This is one of the most enjoyable rides you can drive through, in whole US. Touring from the soaring Rocky Mountains to red Utah deserts, you’ll discover a bit of everything across landscapes that is genuinely wild and experienced in their own right. Every traveller has to do a road trip from Denver – Moab.
I-70 in Colorado offers some of the most beautiful sights you can find on your bucket-list-worthy tour! At every bend and turn in the road you are greeted by this panoramic beauty that is like being overtaken with grandeur! Reminds me of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana.
As I moved west, the country began to ease from mountains into plateaus. Escaping around a corner and into the sunset, heading towards Colorado just as you think that all these dramatic landscape is behind us – boom- there we are on Utah scenic highway 128 showing yet another layer of this country’s diverse landscapes!
Denver to Moab Adventure Guide: What You Need to Know
This one is packed with a kind of knowledge some would say was too vital. Take a look at what is inside:
- Appropriate Far And Kind
- When is the Best Time to Embark on This Journey?
- Things to do and where To Stay In Denver
- Dozens of recommended stop-off-points along your journey
- The type of scenic detours that take you off course but are so well worth the extra miles
- Moab highlights and places to stay
- 7 Day Denver to Moab Itinerary
- How to pack for the road ahead
- Tips for getting the best travel experience from your road-trip
Crafting Your Denver to Moab Road Trip
This could be a fast day trip or an easy week-long event with lots to do in Colorado and Moab area.
This guide will take you on must-sees along Interstate 70, give lodging options and point out some things to pack for your adventure-filled drive from Denver to Moab (Denver to Arches National Park). Don’t forget about the itinerary ideas below to make planning your road trip experience a little easier!
Distance from Denver to Moab
Spanning 348 miles along the mostly direct I-70 and beautiful Utah highway 128, the Denver-Moab drive is as varied but straightforward. Granted, there are other roads to get through southern Colorado but taking I-70 is like driving inside a postcard with so much to see and do that it needs no side trips.
How Long is the Denver to Moab Road Trip?
Driving nonstop, the trip takes roughly 5.5 hours. Naturally, you’ll need to make stops for fuel or charging, and once you explore this guide, you’ll find plenty of must-see spots along the way!
Optimal Route: Denver to Moab
As for the drive itself it is of breathtaking beauty and offers plenty optional detours along the way. For those who have done the journey in its many guises before or who are veterans of both Colorado and Moab, I recommend doing this easy way.
- Depart on Interstate 70 driving West from Denver (stay to this for ~300 miles)
- Take Exit 214 to Utah 128
- It can be followed from highway 128 for roughly fifty-five miles.
- At Moab, 128 ends; turn left for town or right to Arches National Park.
How Long Should You Spend on a Denver to Moab Road Trip?
Well, you can take as much time on your road trip! It would be easy to spend weeks visiting the amazing sights en route. Below is a list of each stop and how long i would recommend to spend at that locaton, so you are able to plan your trip accordingly.
Here, the best 3-day itinerary is could be to spend at least a day in Denver then head out on the road for one more and finish with another day or night of camping in Moab. At the end of this post I have a itinerary that may be helpful to reference for a little more organization and ideas on what we did each day!
Best Time of Year for a Denver to Moab Road Trip
Because of ideal weather, summer is an obvious choice for such a journey. Still, the autumn season is good to look out when you plan for your Denver to Moab road trip. Honestly, who could resist the golden aspen trees in Colorado this time of year?
Well, if you enjoy winter sports, then a road trip through the cold might just very well be your best adventure. Winter in the Rocky Mountains is on another beautiful level and along the way, there are heaps of opportunities to go skiing or snowmobiling or just snow shoeing.
Conversely, if you would rather not deal with the hassles of snow and ice common in more extreme parts of spring or need warmth for late summer to walk on trails and explore attractions open during this kinder weather season.
Denver to Moab
Let’s jump into the road trip route! This guide is organized into recommended and optional stops. Use the customizable itinerary and your schedule to decide which destinations to include on your journey.
