I have a flight that gets into SLC near midnight next month. We intend to drive out the next morning to the Southern parks. Would it be better for us to stay near the airport and pick up the car in the morning, or to get some miles out of the way and drive toward Moab (our first destination)? If so, is there a good place an hour or so out of the airport where we could stay for the night in a hotel? Recommendations very much appreciated. We will end our trip in SLC and Park City, so there is no need to spend the night in the downtown area.
Thanks!

It is about a 5 1/2 hour drive from the airport to Moab. I would stay the night and drive the next day. You would miss too much scenery at night. Also, there are alot of really small towns so if you do go at night make sure you have a reservation somewhere along the way.

I would pick up the car that night rather than waste time going back to the airport in the morning. About 45 min. from the airport is the Orem/Provo area with lots of chain hotels along I15. I would recommend the Orem Fairfield Inn on University Parkway.

Hi gold,

It's actually about a 4 1/2 hour drive from SLC to Moab. You're in for a great time!

I'll be down there the first week in May. See ya on the trails.

Gold,

In answer to your other post,

a few of the rafting companies that come to mind are Western River Expeditions, Navtec, Tag-a-long. There are several others. If you want whitewater, you will want a trip to either Cataract (the biggie), or Westwater.

Do a web search for Moab/river trips/rafting and you'll come up with a bunch.

Thanks for everyone's help. We wound up staying the night at La Quinta in SLC -- very clean and nice -- and then driving very early the next morning to Moab, where we stayed at the Holiday Inn, also nice and clean with killer views. Brief report -- Adrift Adventures in Westwater canyon with guide Kissel was an amazing time. We were a little shocked at that we didn't get to row, but Kissel made us feel like our removal of water from the boat was crucial to our success in the class 3, 4 rapids. We had dinner at the Red Cliffs Lodge, which isn't the greatest food, but the sitting on the river was very enjoyable. Eklecticafe was delicious, as was Miguel's, especially on cinqo de mayo. And of course, the hikes were fabulous!

Thanks for the trip report - Glad you had a good time.