Take a Road Trip to the Ultimate U.S. Driving State, Utah, from Salt Lake to Moab
Utah is one of the best states to plan a road trip, and in fact, it's the best way to see the state. There's only one major airport and city within the state, Salt Lake City, and the rest of the destinations are very spread out. A Utah road trip will allow you some incredible opportunities for sightseeing, with breathtaking mountains, some of the best National Parks in the U.S., charming small towns and of course, the great city of Salt Lake.
The Most Popular Destinations via Road Trip in Utah
Click to a section of this page using this Table of Contents
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Road Sign Warns of Upcoming Road Conditions on a Utah Desert Highway, Utah
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- Salt Lake City
- Bryce Canyon
- Zion Canyon
- Monument Valley
- Provo | Four Corners Monument
- St. George
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Arches National Park
- Park City | Valley of the Gods
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Glen Canyon Recreation Area | Moab
- Grand Staircase | Cedar Breaks
Utah map photo by debaird on flickr.
Intro photo of Route 12, Utah by Wolfgang Staudt, both licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.
Salt Lake City
Things to do in Salt Lake City, the state capitol
Salt Lake Valley in Autumn, Salt Lake City, Utah
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There are a number of free and cheap things to do in Salt Lake City. The surroundings and beautiful mountain scenery are what entertains many, but the downtown has some worthwhile attractions that you should check out. Here are a few things to do in Salt Lake City
Things to do in Salt Lake City:
1. The Tracy Aviary
2. The Clark Planetarium
3. Salt Lake Temple
4. Salt Lake City Library
5. Utah's Hogle Zoo
6. Great Salt Lake State Park
7. Temple Square
Fall Foliage in Utah
One of the best times to visit Utah
Fall Foliage along Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah, USA
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Fall foliage isn't just a New England thing. Bright, brilliant autumn foliage can be seen in the regions of southern and northern Utah, but have different peak foliage times. The fall colors tour of Utah website will give you a great idea of what to see and where within the state.
Zion National Park
Unmatched scenery from the breathtaking Virgin River and Zion Canyon
There's scenery, and then there's Zion. Zion National Park is an incredible journey, and probably the most beautiful spot of the entire state. The Virgin River has carved the incredible canyon of Zion over thousands of years, leaving the land that is now standing -- towering red mountains and an birch tree filled valley. The river recedes into the tiny section known as The Narrows, a huge challenge for hikers.
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Zion National Park
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Zion National Park sits right at the top of my most favorite National Parks. The unbelievable canyon that has been carved by the flowing Virgin River is one of the most tranquil, serene, and visited places in the United States National Park System. R...
Capitol Reef National Park
Take a drive along Waterpocket Fold for miles of cliffside scenery
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
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Capitol Reef National Park is a rugged region of south central Utah, named for its dome shaped rocks that sit on top of the long Waterpocket Fold. This area of earth's crust is risen upwards, and is a continuous butte-like cliff or plateau that is nearly impenetrable. There are few roads leading through the fold, but a great view can be seen around and near the land.
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Capitol Reef National Park
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The area of southern Utah desert known as Capitol Reef National Park is one of the newer discoveries in the United States, with paved roads leading to the park constructed only in the 1960's. The giant ripple of the Earth's crust known as Waterpocket...
Canyonlands National Park
Vast canyons and impressive ancient history in Canyonlands
The Wall, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
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It's been said that Canyonlands is actually more impressive than the Grand Canyon. Is it true? Well, that you'll have to judge for yourself, as pictures just can't do it justice. What Canyonlands does have is four unique regions, all with their own "theme." Rivers, cliffs, canyons, and more are what bring visitors to Canyonlands, while hiking and biking remain the most popular of activities.
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Canyonlands National Park
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Over millions of years, the Colorado River and Green River have been have been busy at work creating the wonderous Canyonlands National Park of southern Utah. Deep canyon crevices, high mesas, and winding rivers make for excellent photography, mounta...
Scenic Driving in Utah
Take advantage of one of the best driving states in the USA
Driving in Utah is a road tripper's dream. National Parks, winding roads, high mountains, low deserts, unique wildlife, roadside diners, big cities, small towns... everything you could ask for is in the beautiful state. This guide gives an excellent feel for the entire state, with beautifully illustrated photographs, tips and suggestions for your road travels.
Scenic Driving Utah, 2nd (Scenic Driving Series)
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/21/2009)
Used Price: $6.05
From the lush alpine terrain of the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains to the fantastic rock formations of Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Parks, discover Utah's treasures. This guide features twenty-eight drives that highlight the natural and cultural history of the land of the Great Salt Lake.
