CindyW

I'm just beginning to plan this trip, and am wondering if it would be better to fly into Salt Lake City or Denver to go to Moab. I know that SLC is closer, but am mainly wondering about the trip itself--which would be the more scenic route? Thanks for your help!

basingstoke2

I know nothing about the route from Denver, but we drove SLC to Moab last spring. The road is up and over the mountains and we found it mostly scenic and pleasant. It goes through some mining areas and we thought that interesting although others may not. There were vistas aplenty. The only thing negative was that it rained for about half the trip and the car we rented, a Nissan Note, was underpowered for mountain driving. I was concerned about truck traffic but there was little when we drove it.

If have a TR describing Moab and nearby parks.

Dayle

Hi Cindy,

It will take you about 4 to 4 1/2 hours drive from SLC to Moab. It's mostly scenic.

A CO Fodorite can probably advise about the Denver route. You might look in to flying into Grand Junction, CO which is much closer and a scenic drive. Airfares might be a lot more depending on where you are coming from.

emalloy

We've gone to Moab from Albuquerque, Denver, and Las Vegas, depending on what other things we've wanted to see and the combined cost of airfare and car rental. Sometimes we've found a grate deal on airfare to a city and planned the rest of the trip based on what's along the route from where land. Others can tell you what it would be like from SLC as we haven't used that for a trip to the area yet.

If you pick your route, you could have nice scenery along either of your choices, but probably the ride out from Denver would have more awe inspiring vistas, but the trip would be longer. If you do decide to go from Denver, you can drop down from I-70 a bit west of Grand Junction to Utah 128 along the Colorado River, a very beautiful drive.

From Vegas we've also visited Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and the spectacular rt. 12 on the way to Moab and have hit Monument Valley and Grand Canyon on the way back.

From Albuquerque we've visited Aztec Ruin, Mesa Verde, Bandolier and Santa Fe one direction or the other.

From Denver we've gone to Dinosaur NM, Mesa Verde, the million dollar hwy, one direction or the other.

If you click my name and scroll down you will find some TRs to the area if you want an idea on timing, lodging etc.

edjim

In October, I did the trip that emalloy describes in the opposite direction -- from SLC to Moab and then across Route 12 to Capitol Reef, Bryce, Zion. Can't recommend that route enough. The trip from SLC was scenic if unspectacular, and as emalloy points out, it's shorter than the Denver/I-70 route. SLC was easy to fly in and out of, and car rental and baggage check went very smoothly compared to other airports. If you are just heading to Moab area, SLC might be best and quickest, and if you are flying out of Denver on the return trip, you will have to plan a much longer drive on your last day.

tomfuller

How many days do you have for southern Utah?
What do you want to see other than Arches and the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands?
If you want to include Bryce, Zion and Rt. 12 you could fly to Las Vegas and rent a cheaper car.
When DW and I went to Arches, we took the train to SLC and rented a car there early in the morning.
We got an adequate room in Green River which was somewhat cheaper than in Moab.
There is a small airport along US 191 north of Moab.

CindyW

Thanks, everyone! I hadn't thought of flying into Las Vegas, and I see that the rental cars from there are, indeed, cheaper. So it sounds like if we want to see Bryce and Zion along with Moab, that it would make the most sense to fly into Las Vegas. Is that right?

I'm not sure how many days we have, to answer your question, Tom. I'm just now planning, but am thinking that we'll take about eight.

edjim

The time of year you are going might also be a factor, as well as what you plan to do at the parks. Both Zion and Arches can get pretty warm in the summer, but the Narrows trail in Zion (through a stream) might not work as well in the colder months.

I found Zion to be more of a hiking park -- while there are some level trails, many of them start in the valley and head up to the valley rim. Arches, on the other hand, has a few strenuous trails but many of the sights involve relatively easier walks.

I liked the vibe of Moab and there was plenty to do in the immediate vicinity.

Michael

According to viaMichelin, a RT from Salt Lake City going to Moab, Bryce and Zion is shorter than a RT from Las Vegas going to the same intermediate points.

CindyW

Thanks, Michael. I did some further searching and found the same thing.

So our favorite thing, and the reason we're going, is for the sheer beauty of that part of the world. My husband and son are interested in mountain biking in Moab, so that's a given. But other than that, for beauty, where would you suggest that we go? I prefer short trails or vistas from the car, though I can hike a bit if it's not too hot. I checked the weather, and it looks like it will definitely be hot in August. Except for Bryce Canyon, which looks cooler?

We have about a week, but can go a little longer. We've already been to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, by the way, so are definitely looking to go north of there.

Michael

From Moab, Arches NP and Canyonlands NP, which offer completely different types of scenery.

emalloy

In both Arches and Canyonlands there is much to see from the car or a very short walk from the parking spots. Do go early in the morning, or wait until just before sunset as mid day is likely to be hot.

Don't miss the overlooks in Canyonlands and do hike out to Mesa Arch for an incredible vista through the arch.

If you don't have lodging in the Moab area yet, get it asap. We liked a B&B called Cali Cochita, which had a great breakfast and was an easy walk to town. We also have stayed at the River Terrace Inn in Green River which also had great breakfast, but was about an hour from the entrance to Arches. There are lots of motels nearby in any case, but they do fill up.

basingstoke2

From Moab there are also boat trips available that will give you a different perspective. We took one and found it well worthwhile.

Ditto what emalloy says. In both Arches and Canyonlands one barely need to leave the car to see incredible beauty.

DebitNM

+1 for Cali Cochita; great inn.

sandragoodlife

We loved the area....we rented a jeep one day and did the Shafer trail. It was the best day ever...lots of switch backs and lots of great scenery. We had gone to Dead horse state park the previous day and it was great to be driving down in the valley we had viewed from up above the day before . I think we used canyon lands jeep rental.

sandragoodlife

We also made a reservation in arches for the firey furnace hike with a park ranger. This is highly recommended because you can,t go in that area unless with a guide. The hike was interesting with lots of info and challenging but very doable. I have a bit of a height issue but was able to do it all.

lgott

sandra, glad you enjoyed Fiery Furnace. While recommended for first time hikers to the area, a guide is not required. However, a special hiking permit is required if one wishes to hike without a guide.

basingstoke2

Fiery Furnace in August earns its name. Although not required a guide would be a good idea. It is not a place where you would want to lose your way-----in August heat especially. Bring lots of water, at least 1 gallon/person.

CindyW

Thanks, everyone! I'll probably get back with you later for more info. I'm waiting for my free miles to be posted so that I can make our reservations!