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. Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental company with 40,000 vehicles listed. You can take to the landscape or have fun checking out local shops and museums. 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. The ghost town is located 40 minutes from Moab and near the south entrance to Canyonlands National Park. It also comes with some exclusive benefits, including car advice, key replacement, and Uber creditsand it only costs. Then switch gears with a heart racing 4x4 tour of Hells Revenge, or a mountain bike ride on the beloved slickrock trail. The best part is it only takes four days. Your kids will also be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. The Ultimate Utah Road Trip (National Parks + Itinerary) To start, take a look around the. Its a great place to watch the sunset. 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. In one corner of downtown is a large food truck park where you can dine on everything from gelato to paninis. One Salt Lake City restaurant standout is Caffe Molise. Without cell service and any information at the site, it was hard to appreciate and contextualize what I was seeing. 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. About 40 minutes south of Salt Lake, you will run into Lehi, which is home to Thanksgiving Point. Spend the day in the city, sampling food and enjoying local culture before you hit the road. 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 takes you through the small towns of Mount Pleasant and Fairview, and past the beautiful Sanpete Valley. 5 minutes off the main route, 17% of way to Moab Best stops along Salt Lake City to Moab drive The top stops along the way from Salt Lake City to Moab (with short detours) are Temple Square, Canyonlands National Park, and Deer Valley Resort. The intrepid explorer can pilot their own ATV/UTV up and down the precarious rock formations following in the footsteps of many a skilled driver. 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. And, according to the spring's website, it's the only place for warm water diving in the continental US. Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning park with towering cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. No phone calls. This scenic drive really is a sight to behold. Before you leave, swing by Bryce Point for some of the parks best-loved vistas. Salt Lake City to Moab drive - plan a road trip Today, bits of Swiss culture are sprinkled throughout Midway. Many people will start their Moab vacation from the Salt Lake City area or the SLC airport. : Guided horseback tours into the canyon are very popular and are less strenuous than hiking the Canyon. Buy vs Rent a Car: Should I Buy or Rent a Car? Type above and press Enter to search. For $10, I loaded up on palak panir, Matar paneer, curried cauliflower, and salad. Insider paid for the meal, per our reporting standards. 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. , but you dont have to be religious to appreciate its culture. Take a day in between the two and make the drive for a quintessential Utah road trip. This includes my husband, our daughter (10 by the time we'll start our Adventure) and me. 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. 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. For suggestions on where to stay in Moab, click here. Next time, I'd probably pack a picnic or grab takeout and plan to spend longer at the amphitheater. Road Trip from Seattle to Moab - LazyTrips 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. If youre traveling with to Moab with kids, you more than likely have someone in the group crazy about dinosaurs. Or opt for a rowdy 2- or 3-day Westwater Canyon rafting trip, just upstream from Moab. 6 hours of driving. 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. The shops offeredwhatfelt to me like an endless combination of soda, syrups, and flavors. As the rehearsal began, I observed a slow but steady stream of people who walked into the building to watch. Enjoy the scenery on the four-hour drive before exploring the fringes of. Moab 27F. The drive from Salt Lake City to Moab is not scary. Check the road conditions from Moab to Salt Lake City and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. This may not be the best way, but it is another option if you dont want to drive the 4-hour drive. Day three of your weekend retreat is all about seeing some of Moabs more remote destinations. Then, cap your day off with an adrenaline pumping tour of Hells Revenge with a local guide. Flights from Salt Lake City to Moab are available most days. This route takes you through the heart of Utahs stunning countryside, past majestic mountains, red rock formations, and deep canyons. 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. This route is approximately 240 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes. Take in the sunset over Waterpocket Fold Cliffs on the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Loop trail, before turning in for the night. As the water moved upward, it collected minerals and deposited them on the surface, which formed the volcano-shaped dome. Start your day off at The Moab Movie Museum, then ride through those same movie backdrops on horseback at Red Cliffs Lodge. After the announcement that a temple was going to be built back in Hawaii, the majority of the settlers abandoned Iosepa and returned home. The crater is a geothermal hot spring that's encapsulated in a limestone dome. It's hard to miss as it sits on a hill overlooking the desert town. 5 minutes 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. : Try to get up early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat while youre still out and about. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. Im getting into car repair as a hobby and just bought my first OBD scanner. We have some great articles on the best hikes in Moab as well as many of the off-road trails. 