I'm in another pickle. Taking everyone's advice, we're adding Moab/Arches to our 2 week trip to Southern Utah (including Bryce & Zion) during the last two weeks of October.

I'm trying to decide which route to take to get from Moab to our second "home base" of Escalante:
A. Moab to I-70W to 24S through Hanksville to Torrey then beautiful 12S to Escalante.

Or the more scenic but distant...
B. South out of Moab to 95W just out of Blanding. Then up to Hanksville then Torrey then Escalante.

Even if we wanted to spend one night in between, it doesn't look like there's a place to stop that makes any sense. How long are these two drives?

Route 1 I-70, Hanksville, Torrey, Escalante is about 225 miles and close to a 6 hour drive. As you noted, this route is faster so it will give you more time at Capitol Reef National Park.

Route 2 Hwy 95 over Hite's Crossing to Hanksville, Torrey & Escalante is about 320 miles and you're looking at 9 hours of just driving time. On this route you will pass right by Natural Bridges National Monument so plan at least 1/2 hour or longer if you want to do any of the hikes.

I know that Torrey is not in the middle, but I would highly recommend spending the night there for several reasons. One you can spend a little time the next morning exploring Captiol Reef National Park and take your time driving the most scenic part of Hwy 12 before you reach Escalante. And lastly...there isn't much other choice in the area.

Torrey to Escalante is only 66 miles but plan on it taking almost 2 hours if you don't make any stops...AND PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE THIS AFTER DARK...YOU WILL MISS SO MUCH!!!!

Utahtea