If youre looking for a short hike, Bridal Veil Falls is also in this area. No matter where you are, a breakdown could happen. Salt Lake Citys Little America Hotel is a big surprise wrapped up in a neat package. Once you get to Zion, have a look around before checking into your hotel for the evening. Drive from Las Vegas (168 miles) or Salt Lake City (314 miles) to Springdale, gateway to Zion National Park. 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. Road Trip Conditions. The last leg of your journey would be a 50-minute drive southeast, from Green River to Moab. . Salt Lake City to Moab by bus. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. Feels like 22.75 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1039 hPa. 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. 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. Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. 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. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. You can make stops in Boise, Twin Falls, and Salt Lake City to enjoy the sights. 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. for cool landscapes and Instagram-ready scenesand, most importantly, a little bit of shade! 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. Dead Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Moab and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Having a rental car will also give you lots of flexibility once you get to 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. 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. 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. To get from Salt Lake City to Moab, you will first take I-15 S for about 50 miles. J.D. We originally wanted to visit the Mighty 5. 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. 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. 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. 1. The trip can also be done in reverse, starting in Vegas and finishing in SLC. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Today, the ghost town is privately owned, so people can only view the remaining buildings from a distance. So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better? I turned around and tried another route to get closer to the Dream Mine. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. Each of these places offers museums and scenic points if you have time to explore. Try to take a midday nap and rest up for the amazing nighttime starlight dark sky extravaganza. After failing for the third time, I got the sense that the owners don't want visitors getting close to the abandoned mine. After being pushed out of Salt Lake City, they relocated to the desert where they managed to grow to a population of 228. This route is approximately 225 miles long and takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. There are three campgrounds in Zion, two of which (South and Watchman) can be reserved in advance. While I didn't find much more than a cemetery, I was engulfed by the ghost town's history. Established The route from Salt Lake City to Moab is a very scenic route. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Moab to Salt Lake City via Vernal. Of all the tours available in the Moab area, Hells Revenge is the one you cant miss! Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. 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. This helps minimize overcrowding in the park. 54 minutes Hoback. I found the experience to be quite refreshing after spending several hot days exploring Moab's desert. Other musical events offered include their famed organ recitals, bell performances, Music and the Spoken Word, and other events. Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. driving 4 hours. Its a little less than two hours of easy driving from Kane Gulch Ranger Station to Moab. You can visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum to learn more about the areas past. Fullyexploring the Canyonlands regioncalls for a trip all its own, but Gooseberry is an excellent day hike to see the parks dramatic geology. 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. Emma Walker is the author of the book Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors. She earned her M.S. Insider paid for the meal, per our reporting standards. Make sure you visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. This is a short drive from the airport, and if you have the extra time, it is totally worth it. To start, take a look around the. After the announcement that a temple was going to be built back in Hawaii, the majority of the settlers abandoned Iosepa and returned home. Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. We want to be leisurely, so can you suggest an overnight stop between Santa Monica and the GC. 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. The Best Road Trip from Salt Lake City To Moab. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails. Salt Lake City, Utah Search for cheap flight deals now! Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. Day 2. In 1892, it became Moab's county courthouse,and today's kitchen wasoncethe courthouse's jail cell. Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into Moab. This route takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. This route takes about 4 hours. 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. Salt Lake City & Wasatch Front Winter in Southern Utah Ski Resorts Dark Sky Parks Things To DoToggle Menu Close Menu Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding For eager hikers, the. Road Trip Conditions. : Once youre finished with dinner, see if you can catch a film at the Redwood Drive-In movie theater over in West Valley City. Just 15 minutes from Temple Square, and featuring two restaurants, it features everything you could need for a one-night downtown stay. Feels like 15.98 Wind speed 5.8 mph Pressure 1029 hPa. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. Considering a drive/route through scenic parks (maybe Denver to Salt lake city and back) via rental car. Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. Experiencing the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir should be on every music lovers bucket list. Salt Lake City to Jackson. ($$): Finish your trip with a fancy dinner from Moab Bistro in downtown Moabcheck out its extensive wine list. You can explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the surrounding Moab area at your own pace. 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. Moab was once home to some of these prehistoric creatures, so be sure to visit the spots that showcase the dinosaur fossils, like the Moab Giants. Day 1: Arrive in Moab. Grab a picnic table and a fist full of napkins their ooey-gooey quesadillas are legendary. 