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. 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. Jerry user. Photo: Tom Gainor / Unsplash. stay at Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City - a Kimpton Hotel. Check out the route. Few Clouds. Initially, I wasn't sure the extra mileage would be worth it. 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 Follow 191 for just over 80 miles into Moab. 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. Where is the OBD port on a 2019 Honda CR-V? Legend claims at one time the horses were forgotten high on the point and died thus the parks name. Explore fun things to do in beautiful Salt Lake City or explore exciting outdoor adventures in Moab by visiting our destination guides. 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 hotel is in the perfect spot after a day of exploring Salt Lake City. No long forms. Youll then turn onto Highway 24, which will take you through Capitol Reef National Park and into the town of Hanksville. I want to try it out on my car, but I cant seem to find the plug. Around this time, you will see signs for US-6 E toward Price. Ogden managed to gather about 100 followers, but by 1937, seven people remained after the colony received bad press, Atlas Obscura reported. 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. There are a lot of different places to rent an RV. Best Route to drive from Salt Lake City to Moab While others are audio based and allow you to explore the beauty of these parks at your own pace. 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. Typically 14 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can . 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, 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. From Bryce Canyon, head northeast to Moab. Time your journey to land here for lunch. drive for about 3 hours. Choose a half (easy route) or full (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. From Bryce Canyon, its about two hours to Capitol Reef National Park, the site of a geologic wrinkle in the earths crust. : If you feel like stretching your legs, there are several trails. The Delicate Arch Trail is the most famous hike in the area, but there are many more that the whole family will love. The point is accessible by a precariously narrow road dont look down. Salt Lake City . To get there, take US-63 north onto Johns Valley Road for 34 miles. You can take a scenic drive through the park or hike one of the many trails. Yes! The drive from the airport to Moab is about 20 minutes. 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"). The John Wesley Powell River History Museum and Black Canyon Dragon Viewpoint are both in Green River. For eager hikers, the. 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. In the video, Mr. From horseback riding to backcountry hiking, the options are endless. On average, you can expect to pay around $60 per day for a standard car. In 2012, after the church clarified that cold caffeinated drinks like soda are allowed, soda shops started popping up selling what's been nicknamed "Dirty Sodas," Vice reported. 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. Six Weekend Road Trips from Salt Lake City. 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. Summer rates are reasonable, and potential activities are plentiful. Answer 1 of 13: Will be in Denver from a Sunday afternoon in July, fly home the following Saturday. If youre on a budget and looking for the cheapest way to get from Salt Lake City to Moab, taking a bus is your best option. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail (1 hour, 1 mi/1.6 km round trip) ). in Springdale. Utah Road Trip: The Ultimate 5-10 Day Itinerary | Skyscanner US The driving distance from Salt Lake to Moab is 234 miles. The Perfect 7-Day Mighty 5 Utah Road Trip Itinerary (2021) Moab is a city full of adventures just waiting to be discovered. If not, you may spring for a quick hike on BLM land alongside State Route 128 or Kane Creek. And, like in Switzerland, the town is located near some of Utah's best skiing. From there, its up to you. This route is approximately 225 miles long and takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes. It features a pleasant outdoor patio for Tex-Mex fare. The Aggies are proud of their university and take great care in maintaining the museum for their guests to enjoy. . This is the perfect base to spend a couple of nights while you explore nearby Stop #2: Arches National Park, a mere 15 minutes away by car. J.D. If youre looking for a short hike, Bridal Veil Falls is also in this area. If you're planning a road trip to Salt Lake City, you can research locations to stop along the way. Once in Moab, get settled into your hotel and have dinner. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. 33 minutes Payson Canyon. 1 hour Malad City. Day 2: Arches National Park Exploring Hells Revenge is at the top of everyones list when visiting Moab. Fullyexploring the Canyonlands regioncalls for a trip all its own, but Gooseberry is an excellent day hike to see the parks dramatic geology. Salt Lake City - Eurowings Discover Hells Revenge 44 Off-Roading Tour from Moab is a fun-filled adventure that takes you down all of the challenging parts along the Hells Revenge Trail. 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.) Cross over and check out Dinosaur National Monument. 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. I walked through the park and navigated my way to the entrance of the amphitheater where a group was practicing a play. With the Colorado and Green Rivers flowing nearby, theres no better place on the planet to start a river trip than Moab. 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. You will find exciting adventures, history, refined culture, and amazing cuisine along the way. The downtown area is a walkable section of the city offering visitors great dining establishments, shops, and historic sites. These sites work like Airbnb and VRBO. 