9 Moab Scenic Drives Ultimate Guide

There are some absolutely beautiful Moab Scenic Drives.

Whilst most people in Moab are probably there to visit the Utah National Parks of Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park, there’s plenty of beautiful scenery to see around Moab and outside of the National Parks.

For days when it’s just too hot to be walking around the National Parks then jump in your car, get on a good road trip playlist, load up with snacks, and put on that air conditioning as you explore these scenic drives Moab has to offer.

While many scenic drives in Moab require a 4×4 or ATV to explore them, that’s not the case will all of them. We had our Ford E150 van when we were traveling in North America and were still able to enjoy a range of scenic drives around Moab.

The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway 128 to Cisco from Moab is one of the most popular, but there are several other scenic drives near Moab too.

Along the way, you’ll see canyons, rivers, mountains, and arches that aren’t as packed as those within the National Park.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know for a fantastic trip to Moab. I’ll tell you about the best times to visit, the top spots to see, and the most amazing routes to drive.

Add a scenic drive in Moab to your Moab itinerary and get out and explore!

Map of the best Moab Scenic Drives

You’ll find all the scenic drives in Moab outlined on this map of the best things to do in Moab. Just click the image below to open it up on your Google Maps app or website.

Moab Scenic Drives without a 4WD

1. The Upper Colorado Scenic Drive on Byway 128 Utah to Cisco

• Mileage: 44 miles one way
• Time: ~2 hours
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? No

The scenic journey from Moab to Cisco along Byway 128, also known as the “River Road,” is an unforgettable drive.

Packed with impressive landscapes and interesting landmarks to see along the way, this drive carves its way alongside the Colorado River.

You’ll pass through a red rock canyon, and open desert landscapes, and finally come out to the semi-abandoned town of Cisco.

This journey is also equally picturesque in reverse if you’re coming from the 70 into Moab.

Lions Park

Kick-start your scenic adventure at Lions Park, located near Highway 191 which leads to Moab. This addition to the area features a spacious, free car park, spring-fed drinking water, and restroom facilities.

Its main attraction, however, is the miles of newly built boardwalks, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the river.

It’s also right next to Matrimony Spring a natural spring that’s been a pit-stop for travelers for years.

Here, you can fill your bottles with fresh spring water or just marvel at the sight of water flowing straight from the mountainside.

Negro Bill Canyon

Following the Hwy 128 Scenic Byway, Negro Bill Canyon awaits. An excellent place for a hike, it offers a trail that leads to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge, a picturesque location that remains shaded throughout the day.

Big Bend Campground

Eight miles further up the winding road, you’ll reach Big Bend Campground. You can take a break here to relax along the river and admire the red rocked beauty all around you.

Red Cliffs Lodge

At mile 14, you’ll find the Red Cliffs Lodge.

Set in a huge valley, the lodge offers various attractions, including horseback riding tours, a free movie museum, and the Castle Creek Winery, where you can enjoy wine tasting and delicious meals.

Fisher Towers

Just seven miles ahead from the lodge, turn right off Highway 128 towards Fisher Towers.

This cluster of iconic rock spires, towering between 400 to 900 feet, offers several hiking trails and has been a popular setting for Western films.

You can also see the towers from the side of the road and they’re super impressive.

Hittle Bottom Campground

Resume your drive along Highway 128 to reach Hittle Bottom Campground at mile 23.

Like Big Bend, it gives you another chance to unwind by the river and bask in the beauty of the rocky surroundings.

Dewey Bridge

The next attraction on this route is the Dewey Bridge.

Erected in 1916, it tragically burnt down in 2008. All that’s left is the steel frame and cable wiring and some placards thanking donors who contributed to refurbishing the bridge in 2000 just 8 years before it was gone forever.

The Ghost Town of Cisco

The scenic drive culminates at the almost ghost town of Cisco.

Once a bustling refueling station for the railroad, the town now lies largely abandoned.

A few residents can still be spotted occasionally, maintaining the balance between its present status and its historic past. A walk around town offers a glance at aged cars and a peek through the windows of the former general store, hinting at the lifestyle once led here.

2. Potash Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway

• Mileage: 17 miles one way
• Time: ~1 hour
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? No

For 17 miles, the Potash Scenic Byway, also known as Wall Street, winds alongside a sandstone cliff, with the Colorado River flowing alongside it.

This corridor is a treasure trove of lush canyons, dinosaur footprints, ancient rock art, arches, and a range of climbing routes. It’s also known as the Utah scenic byway 279 rock art sites drive. the Potash Rutahoad Moab.

This route is near the Moab area and there are plenty of cool places to stop along the way. This includes Corona Arch which is one of the best arches near Moab that’s not in Arches National Park!