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Arches National Park
Experience the beauty of the natural sandstone arches
Double Arch Frames Turret Arch at Dawn, Arches National Park, Utah, USA
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Priceline.com has hotels available at up to 50% off, in towns like Moab, St. George, and Salt Lake City. Always check to see if they have cheaper rates!
Arches National Park contains the most natural arches in the world within such a small area, with hundreds of arches to explore by foot or drive by in the car along the main route. Some of the best arches, however, must be hiked to via foot. Plan your trip at the beginning or end of the day if you are heading to the park during the late spring or summer months, as the temperatures are just too hot for hiking during the middle of the day (over 100 degrees F!).
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Sites and Attractions in Arches National Park
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Arches National Park is located right outside Moab, Utah, and actively preserves over 2,000 beautiful sandstone arches, like world famous Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, as well as the strange rock formations like Balanced Rock and the gigantic Cou...
Bryce Canyon National Park
Spectacular must see scenery in Southern Utah
Winter Time in Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
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Bryce Canyon is one of the must-sees of Utah. If you can only see a few things in the state, see Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches. Bryce Canyon is a giant ampitheater of fossilized hoodoos rock formations, which are sandstone weathered rock spikes that line the floor of this giant valley. The rocks are best seen at sunset or sunrise, when the spectacular reds, browns and orange hues come to life and make for the ultimate photography opportunity.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
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Dark Reds, vibrant oranges, warm earth toned browns and whites combine like an artist's palette at southwestern Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park. The ampitheater area contains large geological rock formations called hoodos. A unique combination of w...
Utah Ornaments, Magnets and Prints
Unique tokens to remember your trip to Utah
These cool tokens are a great way to remember your trip to Utah. Whether you need an ornament for your tree (which is a good form of souvenir, by the way, instead of a shot glass or postcard), fridge magnet or wall art, you can find them on CafePress. Click through any item to start your own search for more customized items.
Hoodoos - Ornament (Round)
The famous hoodoos spires of Bryce on this round ornament will be a great addition to your Christmas tree.
Price: 7.98
Salt Lake City Utah Greetings Rectangle Magnet
Greetings from Salt Lake City! A vintage style magnet that everyone will love. Post up your photos from your trip!
Price: 5.99
Capitol Reef Large Framed Print
Capitol Reef National Park, original artwork on this beautiful framed print. Click through to see the amazing detail on this piece.
Price: 49.95
Arches NP Rectangle Magnet
When you visit any National Park, you'll receive a brochure from the ranger station that looks like this one. Here's the one for Arches on a magnet for your fridge or for work.
Price: 5.99
Monument Valley
Weathered sandstone buttes and formations in the Navajo desert of Utah
Monument Valley - Arizona
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Monument Valley is another remote area of southern Utah (like most of the destinations in the state are) that can be accessed via a long, straight road that is often photographed (see the photo above). After driving down this seemingly endless road, you will enter the Navajo Nation Tribal Park at Monument Valley. The land is sacred to them here, but luckily the land is open to tours via jeep excursions around the Mittens region. Plan on spending a few hours at Monument Valley to take in the scenery, and to prepare yourself for the long ride out. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid long lines and the hot summer heat.
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Monument Valley
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Monument Valley is a very remote section of the Southwestern United States on the Arizona/Utah border, close to the Four Corners region. From looking at the pictures, it does not look like a traditional valley at all, and it isn't. Huge, ancient, tow...
Avoid the heat in your car!
Keep your valuables and anything meltable under a light towel. It's a good idea to not leave your luggage (especially electronics) in the car for a long period of time. The heat can cause serious damage in minutes.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The remote, fossil rich fronteir of Utah
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Closeby to Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell is the beautiful Grand Staircase-Escalante region of Utah. Of the lower 48 states, the Grand Staircase Monument has the distinct honor of being the last area to be mapped out, and is largely still untraveled because of its vastness and remoteness. The area is made of high plateausand multi colored cliffs, composed largely of sedimentary rock that is highly studied to this day by paleontologists and scientists. Dinosaur and other prehistoric fossils are not a rare occurance in this land.
Road Navigation Made Simple: Garmin nüvi 360
Make your trip easier and stress free with a road navigator
Utah is a big state. It's pretty easy to get confused in the middle of the desert where everything looks the same and you start to lose your sense of direction. A road navigator will help immensely with this problem. I was a skeptic until I used one on my last trip, and now I swear by them. Garmin makes an incredible model with their Nuvi 360, which has text to speech options (perfect for the road), and is portable so you can take it in over night. These have also come down drastically in price recently, making them much more affordable.