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. During the drive, you will go through a mountain pass, but it is not overly difficult. for cool landscapes and Instagram-ready scenesand, most importantly, a little bit of shade! We are an every day family prioritizing experiences and memories. From Capitol Reef, take Main Street to UT-24 east (48 miles), then continue straight on UT-95 south (93 miles). Heighten your adrenaline and explore the stark landscape on the Fins and Things 44 trail. Mingling with students on the cusp of exploring their future imparts a sense of youthful exuberance, not to mention a trip down memory lane. 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). The penne di caprino with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and artichoke hearts on a bed of penne is heavenly. Follow those signs. If youre traveling with young children or those who might be unable to explore the parks on foot, never fear! 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. Insider paid for the soda, per our reporting standards. Moab, Utah. Crescent Junction 24F. Be prepared to stand in awe of the famous geological formations that it features. The town was built in 1933 by Marie Ogden. 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. Road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab Utah. As your weekend trip winds down, you may be looking for a relaxing way to ease yourself back into reality. Moab and Salt Lake City are about a 4-hour drive apart if you navigate straight through from one to the other. We are here to show you that traveling as a family is not as hard as you might think. This is Utahs adventure epicenter a place where world-renowned natural destinations are scattered around a town thats brimming with local charm. Experiencing the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir should be on every music lovers bucket list. 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. ($): For some quick pre-adventure fuel, stop be here for small bites and a caffeine kick. Members save $872/year. 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. 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. Murray There are lots of fun things to do in Salt Lake City, along with lots of great kids activities. The route from Salt Lake City to Moab is a very scenic route. 33 minutes Jackson. Top 14 road trips from Salt Lake City. I turned around and tried another route to get closer to the Dream Mine. 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. 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. On my last night in Moab, I drove up to the restaurant about a half hour before sunset. You wont be disappointed if you dine on the polenta con funghi wild mushrooms on gorgonzola-enriched polenta. 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. Wandering around campus grounds brings back the halcyon days of college life. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Their harmonious voices reverberate through your entire being with their glorious musical prayers. 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. Sunset Grill is a well-known Moab establishment. SLC in mid-March - Salt Lake City Forum - Tripadvisor You can travel by train from Salt Lake City to Moab via Amtrak, for most of the way. It should only take about 3 and a half hours! Every turn opens up new and unusual gravity-defying red rock formations. But we love the national parks. This is the best route to Moab and displays the greatest of what Utah has to offer as you navigate through mountains and valleys. Get up early to start your National Park tour. The abandoned settlement is about an hour outside of Salt Lake, so I spent one morning exploring the property. After 280 miles of freeway driving, take exit 27 toward Toquerville. Our flight from ATL . Road Trip From Salt Lake City Airport | Avis Rent a Car Expert hikers can embark on the 10-plus-mile Alcove Spring Trail that brings you to the base of the Moses and Zeus Towers. The community didn't last long. An RV is an excellent way to travel if you are planning to be on the road for several days or even weeks. Answer 1 of 12: Hi there My family and I (from Switzerland) are planning a Road Trip from San Francisco to Salt Lake City. I think my time would've been better spent reading, researching, and imagining the life Ogden aimed to create for her followers. 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. 1. Day 1: Arrive in Moab. If youre looking to get from Salt Lake to Moab quickly, take the skies and arrive in a little over an hour. So I gave up and viewed the mine from a distance. Do Car Rental Companies Check Your Driving License? The town is located just an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. The rooms are spacious and comfy. 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. OARS is a proud member of Adventure Collection, a partnership of the world's premiere adventure travel companies. From Zion, head back to UT-9 (24 miles, then take a left on US-89 north. 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. You would need to figure out transportation from Green River to Moab. I explored the perimeter of the land, but I couldn't spot much more beyond a few crumbling cabins. Their focus on customer satisfaction means youll have a great time renting from them from start to finish. To that end, this is not your typical weekend road trip itinerary. While I didn't find much more than a cemetery, I was engulfed by the ghost town's history. Check the road conditions from Salt Lake City to Moab and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. On the surface, the water was a crystal-blue color and I thought it had the relaxing temperature of a warm bath. I thought it was an iconic Utah experience, and one I think everyone should try. If youre looking to make some stops along the way, there are plenty of great places to visit on the drive from Salt Lake City to Moab.