Where to stop on the Potash Scenic Drive

As you move along, you’ll encounter multiple attractions that demand a stop. These include:

• River Pullout: A designated stopping point along the route where you can pull over and enjoy the views. From here, you can see the Moab Valley and red rock cliffs.
• Jaycee Park & Portal Overlook: Jaycee Park is a well-maintained picnic area and campground next to the Colorado River. Portal Overlook is a moderately difficult trail where you’ll get spectacular views of the river portal. It’s especially good at sunrise or sunset.
• Wall Street: This is the best section of the drive where towering sandstone walls flank the road. This is where the drive gets its name as the rocks are like the tall buildings lining Wall Street in New York. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing year-round.
• Rock Art: The ancient petroglyphs here are thought to be created by the Puebloan people and are over a thousand years old! There’s a riverside pullout where you can park up and get out to check out the petroglyphs.
• Corona Arch: A relatively easy 3-mile round-trip trail takes you to the stunning Corona Arch. You can also continue to Bowtie Arch if you want.
• Potash Boat Ramp: This is the final stop along the drive and it’s a peaceful spot on the banks of the Colorado River.

3. Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky Scenic Drive

• Mileage: 34 miles round trip
• Time: ~2 hours
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? No

The Island in the Sky Scenic Drive in Canyonlands National Park offers a glimpse into what this huge National Park has to offer.

Starting 10 miles north of Moab via US-191 and then taking UT-313 southwest for 22 miles, you’ll reach the entrance of Islands in the Sky District.

The drive from the park’s entrance takes you past some of the best overlooks including Mesa Arch and other lookouts over the canyons and river carving the landscape.

• Mesa Arch: A popular and easily accessible landmark, Mesa Arch sits on the edge of a 500-foot cliff. A short hike takes you to this natural stone arch that frames a picture-perfect view of the White Rim and the mountains beyond.
• Grand View Point: The drive’s final viewpoint, Grand View Point offers a panoramic view of the Island in the Sky mesa and the surrounding canyonlands. The overlook has a short, easy trail that offers different perspectives on the layered red rock landscape.

4. Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway

• Mileage: 22 miles one way
• Time: ~1 hour
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? No

For a great sunset trip near Moab, take the 22-mile Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway, which starts at the intersection of US-191 and UT-313, north of Moab.

Initially, the drive goes past the canyons before climbing to the mesa top.

Take a detour into Dead Horse Point State Park to see the impressive canyon views and finally arrive at the Dead Horse Point Overlook.

This State Park is often overlooked by visitors who just go to Canyonlands and Arches, so it’s a great place to add to your Moab trip. The stunning 360-degree view of the canyons below and the mountains in the distance, especially during sunset, is absolutely beautiful!

Where to stop on the Dead Horse Point Drive

• The Junction: Where Highway 191 and Highway 313 meet marks the start of the drive. It begins within the confines of narrow canyon walls and gradually ascends to the top of the mesa, offering contrasting landscapes.
• Dead Horse Point Overlook: A viewpoint that gives you a panorama of the carved canyon landscape with the Colorado River meandering 2,000 feet below you.
• Dead Horse Point State Park: A small but picturesque park boasting deep canyons, vertical cliffs, and great views.

5. Arches National Park Scenic Drive

• Mileage: 36 miles round trip
• Time: ~2 hours, but give yourself more time to pull over and explore the park
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? No

Take one of the most famous Moab scenic drives by driving through Arches National Park.

The drive takes you through the park with several lookout points and trailheads for hiking such as the Devils Garden hike and Delicate Arch trail.

The park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, soaring pinnacles, gigantic balanced rocks, and sandstone fins.

The drive starts just 5 miles north of Moab and you’ll need to get a timed reservation to enter the park from 2023.

Even though Arches National Park can be crowded, its amazing views, beautiful hikes, and numerous photo opportunities make it a must-visit destination.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

Where to stop on the Arches Scenic Drive

• La Sal Mountains: As you drive deeper into the park, the majestic La Sal Mountains rise in the distance, creating a picture-perfect contrast to the red rocks of the Arches.
• Courthouse Towers viewpoint: Take a leisurely 1-mile hike on the Park Avenue Trail and see the incredible rock formations.
• Balanced Rock, the Windows District, and the Fiery Furnace area: As you continue your drive, don’t miss the unique Balanced Rock formation, the panoramic views from the Windows District, and the intricate maze of sandstone columns known as the Fiery Furnace area. You’ll need a permit to fully explore the Fiery Furnace area.
• Delicate Arch: The most famous arch in the park, Delicate Arch, can either be viewed from a distance or up close via a 3-mile hike. If you’re planning to hike, get there early to avoid the crowds.
• Devil’s Garden (8 Arches): At the end of the Arches Scenic Drive, you’ll find the Devil’s Garden trail which has 8 arches you can hike out to.