Garmin nüvi 360 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Text-To-Speech
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
* Bluetooth wireless technology, built-in microphone, and speaker for hands-free calls with compatible phones
* MP3 player with pre-loaded sample songs and audio books, JPEG picture viewer, travel alarm, and currency converters
* 2D or 3D views; pre-loaded with most recent Navteq-driven maps for United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Canada
* Turn-by-turn directions with actual street names; real-time traffic and weather info
* Super-bright 2.8 x 2.1-inch sunlight-readable color screen
Avg. Customer Rating:
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Enjoy the 1.25 million acres of desert wilderness for camping, boating and sightseeing
It's a summer getaway for many people seeking refuge from the dry desert. Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area cover 1.25 million acres of land to explore and enjoy. Recreational activities that are popular include boating, one of the biggest activities, camping, sightseeing (there's petroglyphs located within the boundaries of the recreation area), and swimming.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Beautiful hoodoos and red rock canyon scenery
Aerial View of Jagged Rock Formations, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah, USA
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
Not so far from Zion and Bryce Canyon, you can find the hidden ampitheater known as Cedar Breaks National Monument. Just like Bryce Canyon, you can find strange rock spire formations and a vast open canyon-like setting. Unlike Bryce, though, this won't have the long lines of traffic in the summer, or all of the annoying tourists. If it's a weekend day, you might want to plan to head here instead of Bryce, then hit Bryce on a weekday.
Take Your Own Car or Rent?
The pros and cons of taking your own car
Taking your own car has its pros and cons. A rental, on the other hand, has its pros and cons, too. If you take your own car on a road trip to Utah, you might be exposing it to some adverse conditions like extreme heat, but on the other hand, you know your own car, you'll feel comfortable in it, and you'll save money versus a car rental. Renting a car costs money, but has a lot of positives.
1. You won't be putting the stress on your car.
2. You'll keep the mileage down in your car.
3. You won't have to worry about it getting stolen because it isn't yours (granted the rental is insured).
4. You can get a better mileage car like a hybrid just for the trip.
5. Cars with navigation built in are often available.
You can find some excellent hybrid rental cars at Expedia.com, which has a bunch of different agencies that they find deals with.
The Four Corners Monument
The meeting point of four U.S. states
The Four Corners National Monument is a fun trip, basically just the point where the four states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona converge. There's a marker on the ground that marks the spot. It's close in relation to Monument Valley and Sunset Crater, so it you can work it into your trip easily.
Photo by dbaron on flickr, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0.
More Information on Road Trippin' Across the 50 States
The U.S. Road Trip Travel Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byValley of the Gods
Utah's little known desert gem
Sandstone Monoliths, Valley of the Gods, Utah, USA
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Valley of the Gods
Affectionately known as the mini Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods bears a resemblance to its larger sister park, but is much more remote (yes, it is possible), and can only be accessed via a long dirt road.
Utah T-Shirts for the Road
Hit the road with these stylish travel themed tees!
Show off your love for Utah! Whether you're a skiier, mountain biker, photographer, or just a road trip lover, you'll be able to appreciate these well designed unique travel t-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women and kids. All of these designs area available on other styles and colors.
Utah, but I'm taller blue Women's Pink T-Shirt
Utah.. but I'm taller. Show off your love for the state of Utah and it's simplistic 4 letter name with this stylish pink womens t-shirt.
Price: 15.99
Retro Utah Infant Creeper
A retro swash style infant onesie shirt featuring the word, Utah, which will look great on your baby!
Price: 13.99
Ski Utah (female) Hooded Sweatshirt
Ski Utah! This fun hooded sweatshirt will remind you of your winter getaway to one of the best known ski destinations in the United States.
Price: 40.99
"Utah is a four-letter word." Jr. Ringer T-shirt
Utah is a four letter word... is that a good thing or bad?
Price: 21.99
Vintage Utah in Pink Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
A vintage style cap sleeve womens Utah shirt, with black cap sleeves and a classic style arched block text.
Price: 18.99
Park City
A skiing paradise in Northern Utah's famed Park City
Forbes Traveler Magazine named Park City one of the top 20 "prettiest cities in America," for its beautiful rolling hills and high mountain peaks. Park City is located around 30 miles east of Salt Lake City, and a big ski resort town. Tourism and skiing are what drive the economy of Park City, like Moab, Utah. It's also the home to the world known independent Sundance Film Festival. The town is alive and booming in the winter months, but also has a good amount of people during the summer season as tourists. You won't be disappointed by the charm and great skiing opportunities that you can find here.
Utah Featured in Blogs
The latest blogs updated every 30 minutes!
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- Beware of the air in Top of Utah | Standard-Examiner – Ogden ...
- The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has called a.
- Lawyer: Husband of missing mom has left Utah | Standard-Examiner ...
- SALT LAKE CITY -- A Utah man considered a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife has left the state with the couple's two young children...
- Husband of missing Utah woman attends Puyallup vigil - Seattle ...
