For a more scenic drive, head up US191-N before driving east towards the Colorado state line. The abandoned settlement is about an hour outside of Salt Lake, so I spent one morning exploring the property. From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the state's southern reaches. Press Esc to cancel. Make sure you visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. In my opinion, the only downside was that since no aquatic life lives in the crater, there was not much to view while diving. Each year, the temple holds one of the largest color festivals outside India, its website states. Answer 1 of 12: Hi there My family and I (from Switzerland) are planning a Road Trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. Its towering cliffs, hidden side canyons and real-deal rapids are the stuff of river-rat legends. 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. 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. From there, its up to you. Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. From Zion, head back to UT-9 (24 miles, then take a left on US-89 north. 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. This helps minimize overcrowding in the park. *An earlier version of this Utah road trip post first appeared on the blog in 2013 and was last updated February 2021. 1 hour Malad City. 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. If there is snow on the road, make sure you drive carefully, and you will make it safely. 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. 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. 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. You can take a full days tour or something shorter that only takes a few hours. Its a beautiful campus and also offers museum options (much less expensive than those at Thanksgiving Point) for kids. A little way down the road from Moab is Green River, home to Rays Tavern. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. Its a must-see for the wonderfulif rather brasharchitecture alone. , but you dont have to be religious to appreciate its culture. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. Here are the places I'd go to again in a heartbeat, and where I'll skip on future travels. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Prices vary by individual listings. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. Prices for shuttle services start at around $60 for a one-way trip. 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. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. 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. . This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. There are altitude changes along the route, the terrain is mountainous, and the highway is sometimes undivided. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. If you do visit, it is a good idea to make sure you bring a water bottle. 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. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Black Canyon Dragon Viewpoint are both in Green River. This guide will help you get from Salt Lake City to Moab with some tips on great activities as well. One of the most common and quick stops in the Great Salt Lake City is Temple Square. 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. Salt Lake City is filled with tons of outdoor options as well! Feels like 38.73 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1015 hPa. offers an excellent roadside assistance program. 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. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. Plus, it offers your family a consistent place to live while making your way down the road. The driving distance from Salt Lake to Moab is 234 miles. You wont be disappointed if you dine on the polenta con funghi wild mushrooms on gorgonzola-enriched polenta. 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. To break things up, you can spend the night in Park Citythere are numerous good hotels to consider. Downtown Moab is a fun place to shop, eat, and people watch. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. As I dropped off my car and boarded a plane home to Denver, Colorado, I felt like a road trip across Utah was the best way to see the state for the first time. Todays drive is broken up into two shorter stretchesits just under two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. 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. Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. 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. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. My sister loaned me her spare car while Im between vehicles, and Im kind of tempted to just take this one off her hands. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. Interested in a map of this Utah itinerary? Get up early to start your National Park tour. 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. It features 10 revolving exhibits, each delving into the culture, history, and geography of Utah and The Great Salt Lake. Nearly as popular as drive-thru coffee shops and fast-food chains, Utah is known for its soda shops. In the video, Mr. Copyright All Rights Reserved. , a classic desert ghost town along the way. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. 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. This local dive bar has morphed into a must-stop eatery on any road trip between Moab and Salt Lake City. Typically 14 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can . From Salt Lake City, hop on I-15 south for a straight shot to the states southern reaches. Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. 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. While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. 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. Even short hikes through the park can be a challenging exertion and sturdy shoes are a necessity. If more information had been provided on the petroglyphs, I think it may have been worth the drive. Few Clouds. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Archaeologists estimate that the Bears Ears area contains more than 100,000 Indigenous cultural sites, and the concentration of human history here is truly awe-inspiring. Day 1 Salt Lake to Moab 234 Miles 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. Greyhound estimates travel time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most famous hike in the area, but there are many more that the whole family will love. From Moab to Salt Lake City, I made more than a dozen pit stops on my road trip. 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. If you have the time, a 4- or 6-day Cataract Canyon rafting trip will give you the ultimate taste of red rock country. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Home of the Truth's origin story is the most fascinating ghost-town story I've heard. While its a bit longer, the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth the extra time. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. You will find the Prehistoric Museum presented by Utah State University Eastern in Price. 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. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. Be sure to check out the Bean Life Science Museum and the BYU Museum of Paleontology. Other popular stops include Utah Olympic Park, Salt Lake Utah Temple, and Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License, Can You Rent a Car with a Restricted License. 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! A visit to Moab wouldnt be complete without exploring the red rocks up close and personal. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. I love exploring new places and love cars, so renting a car for my travels is most of the time the perfect way to find new adventures. 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. 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. One of the best things to do when traveling to Moab is to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Explore fun things to do in beautiful Salt Lake City or explore exciting outdoor adventures in Moab by visiting our destination guides. 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. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. : For a proper western experience, stay at the. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental company with 40,000 vehicles listed. You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. 5 minutes Salt Lake City. 