Salt Lake City to Moab Travel Guide
Few journeys capture the spirit of the American Southwest quite like the road from Salt Lake City to Moab. Within just a few hours, you transition from a city framed by mountain peaks to a world of red rock canyons, sandstone arches, and otherworldly starlit skies. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, culture, history, or quiet luxury, these routes are the prologue to your Moab experience.
At ULUM Moab, we believe the journey should be as inspiring as the destination. This guide will help you navigate the best ways to travel from Salt Lake City to Moab, highlight must-see stops along the way, and prepare you for the desert retreat that awaits.
Getting from Salt Lake City to Moab, Utah
There are three main ways to reach Moab from Salt Lake City: drive, fly, or take a shuttle bus. Each offers a different perspective on the journey, and your choice depends on how you’d like to balance speed in reaching your destination, scenery, and freedom once you get there.
Driving from Salt Lake City to Moab
For travelers seeking discovery, driving from Salt Lake City to Moab is by far the most rewarding option. Not only does it allow you to control your pace, but it also transforms the trip into an unforgettable road adventure. The distance is around 230-250 miles, depending on the route, and takes 3.5-4.5 hours (without long stops), and is perfect for scenic exploration, flexibility, and spontaneous roadside stops.
The road weaves through mountain ranges, desert plateaus, and historic towns, creating a constantly shifting backdrop. Renting a car in Salt Lake City is simple (available at the airport or downtown) and gives you the flexibility to explore Moab as soon as you arrive.
Direct Route
Take I-15 South from Salt Lake City, then take I-70 East, and finally US-191 South to Moab. At about 234 miles and just under 4 hours, this drive is straightforward and best for travelers who want to arrive in Moab quickly. While it’s the “direct” path, you’ll still be treated to impressive scenery as Utah’s landscapes change from alpine to desert.
Scenic Route
For those with a little extra time, take I-15 South from Salt Lake City, then take US-6 Southeast, followed by I-70 East, and then US-191 South to Moab. The route adds only a handful of miles but delivers a far richer experience. This is where the magic of the Salt Lake City to Moab drive comes alive: mining towns with Old West charm, ancient petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, and desert vistas that beg for photo stops.
Making this a road trip rather than just a drive allows you to pause, stretch, and immerse yourself in Utah’s layers of history and beauty.
Best Stops Between Salt Lake City and Moab
To transform the drive from practical to extraordinary, we recommend weaving in a few of these stops.
Provo Castle Amphitheater
An architectural gem tucked into Provo, this amphitheater, sometimes called the “Provo Castle,” is a quick but memorable stop just outside of SLC for photos and a chance to stretch your legs.
Helper, Utah
This historic railroad town is one of Utah’s cultural treasures. Stroll its Main Street, visit the Western Mining and Railroad Museum, and feel the nostalgia of a community once powered by coal and steel.
Sego Canyon
Just north of Thompson Springs, Sego Canyon is home to rock art created by Native American tribes over thousands of years. A short detour transports you back through millennia of human history.
If you don’t choose to stop, here’s where to find more petroglyphs in Moab.
Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackway
Step into the Jurassic era by walking alongside fossilized dinosaur tracks preserved in stone. This family-friendly stop adds a playful dose of paleontology to the journey.
You can also explore more dinosaur tracks, trails, and museums in Moab.
Green River
A classic stop for fuel, rest, or a snack. Don’t miss the local specialty: Green River melons, celebrated for their sweetness and grown in the area’s fertile soil.
Goblin Valley State Park
Slightly off the main highway, this surreal park is worth the detour. Thousands of hoodoos – sandstone “goblins” – dot the valley, creating a unique landscape for short hikes and photography.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Just before Moab, the views in Dead Horse Point State Park are among the most dramatic in Utah. Perched above the Colorado River, the overlooks provide sweeping panoramas that some say even rival the Grand Canyon.
Potash / Colorado Scenic Byway (SR-279)
As you near Moab, this riverside byway introduces you to towering cliffs, hidden arches, and panels of ancient petroglyphs. It’s a preview of the natural wonders that await in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Fly from Salt Lake City to Moab
If you’re looking to get from Point A to Point B, then flying is the fastest way to go. Direct flights from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) take just about an hour, with a couple of flights each day. Once you land, Moab is an easy 30-minute drive away. The best ways to get to your final destination are by:
Rental Car
The best way to get around Moab and its surrounding parks.
Ride-Shares and Taxis
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available at Canyonlands Field Airport.
Private Transfers
Private transfer services can be pre-booked before your arrival, with a driver waiting to greet you upon arrival.
Flying saves a few hours, but you’ll still want to rent a car, book guided adventures, or rent a bike to get around Moab.
Take a Bus or Shuttle
Eco-minded travelers may prefer the bus or shuttle services operating between Salt Lake City and Moab. The trip takes just under five hours and allows you to relax while someone else handles the drive. It’s important to note, though, that Moab itself is best explored with a personal vehicle. You’ll want the freedom to reach trailheads, scenic byways, and state parks on your own schedule. If you choose this route, plan on renting a car upon arrival.
Deciding How to Get from Salt Lake City to Moab
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your travel style. If you want freedom, discovery, and the ability to stop, drive the scenic route. If time is tight and you simply need to arrive, book a flight. If you prefer to sit back and relax, consider the shuttle, but be ready to rent a car once you arrive. It’s recommended to book your rental car or transportation in advance if you’re not taking your own vehicle, as the route from Salt Lake City to Moab is popular and options can book up in advance.
Whichever you choose, the journey is part of the story – and every mile brings you closer to the iconic red rocks of Moab.
Where to Stay in Moab
Discover ULUM Moab, a Two MICHELIN Key outdoor resort where desert adventure meets refined comfort. Stay in safari-inspired Suite Tents with king beds, luxe linens, ensuite bathrooms, and private decks overlooking sweeping red rock views. Between explorations, nourish body and mind with full-service dining, desert-view dipping pools, yoga and wellness sessions, and live acoustic music beneath the canyon sky. As night falls, gather around the fire for gourmet s’mores and stargazing – an unforgettable way to round out days filled with the perfect balance of comfort, wellness, and nature.