Here we go!
1. Denver
Suggested time: 1 day
For the epic 5-day journey ahead you can then explore Denver! This energetic and vibrant city receives more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a nice place to spend some time. Here are a few things that I have been exposed to while in Denver, after visiting countless times.
Top things to do in Denver
- Union Station
- Red Rocks Amphitheater
- 16th Street Mall
- RiNo Arts District
- Confluence Park
- Denver Art Museum
- Mile High Step, Denver Capitol Building(Source)
- Coors Field
Travel Tip: If you are coming to Denver by plane for this road trip make sure you stay in Denver at least one day. This will allow you to get used to the altitude and lower your chances of developing mountain sickness.
Warning: Denver is 5280 feet above sea level, and you will cross altitudes as high as 10,000 feet. Additional tips on how to deal with altitude sickness are given towards the end of this post. 😊
Where to Stay in Denver
All of the action happens downtown so I recommend staying there for the best experience. Hotel-wise, seek flat in the Cardinal Activity Regulate or Secondary Dweller (LoDo) areas.
Places to Stay in Denver
- Hyatt Place Denver Downtown
- Where: Embassy Suites Denver Downtown
- Hyatt Regency Denver
- The Ramble
- The Maven at Dairy Block
Discounted rates on Discover Cars for anyone flying to Denver who will be renting a car I typically save 10-30% on rentals. They search with all the top car rental sites to find you the best deal without a fee!
Or, if you’re a Denverite or just love the beautiful areas (how could you not?), opt for a trip from Denver to Santa Fe which is also one of the best RV vacations in US!
2. Idaho Springs
Suggested time: 1-4 hours
A town steeped in history, Idaho Springs was established during the Great Rocky Mountain Gold Rush in the 1850s. Today, it’s a convenient stop on your journey from Denver to Arches National Park and the Moab area.
As you drive along I-70, you’ll spot one of the town’s landmarks—Bridal Veil Falls and the Charlie Tayler Water Wheel. Another highlight of Idaho Springs is its hot mineral springs. Treat yourself to a spa service or take a dip in the year-round hot springs swimming pool.
Stroll through the historic downtown area to find charming shops and restaurants. There’s something special about small mountain towns that offer outdoor dining along the main street—it creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable vacation like this! For those interested in history, or traveling with kids, a tour of the Argo Gold Mine and Mill is a great way to learn about the town’s mining heritage.
If you’re departing Denver in the morning, consider stopping for breakfast at Main Street Restaurant in downtown Idaho Springs. The French Toast is a must-try—you won’t be disappointed!
3. Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park:
Suggested time: 4 hours – 1 day
Even though it adds about 60 miles and an hour-15 to your I-70 journey, Grand Lake is the ultimate detour if you’re in no hurry to make tracks for Moab.
Grand Lake is one of my favorite places in Colorado, I firmly believe it will provide the same experiences for you as well.
Nestled in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has a picture-perfect setting: an impossibly picturesque downtown area and beautiful lake bordered by soaring mountains. It is one of the great road trips from Denver and most even better if you can include it in your journey to Utah. The population lives on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, and if you have time I encourage the 1-hour journey it requires from Granby to Grand Lake towards Alpine Visitor Center throughout the park. Literally, screen shot worthy views!
Or, if staying local is more your speed, simply hit the water and rent kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards to roam Grand Lake. Well, when in the lovely downtown area you certainly will be greeted by smiling faces and good food as well as delicious ice cream on deck at Polly’s Sweet Shop.
Places to stay in Grand Lake
- Grand Lake Lodge
- Gateway Inn
- Vacation rental properties in Grand Lake
4. Dillon
Suggested time: 1-4 hours
Yes, visiting Grand Lake adds 60 miles and about an hour to a trip that is usually least four hours longer than it has any right to be on the way out of Denver.