- A Utah man considered a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife was among more than 60 people who attended a vigil for her Sunday night in her parents' hometown of Puyallup. - Seattle News at MyNorthwest.com.
Provo
Near Salt Lake City, a great stopping point before Southern Utah
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Mountain Biking in Fall, Uinta National Forest, Provo, Utah
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South of Salt Lake City is the small town of Provo, Utah. The town is a great stopping point between Salt Lake City and the southern region of National Parks. The town has beautiful rock canyons, and couldn't be easier to get to along I-15.
What's Your Favorite Utah Destination?
Tweet your favorite spot, town, park, restaurant or insider place!
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St. George
America's fastest growing city and a good base for Bryce and Zion trips
St. George, Utah, has exploded in growth over the past few years, and is one of America's fastest growing cities. Located near Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, the area is an arid desert region, located in the Utah Dixie. Summers are hot, winters are mild, and the air is very dry. St. George enjoys being far away from most major cities, while still being large enough to afford many conveniences and luxuries. You'll find stopping or staying in this town a welcome retreat from miles upon miles of desert driving.
Moab
Beautiful canyon scenery and fun activities in the tourist hub of Moab, Utah
Two Men Mountain Bilking on Rocks, Slickrock Trail, Moab, Utah, USA
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Moab is a base and tourist town for those visiting Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, and is situated in a canyon. The Colorado River winds right next to the town, and is right outside of Dead Horse Point State Park. The town relies heavily on tourism for survival and is quite far from any major city. The closest is Grand Junction, Colorado, just over the border along I--70. The town attracts thousands of mountain biking enthusiasts, rock climbers, Jeep and Land Rover owners (there are annual meetings on the rocks!), tourists and photographers for its beautiful canyons, nearby National Parks, and the winding, constantly moving Colorado River that continuously changes this environment.
Dead Horse Point State Park
The famous canyon near Moab Utah
Right:Dead Horse Point State Park, USA Photographic Print
Dead Horse Point State Park is located near Moab, Utah, and is one of the most impressive and famous sites in Utah. The Colorado River winds its way through the cliffs which are 2,000 feet above. Millions of years of erosion can be seen in this canyon, with multiple strata layers being visible from the river's pounding forces at work.
Take a Road Trip to Other U.S. Destinations:
More travel destinations to get to by road!
Take a look at these other road trip guides to start planning your driving getaways!
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Northern U.S. Road Trip
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Have You Been to Utah? Have any travel tips to share?
Share your Utah experience!
What's your favorite travel destination? Submit your travel lens to the ExSquidition Travel Journal!
Goblin Valley, Utah, USA
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- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Nov 23, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
- As always you have created an exceptional lens. I visited Utah this year as part of a long road trip and particularly enjoyed staying there. Park City was my favorite place. I want to return back next year and see Bryce and Zion. Angel Blessings to you
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- kimarn kimarn Oct 27, 2009 @ 11:21 am
- You presented these Utah locations very well. Thanks for sharing!
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- enslavedbyfaeries enslavedbyfaeries Jun 18, 2009 @ 3:52 pm
- This is a truly exceptional and beautiful lens! Congratulations on the much deserved Purple Star. I live in Utah right next to the Provo River Trail and it's cool to see familiar destinations you've shared. :)
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- mysticmama mysticmama Jun 14, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
- What a beautiful lens :-)
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- janices7 janices7 Jun 12, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
- Gorgeous - Southern Utah has some of the prettiest scenery in the U.S. and you can't beat the skiing around Salt Lake City. My brother-in-law and his family lived in Salt Lake for a few years and we enjoyed our trips there. Fantastic pics. 5* and a big hearty congrats on the purple star.
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Reply
- mulberry mulberry Jun 11, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
- I've been a few of these places, it really is worth the trip! Love all the photos!
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- TheWhistler TheWhistler Jun 11, 2009 @ 11:56 am
- Informative and colourful lens. Thanks you.
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- Jimmie Jimmie Jun 11, 2009 @ 5:43 am
- I've never been out west and I so want to!
Blessed!
- The Most Popular Destinations via Road Trip in Utah
- Salt Lake City
- Fall Foliage in Utah
- Zion National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Scenic Driving in Utah
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Utah Ornaments, Magnets and Prints
- Monument Valley
- Avoid the heat in your car!
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Road Navigation Made Simple: Garmin nüvi 360
- Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Take Your Own Car or Rent?
- The Four Corners Monument
- More Information on Road Trippin' Across the 50 States
- Valley of the Gods
- Utah T-Shirts for the Road
- Park City
- Utah Featured in Blogs
- Provo
- What's Your Favorite Utah Destination?
- St. George
- Moab
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Take a Road Trip to Other U.S. Destinations:
- Have You Been to Utah? Have any travel tips to share?
by kiwisoutback
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