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. The flight time from Salt Lake City to Moab is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. While heavily trafficked, the 10.5 mile Slickrock Trail leads riders deep into a solitary ocean of rolling slickrock terrain. There are companies you can rent from, as well as platforms like Airbnb but for RVs. Every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Tabernacle choir group in Salt Lake City hosts rehearsals that are open to the public, according to the choir group's website. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. Insider paid for the diving expenses, per our reporting standards. Road Trip From Salt Lake City Airport Top Travel Destinations For a Southern Utah Road Trip The State of Utah has just about every kind of terrain that an adventurer could want. view full itinerary. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. The parking lot was on the edge of a grassy park with the limestone amphitheater towering over it. The beauty of the parks wild landscape viewed from your perch high up on the point is stunning. 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.) Having a rental car will also give you lots of flexibility once you get to 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. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. The road from Salt Lake City to Moab is open and awaiting you. Exploring a national park can seem daunting. stay at Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City - a Kimpton Hotel. 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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. You are going to love visiting Moab. 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. As I drove through Provo, which is located 45 minutes south of Salt Lake, I was itching to stretch my legs. Butafter visiting, I believe it absolutely was. Established 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. I plugged in the Dream Mine on Google Maps, which led me to a gated road. Where is the OBD port on a 1992 Toyota 4Runner? . 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. Today, they are worn down, sun-bleached, and illegible. Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. Also remember to bring LOTS of water, especially to Bryce National Park, which has fewer stations than Zion. My sweetheart and I are going to SLC 3/14-3/21. Monster quesadillas that will fuel you up with energy for your outdoor exploits are served up at this food truck stop. If you dont have time for a hike, a simple drive-through to enjoy the panoramic vistas is a minimum must-do when visiting the area. We want to be leisurely, so can you suggest an overnight stop between Santa Monica and the GC. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. Afterwards, with tired legs and an unshakeable smile its time to head back into town for a bite to eat before gazing upwards into some of the darkest night skies anywhere in the world. is a trendy spot serving up a range of summer eats. I grabbed a seat, watched the rehearsal for a few minutes, and then headed back to my car to finish my drive. I could hardly spot what historians believe are images of horses, pale white circles representing shields, and humans. Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is the best place to see dinosaurs in their life-size proportions. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. Easily one of Utah's best and most well-known areas, Moab is the perfect spot for the weekend warrior. The penne di caprino with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and artichoke hearts on a bed of penne is heavenly. Summer rates are reasonable, and potential activities are plentiful. Around this time, you will see signs for US-6 E toward Price. WATCH: The Differences Between Salt Lake City & Denver. According to Only in Your State, the building was originally a home. Grab a picnic table and a fist full of napkins their ooey-gooey quesadillas are legendary. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services' website, state agencies, the general public, and USH employees can reserve the amphitheater. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. About 40 minutes south of Salt Lake, you will run into Lehi, which is home to Thanksgiving Point. What will your adventure hold? However, when you step into the lobby, you quickly realize you have found something special a little hidden gem of a stay. The route from Salt Lake City to Moab is a very scenic route. Enthusiastic adventurers will want to make a reservation at Devils Garden Campground to enjoy the immersive national park experience. Hiking in Canyonlands National Park requires some pre-planning water, sunscreen, and a trail map are at the top of the list. Welcome to CS Ginger! Try to take a midday nap and rest up for the amazing nighttime starlight dark sky extravaganza. 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. 2:51 pm Moab. I chose to start this road trip in Salt Lake City because I think the drive from SLC to Moab is a beautiful introduction to the southwest. To sit back and enjoy the slick rock ride, book a tour with Big Iron Tours and hop aboard the Pain Train a 1970 M35 military transport vehicle. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. And, according to the spring's website, it's the only place for warm water diving in the continental US. Day 1: Arrive in Moab. The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. You can read more about our experience in our Hells Revenge Trail Guide. 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. A canyoneering tour is a fun activity for those looking to see Moabs arches through a different lens. Aside from that, just remember your sunglasses and a comfy hat. Tucked in an old courthouse, Utah locals told me that the Jailhouse Cafe is a Moab staple when it comes to breakfast. 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. OARS is an equal opportunity provider. However, most visitors flock to the beautiful and unique red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. Day 2. The downtown area is a walkable section of the city offering visitors great dining establishments, shops, and historic sites. Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. 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. While it may just be the start of the road trip, Salt Lake City is a fascinating metropolis in its own right. 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. The hotel is in the perfect spot after a day of exploring Salt Lake City. 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. 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 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. I thought it was an iconic Utah experience, and one I think everyone should try. If youre visiting on a busy weekend, holiday or any day between mid-March through fall, youll also need to make a shuttle reservation online to access many parts of the park (shuttle tickets are not available at the park). Six Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City. , a rustic hotel right on the banks of the Colorado River. 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. To get there, take US-63 north onto Johns Valley Road for 34 miles. The flight distance from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is approximately 196 miles (315.4 km). Price is another small town with a rich mining history. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. This route takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. Hood, Malheur, and Ponderosa State Park. Don't get me wrong, Arches National Park is a must for any first-time trip to Moab. The bus journey time between Salt Lake City and Moab is around 4h 55m and covers a distance of around 251 miles. 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. For $10, I loaded up on palak panir, Matar paneer, curried cauliflower, and salad. 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. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. 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. 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. 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. And while I had a blast exploring the geological wonderland, I'll skip it on my next visit. Check out the route. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. Beat is a good guide for explaining the differences between the two. Choose a half (easy route) or full (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. As I passed through Spanish Fork, I decided to grab lunch at the temple's vegetarian buffet. Highway 89 and Highway 24. This train ride is approximately 4.5 hours. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so theyre bound to have one close by. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way.