Dillon is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, featuring the stunning Dillon Reservoir. I-70 cuts this area in half, so it might be easy to overlook the lake and mountainside that are just beyond where you drive. Even though it is easily one of the smallest mountain towns, Dillon has many different types of things to do and see that might keep you busy for quite a while! But, because you on the road trip I would suggest that no need to see more lake.
Things to do in Dillon
- Dillon Ice Castles (Must-see Winter)
- 2 Sapphire Point OverlookTrailhead
- Catch a concert at the Dillon Amphitheater
- Get a snack for the road at Dillon’s Farmers Market
- Check out The Outlets at Silverthorne for Shopping
- Places to Stay in Dillon:
- 8 Quality Inn and Suites Summit County
- Comfort Suites Summit County
- Dillon Vacation Rentals
Pretty amazing sights, right? Colorado has so much to offer, and the majority of this Denver to Moab road trip winds through this magnificent state. Let’s keep the journey going!
5. Breckenridge
Suggested time: 1 hour – 1 day
Breckenridge — on the other hand is up to you, it will add an extra 20ish minutes of driving time off your beaten path but not far at all from I-70. This is a must-stop if you are with your family.
Breckenridge Whether skiing the powdery leftovers in winter, or wandering around charming downtown in summer, Breck has it all. The Breckenridge Troll — Isak Heartstone is one of the biggest man-made art installations in Colorado making this town for big towns.
Visiting the Breckenridge Troll is both free and not very hard to do, so there’s no reason this unique place can’t be a fun little quick-stop on your road trip from Denver to Moab.
A variety of other activities are also on offer for families visiting Breckenridge including the Epic Discovery Adventure Park (with an alpine slide and roller coaster), shopping in town, a free gondola ride or checking out local brews; there’s even panning for gold—a must-do with kids.
Places to Stay in Breckenridge
- Breck Inn
- Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge
- Mountain Thunder Lodge
- Gravity Haus
- Vacation rental properties in Breckenridge
6. Vail
Suggested time: 1 hour – 1 day
Vail is of course a great ski town, but come see why this summer! Between the Epic Discovery Adventure Park, beautiful hikes with full views of Green Mountain and Golden Peak, or The Village itself (for some good old-fashioned retail therapy), there is an endless array of fun to be had in Vail.
Top Things to Do in Vail
- On the Zipline: The Game Creek Aerial Adventure
- Paragon Guides Llama Trek
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is well worth a visit.
- Take a scenic gondola ride
- Go White Water Rafting in Browns Canyon
- Take a spa day at Sonnenalp Spa or The Sebastian
- If you’re still not tired, spend the night in Vail to extend your Denver weekend.
- Vail is also a great place to spend the night if you’re extending your Denver to Moab road trip.
Places to Stay in Vail
- The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort
- Austria Haus Hotel
- Lodge at Lionshead
- Vacation rental properties in Vail
7. Hanging Lake
Suggested time: 1-4 hours
View from trail to access Hanging Lake (please note the lake is temporarily closed with no known re-opening date due to damage during 2020’s Grizzly Creek Fire) Still, it is one of Colorado’s trip highlights and efforts are under way to restore this feature.
Hanging Lake: At the edge of Glenwood Canyon, you really can’t miss Hanging Lake unless skies are smoky , a reservation is required. One of the most captivating lakes in America, it’s fed by a waterfall Because it has become so popular and the area need protected there is a reservation system qualified.
Get your permits early, they run out crazy fast and normally stop permitting by late Spring -So plan ahead if you want this to be a road trip destination!!
So, if you are breaking up the drive into a couple of days – say driving half-way one day and then getting to sleep for that night —the next place will be where you might wish to spend the evening. This is a beautiful area with lots of places to stay, restaurants and nightlife.
Yet, if you are on a fast track to Moab at least give this place a second glance!
8. Glenwood Springs
Suggested time: 1 hour – 1 day
Located just off of I-70 on the western slope of Colorado, Glenwood Springs is a true gem.
For one thing, I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is absolutely stunning!! The cliffs are so high above you, that it opens up into a cavernous valley and looks just massive.
