park is like visiting the moon or another unearthly planet. Fly into Denver, Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and rent a car. Drive from Las Vegas (168 miles) or Salt Lake City (314 miles) to Springdale, gateway to Zion National Park. Lying just 10 minutes from downtown, this 2.2-mile out-and-back hike leads to incredible views of Downtown and the surrounding landscape. This route takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. From there, its up to you. One of the most fun and accessible hiking trails is The Living Room. 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. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. , a healthy spot for a variety of fresh eats. If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. 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. Here are the places I'd go to again in a heartbeat, and where I'll skip on future travels. Hiking in Canyonlands National Park requires some pre-planning water, sunscreen, and a trail map are at the top of the list. 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. These ancient beasts left copious footprints and fossil evidence that will amaze you and peak your imagination. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. 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. As long as you are practicing attentive driving and taking your time, the drive is totally doable and not scary. in Springdale. The 360-member chorus of men and women had powerful voices, I thought, and the design of the Tabernacle only amplified their sound. The influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be spotted across the entire state, but tucked in Spanish Fork Valley, about an hour south of Salt Lake City, is the Hindu Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple. While I didn't find much more than a cemetery, I was engulfed by the ghost town's history. 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. However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. You are going to love visiting Moab. Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. This is a family favorite place to stop along the route to Moab. Make sure you visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. But those views coupled with fewer crowds mean I'll come back to this national park over and over again. Whether you want to make the drive in a single day or plan to take several stops along the way, this guide will help you plan your journey from start to finish. 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