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. Salt Lake City to Moab Road Trip The scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is something you won't soon forget. For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the Wests biggest travel hubs. 47 minutes Salina. Camping along the way? Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Moab is surrounded by a sea of buckled, twisted and worn sandstone sculpted by millennia of sun, wind and rain. WATCH: The Differences Between Salt Lake City & Denver. 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. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. I experienced crowdsand had to contend with the hassle of needing a timed reservation to enter the park. How can I make sure my friend is covered to drive my car during a road trip? Nothing quite compares to the adventurous spirit of a road trip. 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 distance between Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah is 233.8 miles (376.2 km). : If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several trails. This scenic drive really is a sight to behold. Visitors can snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters, which hover around 94 Fahrenheit degrees year round. 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. follow the path of explorer John Wesley Powell, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Or, if youre looking to cool down, a jet boat tour on the Colorado River promises everything from wildlife views to a ground level vantage point of the Goose Neck. Next time, I'll watch the sunset in a national park and try a different restaurant in downtown Moab. Greyhound estimates travel time of 6 hours and 5 minutes. Operated by Salt Lake Express, the Salt Lake City to Moab bus service departs from Downtown Salt Lake and arrives in Moab, UT. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. The total travel time from the Salt Lake City airport is not bad, with some beautiful scenery along the way. Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. Wannabe paleontologists, archaeologists, and geologists alike will find displays to captivate their attention. Amtraks California Zephyr will carry you from Salt Lake to Green River, UT, which is the closest stop to Moab. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. Around this time, you will see signs for US-6 E toward Price. 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. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. Moab, Ut Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails, Hells Revenge 44 Off-Roading Tour from Moab, Introductory Moab Courthouse Loop Mountain Biking Tour, Guide to the Best Hotels in Downtown Moab, Everything to Know About Jeep Tours in Moab. 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. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Theres a lot of hiking coming up! Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own. 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. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. It cost me about $90, which included entrance into the crater, gear, and a diving partner since I was traveling solo. Overcast Clouds. In the 1880s, 46 Hawaiians left their homes to travel to Utah for religious reasons. : Try to get up early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat while youre still out and about. 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. This is a family favorite place to stop along the route to Moab. The. 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"). West, Inc. holds Transportation Charter Permits (TCP0022913 - C and TCP0022913 A) with the California Public Utilities Commission. 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. 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. The tour guides have everything you need and are very knowledgeable. handled everything from canceling my old policy to establishing my new one! 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. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). Fly into Denver, Salt Lake City or Las Vegas and rent a car. Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. 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. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. Once you reach Moab, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, biking, and river rafting. Consider canyoneering, rock climbing, or mountain biking at some point during your visit to Moab. drive for about 4 hours. From high-energy adventure to world-renowned musical talent, your road trip between the two will be filled with history, exploration, and great food. I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. Springdale, right on the southern tip of Zion, has a number of cozy hotels. Regardless of where youre driving, you need the, . Its a great place to take a hike and explore the otherworldly landscape. Don't get me wrong, Arches National Park is a must for any first-time trip to Moab. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Goblin Valley State Park is known for its unique rock formations, which look like goblins or mushrooms. 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. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. Welcome to an idyllic weekend road trip to Moab. Salt Lake City is filled with tons of outdoor options as well! And while I had a blast exploring the geological wonderland, I'll skip it on my next visit. I entered Canyonlands National Park and immediately wondered where all the people were. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. It was a stark contrast from Arches National Park, where I previously spent two daysconstantlyhunting for parking spots and avoiding people on crowded trails. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir that's ideal for paddleboarding. 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. Lehi 23F. in Springdale. One of the most common and quick stops in the Great Salt Lake City is Temple Square. stay at Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City - a Kimpton Hotel. It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber creditsand it only costs. Located on a tree-lined street downtown, the hotel exterior blends beautifully into the neighborhood in a charming and unassuming way. In 1947,Atlas Obscura reported thatKoyle said he was forced to sign a statement that admitted his prophecies were false, and eventually, the mine was re-abandoned. Here are some of the top attractions and scenic stops: Helper is a small town that is famous for its mining history. 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. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. 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.