The town is constructed around natural geothermal hot springs and the community takes pride in this. The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool—the world’s largest mineral hot springs—is open year round. Because it is a popular place, make the time to purchase tickets earlier.
Downtown Glenwood Springs All the things you might anticipate in a cute mountain town—quaint architecture, specialty shops galore (T-shirt shop after T-shirt shop), restaurants with international flair and fiddlers on every corner.
You are guaranteed to get an amazing meal at Slope and Hatch with their award-winning tacos & margs. (They are renowned for having the best tacos in America!) Then head to the Chocolate Moose Ice Cream Parlor for frozen treats.
There is so much to do in Glenwood Springs y ou could take spend an entire week here. Rest assured that you will have a tough time tearing yourself from this setting!
Places to Stay in Glenwood Springs
- Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
- Hotel Denver
- Residence Inn Glenwood Springs
- Courtyard by Marriott Glenwood Springs
9. Rifle Falls State Park
Suggested time: 1-4 hours
It is a hidden gem and it looks absolutely beautiful here in Colorado. Rifle Falls (the only triple waterfall in the state, 80 feet high). Yes you read that right a TRIPLE waterfall!!!
(However, I must add, they played it on the last time we drove from Denver to Moab and now I have a veto of two circled dates that unfortunately are blacked out over sees trips but you bet your ass it’s top bill next domestic rotate!
The place is clean, with only a few vehicles passing through each day since it’s far away and 20 minutes to the north of Rifle off I-70. Rifle Falls State Park sometimes gets overshadowed since there are many other high-profile attractions nearby, like Hanging Lake and Glenwood Springs.
Rifle Falls Coyote TrailIf you want a little hiking to stretch your legs. The route is just about 0.59 miles long and given an easy rating on AllTrails.
10. Grand Junction
Suggested time: 1 hour – 1 day
Located way out west in Colorado, Grand Junction can seem small as you drive by it on the highway but don’t let that fool you there’s plenty to do here!
Downtown Grand Junction has plenty of quaint shops and restaurants. It has year round events and gives many chances to catch an outdoor street concert, even, or festival during your time there. View the downtown Grand Junction lineup here.
This is a great place to go wine-tasting if you plan on spending the night.
- Two Rivers Winery — 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction CO 81507
- Stoney Mesa Winery — 221 31 &3/10 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81503
Grand Junction is not just downtown or wineries.
Grand Junction, What to Do
- Grand Junction Motor Speedway
- Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
- The Gardens at Western Colorado
- Lincoln Park and playground
- Winter Cross Country Skiing
- OR just fuel up here if you are going all the way to Moab!PRO TIP
- Grand Junction Accommodation Options
- Best 2-star Hotel Option: La Quinta by Wyndham Grand Junction
- Tru By Hilton Grand Junction Downtown
- Hampton Inn Grand Junction
In the mood for a road trip? You can also read out the drive from Denver to Albuquerque with 10 best stops along your way. It’s a blast!
11. Land’s End, Grand Mesa, Colorado
Suggested time: 1/2 day to 1 day
There are a lot of beautiful views in Colorado, but this one might just be the most overlooked and jaw-dropping spot in all the state!
Sure, it’s an hour and 10 minutes from Grand Junction But if you can make the detour to Palisade itself rather than just focusing on wineries off of I-70, absolutely run for it.
The Grand Mesa located in the state of Colorado is not only the largest flattop mountain in all of America but also holds this title for any other country across globe. At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet it is truly deserving of its name. You can’t see all of the Grand Mesa in one stop (it covers 500 square miles), but be sure to visit the Land’s Edge Observatory.
Just Be Curious Your reward for a visit is an observatory overlook with dramatic drop-offs and stunning views. Connect to La Sal Mountains may be seen several other Utah as well!!
INSIDER TIP: Once you get to the Lands End Lookout take the little Views Trail at its northernmost point. This easy. This 4-mile round trip trail literally follows the mesa rim, providing outstanding views far below into Grand Valley.
12. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Suggested time: 1/2 day to 1 day
One of the USA’s secrets, this somewhat obscure National Park sees far fewer people than busier Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It is located roughly 1.5 hour southeast of Grand Junction, and if you are in the area I highly recommend that you go see it.
At a minimum, if you do not have at least one full day to explore the park, be sure and spend 2-3 hours driving through it for spectacular views. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to three primary roads—South Rim Road, North Rim Road and East Portal Road.
Note : I suggest asking for the permit to do this on South Rim Road, so you can see Painted Wall view end Chasm View and Gunnison Point. This road has 12 overlooks, which means you are likely to feel like stopping all the time.
If you’re in the mood for some exercise, take a hike on the Rim Rock Nature Trail. This easy to moderate trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the Gunnison River as it winds along the canyon rim – a great way to stretch your legs after a long drive.
Tip: Don’t forget that if you intend on visiting multiple national parks (or heritage sites) during this trip, purchasing an America the Beautiful annual parks pass can save a bunch! Thing is, it has a killer value — if you visit just three national parks in the year then it more than pays for itself.
Over the past few years, I have used my pass to visit some amazing places like Glacier National Park in Montana, hike top trails at Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington and explore all that Badlands National Park has available for visitors.
Places to Stay Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montrose
- Hampton Inn Montrose
13. Colorado National Monument
Recommended time: 2-4 hours
Positioned in the extreme west of Colorado, only 15 minutes to Grand Junction’s south-west this site will give you a little trailer about what is waiting for you in Utah. But unlike the rest of the state that’s taken over by miles and miles of Rocky Mountains, you’ll find layers upon candy cane-stripped layer of red rock in a stunning desert landscape.
A great way to see Colorado National Monument is from the Rim Rock Drive, which takes you through miles and miles of stunning landscapes. While the drive straight through will take a little over an hour, you’ll probably want to stop at one of many scenic overlooks along the way.
Canyon Rim Trail to Window Rock (easy/moderate) — Suitable for the less-mobile and wheelchairs part of trail. At just 1.8-miles round trip, this is one of the easier hikes in the park and it still offers incredible views.
As there is very little shade and the sun can be brutal, bring water, sunscreen and a hat with anything you would normally take on almost any hike gradually.
Places to Stay Near Colorado National Monument (Grand Junction)
- Candlewood Suites Grand Junction
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction
- Home2 Suites By Hilton Grand Junction
Denver to Moab: Leaving Colorado and Entering Utah!
Therefore, roughly the first half of my journey has been included Colorado — and with good cause! There is way to much do, but it happens. As it is, now we ditch I-70 and roll on to the tree-lined rolling river road of highway 128. It starts flat and gets more interesting as you drive.
Let’s continue the adventure!
14. Cisco, Utah
Recommended time: Simple drive-by
From a once-thriving railroad village Cisco, now currently only has one resident. It is an interesting stop along scenic Highway 128 just over the border in Utah from Colorado.
You won’t find any gas stations or stores—just a ghost town, left over from the 1990s with shanty buildings and what looks like an infinite junkyard.
The town officially became the property of an artist in 2015 and he (and other artists) started transforming it into a living project. The effort has injected new life into the neighborhood.
It is fascinating to see this ghost town come together as you drive through. But you should not cross into private property or the owner’s privacy. Baker City; Beautiful Victorian Architecture Feel free to snap photos from the road as you pass because this ever-changing town exudes character.
15. Sandy Beach River Access
By now, you should be experiencing the incredible scenery along Utah’s Highway 128. Is the canyon that cradles the Colorado River an amazing place or what! If you’re lucky, you’ve already seen speedboats or white water rafters/kayakers out on the river.
We are betting you did, but do you know about chilling riverside beach? During my most recent drive from Moab to Denver, this was a required visit. And for someone that loves the beach and has been to beaches all over, I was so excited when I found out how soft their sand is—the same consistency as some of the nicest Gulf Coast beaches!
Bonus– there are bathrooms at this stop, very handy considering the lack of facilities between Grand Junction and here.
