Driving Moab to Bryce Canyon
 

We will be driving from Moab to Bryce in a couple of days time. There is only one driver. Is one route better than any other? Also, where would be a logical halfway rest point? Thanks to anyone who has done this trip before.

The fastest way is to go north on 89 to I-70 then east to 191 south, a bit over 4 hours.

The way I would go would be to take 89 south to 12 east ( gob stopping beautiful), to Capitol Reef for a stop then 24 to I-70 etc.

Turn off I-70 west of Green River onto UT 24 south. Make a stop at Goblin Valley State Park to see the HooDoos. Continue on UT 24 through Capitol Reef NP. See some petroglyphs right near the highway in the park.
Continue on 24 to the east end of Torrey and turn south on UT 12 which is one of the most scenic in Utah. The driving time to the entrance of Bryce excluding your stops is about 5.5 hours.

Sorry, I gave the directions from Bryce to Moab, go those routes in the opposite direction. I don't recall lots of places to stop for food that stand out, but we usually take sandwiches/finger food when we are in the area anyway. For a very quick stop off 24 you could visit Temple Mt Wash to see some nice petroglyphs and pictographs, a bit longer stop would be Goblin Valley SP, or Capitol Reef NP.

When are you going? Is snow an issue?

What time are you leaving Moab? Are you in a hurry.

Both routes are about the same distance. 265 miles. However, Rte 70 & 89 is about 4:15 and Rte 24 & 62 & 22 is about 5 hours.

Obviously one is on a much faster higher but the other is the very much scenic route.

Unless you are in a hurry the scenic route is what you should be taking.

Who will be in the car with you?

There are some very worthy sights along the scenic route. Goblin Valley State Park, Lower Calf Creek Falls hike (2.5 miles each ways so allow a few hours), Devil's Garden Escalante, possibly Willis Creek Slot Canyon (if you have time and can find it).

Torrey and Capitol Reef NP are about half way. It's a little town along the scenic route but has a few restaurants I think.

I drove the scenic route about 6 years ago.

We left Moab late in the afternoon and stopped at Goblin Valley. We got to Torrey at night, slept there and spent the next day in Capitol Reef. Then left there late in the afternoon and stayed overnight in Boulder UT at Boulder Mountain Lodge.

Then we went to Lower Calf Creek Falls, Devil's Garden and Willis Creek before getting to Bryce Canyon.

Another vote for the scenic route stopping at Goblin Valley State Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

We drove from Bryce to Moab last year and highway 12 was fabulous. We spent the night in Torrey. Enjoyed seeing sunrise and sunset at Capitol Reef. Places to stay overnight are extremely limited between Torrey and Interstate 70.

Torrey.

Thanks for the responses. Snow is not an issue (we hope :))as we are leaving on 2 August. We are booked into Bryce that night. Mother is driving and twenty year old daughter is passenger / navigator (Australian mother / daughter road trip). We have identified the 3 possible routes, and were just wondering if the extra distance is worth it. We have come from Grand Canyon (North Rim), Lake Powell and Monument Valley and are headed to Bryce and Zion. (Having a wonderful trip!).

Highway 12 is one of the most scenic roads in the country. If you have a few days, head north out of Moab on 191 to I70 west, then take Route 24 south to Hanksville. Goblin Valley State Park is a fun stop - you'll see the sign along Route 24 before you get to Hanksville.

Continue through Hanksville to Capitol Reef National Park. Spend the night in Torrey, Utah - a very scenic small town just outside Capitol Reef. Or spend a few hours checking out this beautiful national park and head south on scenic Route 12 over Boulder Mountain to Boulder, Utah. Spend the night at Boulder Mountain Lodge. Enjoy a great meal at Hells Backbone Grill at the Lodge.

Spend the next morning heading west on Route 12 stopping at every scenic overlook to take pictures and enjoy the incredible views all the way to Bryce Canyon NP, which is another amazing place.

I hope you'll take a day or two to enjoy this drive - you will be so glad that you did! Let us know if you have any questions.

A couple of restaurant recommendations - in Torrey Cafe Diablo is fantastic (my Australian in laws LOVED it and bought several pieces of art there). And one of my favorites is Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder, UT.

Downunder,
It sounds like you only have a day to travel from Moab to Bryce. Is that correct? If so, leave very early and drive the Hwy 12 route. You will be very happy you did.

If you have more time, yes stay over in Torrey or Escalante. If you want to eat dinner or lunch at Hells Backbone Grill, you will need reservations in advance. It's tiny. Food is very spicy, just so you know.

Hez is correct.

Cafe Diablo (Devil's cafe) is highly recommended.
In addition to a traditional menu, this restaurant favors Southwestern-style food.

A large portion of their business comes from their bakery. Each day, at 4:00 AM they bake fresh fruit pies that are sold at Capitol Reef Park. Ask for a very cordial tour of that bakery. They are open from April through October.

Their chef, Gary Pankow, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Consequently, he has earned a place on the New York Times bestseller book list: 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX70F2DPw4A

And this town has economical motels and camping.

Vaga

Too late to cast my vote as I see you are leaving this morning from Moab. I hope you let us know which route you took. 24 and 12...fingers crossed! I can't imagine ever driving the Interstate after driving that beautiful drive. You can go as slow as you want and enjoy the beauty, all the while still make it to Bryce for sunset :)