: Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. Can You Rent A Car With An OpenSky Credit Card? Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. may appear arid and sparse, theres plenty to do in the Beehive State. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. The history and stories I learned from the deserted plot of land I found were worthy of a pit stop. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. 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. Since the church's members are urged not to consume alcohol, tobacco, and hot caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee in the church, according to The Washington Post, some people turned to soda. 48 minutes Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway. If I'm passing through Spanish Fork again, I plan to make another pit stop for either a yoga class or lunch buffet. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better? Home of Brigham Young University, Provo is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you won't soon forget. A trip time between March and May will offer you the most comfortable temperatures while also avoiding some of the summer crowds. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. 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. Established 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. A trip into the Utah desert requires an extensive packing list. I want to try it out on my car, but I cant seem to find the plug. Do Car Rental Companies Check Your Driving License? Canyonlands/ Tupungato/ Shutterstock. 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. Dinosaur hunters will want to stop at the Utah State University Prehistoric Museum. Many people will start their Moab vacation from the Salt Lake City area or the SLC airport. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. Bed-down at. 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. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Moab. 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. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars from economy to luxury so you can find the perfect ride for your trip. Plus, a soda never cost me more than $3.14. The park becomes very busy by mid-morning, and parking can be difficult. 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. 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. 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. The drive from the airport to Moab is about 20 minutes. When I arrived, I sawfaint petroglyphs that I could only view from a distance. On most Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Tabernacle Choir entertains audiences with their famed choir rehearsals. But I can't say I'd make the 40-mile trek out to the ghost town again. 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. 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. If you fancy a few days in Zion, check out an Airbnb or VRBO in Springdale! 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. If youre looking for a more scenic drive, consider taking Highway 89. 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. Discover rugged beauty and classic American hospitality on this trip into the west. 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. 2018-2023 CS Ginger. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops: Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. 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! After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental company with 40,000 vehicles listed. I thought it was an iconic Utah experience, and one I think everyone should try. Salt Lake City 23F. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. The driving distance from Salt Lake to Moab is 234 miles. O.A.R.S. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) Both my husband and I will be driving. 6 hours of driving. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. 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. You would fly out of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is located 18 miles north of Moab. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. 33 minutes Payson Canyon. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. 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. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. Without cell service and any information at the site, it was hard to appreciate and contextualize what I was seeing. You could do it in a week, but with all that red rock country has to offer, its worth treating yourself to some extra time. The quickest way back is directly up State Route 61-North. Since I couldn't get close to the rocks, I strained my eyes to view the faded petroglyphs and pictographs. Ready to start your Salt Lake City to Moab road trip? 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. Considering a drive/route through scenic parks (maybe Denver to Salt lake city and back) via rental car. The road from Salt Lake City to Moab is open and awaiting you. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . 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. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab. 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. Road Trip Conditions. 33 minutes Jackson. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. Type above and press Enter to search. drive for about 4 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! Road Trip Conditions. Their harmonious voices reverberate through your entire being with their glorious musical prayers. A drive on Main Street solidifies Moab's reputation as a major hub for outdoor recreation. Plus, the trip gives you a backstage pass to Canyonlands National Park. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Thanksgiving Point is a community attraction featuring kid-friendly museums and an expansive, stunning garden. If you're heading to the south entrance of Canyonlands National Park, I think it's worth it to take a moment to look since it's on the same road. We have some great articles on the best hikes in Moab as well as many of the off-road trails. Nearly as popular as drive-thru coffee shops and fast-food chains, Utah is known for its soda shops. From horseback riding to backcountry hiking, the options are endless. Depending on when you arrive you may have enough time for a full afternoon in Arches National Park (Read: "The Best Time to Visit Moab"). We are both senior citizens and do not hike or ski. Westwaters splashy Class III-IV whitewater and the chance to hike to cool sites like one of outlaw Butch Cassidys legendary hideouts will have you planning your next river trip before you even reach the takeout. The rooms are spacious and comfy. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. I found the experience to be quite refreshing after spending several hot days exploring Moab's desert. Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. 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. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. 33 minutes Manti. I opted to go scuba diving one morning on my trip. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. Crescent Junction 24F. I experienced crowdsand had to contend with the hassle of needing a timed reservation to enter the park. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. I turned around and tried another route to get closer to the Dream Mine. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. 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. Its a great place to stop for a meal or to explore the historic downtown area. Six Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City. campgrounds and pre-established campsites are free throughout the area. Then, once youve packed up your car and youre headed back home, add the scenic La Sal Mountain Loop to your route for a few last unforgettable photo ops. From there, its up to you. handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber creditsand it only costs. If more information had been provided on the petroglyphs, I think it may have been worth the drive. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. Insider paid for the diving expenses, per our reporting standards. . 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. It was some of the best food I had during my trip. Suggestions appreciated. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. 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. Even equipped with a Salt Lake City to Moab itinerary, so much lies ahead. Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. Camping in Arches and Canyonlands can be competitive, but there are plenty of campgrounds along the Colorado River on UT-128, as well as along Kane Creek Road. 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). Quotes from 50+ insurance companies. Nothing quite compares to the adventurous spirit of a road trip. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. 54 minutes Hoback. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Explore fun things to do in beautiful Salt Lake City or explore exciting outdoor adventures in Moab by visiting our destination guides. One of the most fun and accessible hiking trails is The Living Room. Day 1: Salt Lake City A full day in Salt Lake City is an ideal way to start your trip. Salt Lake City 43F. 42 minutes Lava Hot Springs. While the amphitheater doesn't have a website, I did find its Facebook page, where upcoming events are listed and shared. To start, take a look around the. 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. The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoesgood, sturdy tennis shoes will do! While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. The currentowners purchased the buildingin 1992 and turned it into the Jailhouse Cafe. My sweetheart and I are going to SLC 3/14-3/21. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. 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. Downtown Moab is a fun place to shop, eat, and people watch. And while I had a blast exploring the geological wonderland, I'll skip it on my next visit. Springdale, right on the southern tip of Zion, has a number of cozy hotels. 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. Take detours through national forests like Mt. Find pet-friendly stops. : Once youre finished with dinner, see if you can catch a film at the Redwood Drive-In movie theater over in West Valley City. 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. An intelligent AI-based tool like Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you. The second route also was blocked off. Many of the exhibits are outside, and with the dry desert air, you will want lots of water. No phone calls. But realize that if we do that it will take all of our time. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. With staggering sights and easy access to national parks, Moab is a great place to visit. First of all, dont panic! 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. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. 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. Day 2. Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. This route is approximately 225 miles long and takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. This helps minimize overcrowding in the park. We went canyoneering while we were in Moab and had a great time. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. There are altitude changes along the route, the terrain is mountainous, and the highway is sometimes undivided. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. 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. 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. Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. Pick up a map at the entrance station, then head to Sunrise Mesa for views of the Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship formations. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. As I drove through Provo, which is located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake, I was itching to stretch my legs. to get a sense of the park. 2:51 pm Moab. 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. I spotted bed and breakfasts that look like Swiss-style chateaus and chalets, and across town, I discovered Swiss-influenced architecture with gabled roofs and ornate, overhanging eaves. 1 hour Wayan. It cost me about $90, which included entrance into the crater, gear, and a diving partner since I was traveling solo. Salt Lake City is the ideal starting point to set out to the Yellowstone National Park and to discover the natural resources in northern Utah as well. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. From Bryce Canyon, head northeast to Moab. 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. If youre traveling with to Moab with kids, you more than likely have someone in the group crazy about dinosaurs. An RV is an excellent way to travel if you are planning to be on the road for several days or even weeks. Murray These sites work like Airbnb and VRBO. 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. Best Route to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab If youre traveling with young children or those who might be unable to explore the parks on foot, never fear! Hang a left onto UT-22 (seven miles), then take a right onto UT-62 east (26 miles). Both offer killer views of the towering rock formations. Being able to stop wherever and whenever is my idealway to explore. As your weekend trip winds down, you may be looking for a relaxing way to ease yourself back into reality. 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. 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. For suggestions on where to stay in Moab, click here. 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. Cross over and check out Dinosaur National Monument. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. Greyhound runs a bus from Salt Lake City to Moab if youre interested in traveling that way. 10:00 am leave from Moab. From Zion, head back to UT-9 (24 miles, then take a left on US-89 north. After the announcement that a temple was going to be built back in Hawaii, the majority of the settlers abandoned Iosepa and returned home. I'd love to visit places like Utah's little Switzerland again, but I'd skip Arches National Park. No trip to Moab is complete without visiting Arches National Park. 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. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. It tends to be crowded on the weekend, so stick to weekdays and grab the earliest possible shuttle slot. . With the Colorado and Green Rivers flowing nearby, theres no better place on the planet to start a river trip than Moab. . stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. day 1 driving 4 hours. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Moab. Buy vs Rent a Car: Should I Buy or Rent a Car? 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. About 40 minutes south of Salt Lake, you will run into Lehi, which is home to Thanksgiving Point. Time your journey to land here for lunch. Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. We have been on this trail and had a great time. But we love the national parks. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Beat compares the two cities' economies, climates . Today, it's used to host local theater groups, weddings, and other events. 5:14 pm arrive in Salt Lake City. Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. We have made the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab and love camping in the Moab area. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. It isn't a long trip but there are so many amazing places to see along the way. There are two main driving routes from Salt Lake City to Moab: I-15 S and US-6 E/US-191 S 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.