Perfect place to get out and walk a bit, post the drive from Denver to Moab sogar die zehnmal kurz ins Wasser gehen. Older PostSri Lanka part 1Related postsJust a heads up the sand is cool at beginer easier to remember as it does get quite hot in the heat of day. If you want to go out into the river be sure to have some water shoes.
These are the water shoes that I packed for this trip, and they have gotten me through many a visit to beaches around the world — from Kauai in Hawaii and Puerto Rico all the way down to Belize, Lake Erie (I can still skip rocks with aplomb on most bodies of freshwater), Turks & Caicos.
You are close to Moab if you managed Sandy Beach — but take some time taking in the views here.
16. Moab
Congratulations! From Denver To Moab: You Made It, Now The Fun Can Begin.
With attractions that will excite the adrenaline of those who seek it and give elation to those with a love for nature. It’s a place where the fun never stops
Moab has national parks, state parks and a number of adventurous activities so there is no shortage of things you can do while in Moab.
Top things to do Moab
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Hell’s Revenge
- La Sal Mountain Loop Road
- Faux Falls
- Paddleboarding, kayaking or white-water rafting
- Wineries and breweries
- Also, if you get hungry — check out this amazing food truck park in San Diego. downtown Moab. I had the best quesadilla of my life at Quesadilla Mobilla—seriously, it’s a must-try!
Places to Stay in Moab
- Moab Springs Ranch
- Hyatt Place Moab
- Hampton Inn Moab
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab
- Vacation rental properties in Moab
While I recommend spending several days in Moab, be sure to dedicate at least one day to exploring Arches National Park, taking in the top sights, and hitting a few trails. The adventure continues!
Denver to Moab Itinerary
We recommend visiting the park over a week, heres 1 Weeks itinerary for this epic adventure. You can also easily adjust your routine, reducing or extending it depending on the time you have.
Day 1: Denver
Get to Denver the night before
Take the day to see downtown and check out:
- Union Station
- RiNo Arts District
- Confluence Park
- Denver Capitol Building
- Then in the evening, head to Red Rocks Amphitheater for a show or go experience some nightlife on 16th Street Mall.
- Overnight in Denver.
Day 2: Idaho Springs, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park
- Start in Idaho Springs (breakfast at Main Street Restaurant is a must!)
- Head to Grand Lake and hop on the Trail Ridge Road, which is one of the most scenic drives in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Lunch in Grand Lake.
- Paddle boat, kayak or Stand-Up Paddle Board rentals at the Marina.
- Drive to Dillon, Colorado.
- Get dinner at the local brewery, a pizza shop or Tiki Bar down by the marina.
- Overnight in Dillon.
Day 3: Breckenridge and Vail
- Kick off the day with a view over Lake Dillon at Sapphire Point Overlook (easy hike) or on Ptarmigan Trail(turn left for 3.7-miles).
- See the Breckenridge Troll, Free Gondola rides and Epic Discovery Adventure Park.
- Lunch in adorable downtown Breckenridge.
- Spend the afternoon in Vail:
- Hiking with llamas
- White water rafting
- Relaxing at the spa
- Vail Village Dinner (tons of great restaurants)
- Overnight in Vail.
Day 4: Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, Rifle Falls, and Grand Junction
- See the amazing Hanging Lake (must have chosen advanced permit).
- Glenwood Springs —Natural Hot Springs—painting party with a twist they are perfect year round!
- Lunch at Slope and Hatch.
- What to Do: Visit Colorado’s triple waterfall in Rifle Falls State Park It Is an Short, Easy Walk
- Drive to Grand Junction just in time for wine tasting and a dinner,
- Overnight in Grand Junction.
Day 5: Grand Mesa, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Colorado National Monument
- Holcombe recommends visiting Grand Mesa and Land’s End Observatory, where you’ll experience panoramas so breathtaking that it will be hard to go back.
- From here, continue on Highway 50 in route to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- Parks is the Scenic South Rim Drive and offers some truly beautiful views into canyon.
- Head back to I-70 and make sure you’re at an overlook of the Colorado National Monument for sunset.
- Overnight in Grand Junction.
Day 6: Utah Scenic 128 and Canyonlands National Park
- But a too little read sign, told us to go another mile and take the exit in Cisco Utah. Beaucoup more interesting!
- Highway 128 to Moab (extremely scenic)
- Take the plunge in Colorado River with beach touch ups.
- In Moab, once you arrive, there are views for days at Canyonlands National Park
- Take a look at my post about some hikes in Canyonlands, including the super easy Mesa Arch Trail.
- Overnight in Moab.
Day 7: Arches National Park and Moab
- Get up early and hike to the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
- Drive the Gorgeous Arches Scenic Drive
- The Windows & Double Arch: a short walk from the parking lot to some large Arches • Landscape Arch(2.9 mi., 1 way), Hike for families）。
- Late Lunch — Quesadilla Mobilla (seriously, you gotta go here!)
- Hell’s Revenge Tour or relax down at Ken’s Lake in the afternoon
Whew! What a full, adventure-packed week, right? This amazing journey from Denver to Moab offers some of the best scenic views and drivable routes in the country!
What to Pack for Your Denver to Moab Road Trip
Prepare for the big day with these essentials that will help you make your journey smooth and relaxed
America the Beautiful: And there are a lot of amazing stops you’re going to want along the way, especially if you’re Arches National Park-bound.
Snacks: Pass on the gas station food and plan ahead of time. List of 101 Road Trip Food Ideas to Keep You Fully Fueled
Sunglasses, Sun Hat and Sunblock: The sun is strong at high elevations and in the desert so protect yourself. This eco sunblock is something that I have with me all the time on trips, and it smells divine.
Clothing Layers: It is going to be really hot in the desert but cooler at night on the mountains. Merino wool, which is great for layering and regulating body temperature. The layers play nice with pretty much any travel.
Water Shoes: Definitely necessary! From kayaking in Grand Lake to wading through streams in Breckenridge, or simply hiking down the water trail at Faux Falls Moab, a comfortable pair of water shoes are all but necessary. My go-to pair is in gray.
With hiking trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake Dillon, Canyonlands and Arches Van lifer Hiking Gear These hiking boots, my husband’s beloved boots, a trusted rucksack and trekking poles.
Bring Your Winter Gear: If you are making the drive during winter – particularly on I-70, then gear up for snowstorms. Include more food, water, blankets and cold weather gear. Even a folding shovel and basic first aid kit are good ideas.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Denver to Moab Adventure
No matter how many stops you decide to make, your trip from Denver to Moab is going to be fantastic. Finally, a couple more things you may want to know before having that perfect trip yourself!
Hydration: The weather is dry so stay well hydrated. Furthermore, remember to moisturize your skin and lips with lotion or lip balm frequently.
Prepare for Altitude Sickness: If you are not accustomed to high altitudes they can make your pilgrimage very difficult. Hydrate + pack an Advil! I’ve only once encountered it in my many trips to Colorado, but you never know.
Respect Local Laws: Similar to Amsterdam, where pot is legal and sold in coffee shops but cannot be smoked there (sit down for a second because smoking anything on our soil could get you kicked out of the county), weed’s all good here so long as you stay lowkey. For example, DUI laws are the same for alcohol. You may smell it more in the bigger cities, such as Denver up to a certain point and less so when you head out west.
Stay Open: Things can change quickly, and even the best laid plans (bad weather, road closures etc.) may go awry. Watch for smoke and fires statewide during the summer and early fall. Alter as necessary and get the most out of your trip!
Moab to Denver – That’s a Wrap!
This is the beginning of a great journey! You might be taking a weekend trip from Denver to Moab or doing the whole loop and experiencing as many sights along the way.
The great thing about this route is that you get to choose what interests/ doesn’t interest you. The list of things to do and see on the way is vast. It is a beautiful drive that you will have for the rest of your life!