6. Mineral Bottom BLM 129

• Mileage: 37 miles round trip
• Time: ~1.5 hours, but give yourself more time to pull over and enjoy the views
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? All-wheel drive is strongly recommended.

If you’re looking for an adventure away from the crowds, the Mineral Bottom BLM 129 drive is perfect.

The journey starts from the Island in the Sky Scenic Byway, and takes you across a large plateau.

Following the BLM Road 129 turnoff, you’ll navigate steep dirt switchbacks down to the canyon bottom. This is a drive where every turn reveals a new view!

Whether you choose to head north towards the stunning camping spots or south towards the back entrance of Canyonlands National Park you’ll be truly surrounded by the beautiful of this area’s unusual landscapes.

Pro Tip: There are a few great free (no services) campsites near here if know how to responsibly go free camping.

Where to stop on Mineral Bottom BLM 129

• Switchbacks: Descend via steep yet well-maintained dirt switchbacks leading down to the canyon bottom. Remember, uphill traffic has the right of way.
• Canyon Bottom: At the canyon bottom, you can choose to head north or south along the Green River. The northern route offers excellent camping spots and ends where the road becomes too rough to traverse. A boat ramp here provides river access.
• Back Entrance to Canyonlands National Park: Going south takes you to the back entrance of Canyonlands National Park. The road past this point is extremely rough, and a permit and high-clearance vehicle are needed to continue further.

Moab Scenic Drives Needing a 4-Wheel Drive

If you’re looking for remote adventure, you’ll love these Moab scenic drives.

You won’t need a super-powered vehicle like you would for some of Moab’s renowned Jeep Trails. But a high-clearance vehicle with low gears is essential. Think along the lines of a standard Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner. All-terrain tires are also recommended.

7. Kane Creek (Route 145) and Chicken Corners

• Mileage: 42 miles round trip
• Time: ~2 hours
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? Yes, 4WD recommended

Take a serene drive along Kane Creek Road (Route 145). It’s an underrated scenic drive that is just a stone’s throw from downtown Moab and follows the eastern side of the Colorado River.

You’ll go through a deep river canyon, and see stunning views and there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, going out on Jeeps, and mountain biking.

Keep an eye out for rock art left by Indigenous Peoples too!

The first part of the drive is on a narrow paved road and the second is on a dirt road which you should have a 4×4 for to get to Chicken Corners where toy chicken dolls mark the trail to keep you on track.

Where to stop on the Kane Creek Scenic Route

• Matheson Wetlands Preserve: As you start the drive along Kane Creek Road and meet the Colorado River, you will reach the Matheson Wetlands Preserve. Home to over 200 bird species and various wetland animals, like beavers and river otters. I recommend walking the mile-long trail.
• Amasa Back & HyMasa Trail: Further along, the paved road turns into a washboard dirt road, and you’ll come across trailheads like Amasa Back and HyMasa Trail. These places are great for hiking and mountain biking.
• Moonflower Canyon: About two miles in, you’ll find a turnoff for Moonflower Canyon on the left. An easy hike leads to a reflecting pool in the canyon.
• Birthing Scene Petroglyph Boulder: Six miles in, look out for a large boulder with petroglyphs on all four sides. The famous “Birthing Scene” is on the eastern side of the boulder, a historic rock art site left behind by the region’s ancient inhabitants.
• Cable Arch: A mile beyond the Birthing Scene Petroglyph, you’ll find Cable Arch. This arch is off the beaten path on an unmarked trail. You can get info for it at the Moab Information Center.
• Crazy Switchbacks: If you’re an adventurous driver, the twisty and steep switchbacks a few miles down the canyon offer a fun experience.
• Hurrah Pass and Overlook: A high vantage point offering stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding landscapes.
• Colorado River Access via Safari Beach: A tranquil beach area offering access to the Colorado River, perfect for a refreshing dip or picnic by the water.
• Toy Chicken Dolls: Quirky trail markers in the form of toy chicken dolls, helping you stay on track to Chicken Corners.

8. White Rim Road

• Mileage: 100-mile loop
• Time: At least 10-12 hours, without stops
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? Yes, 4WD only

Driving the White Rim Road is a challenging off-road adventure in the Islands in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park.

This unpaved drive goes over steep, exposed sections as it loops around the Island in the Sky Mesa and dives into the canyons below.

This trail is a commitment, and drivers should plan for a two to three-day expedition for the full experience, including side hikes to Upheaval Dome and Hardscrabble Hill. It’s worth noting that permits are required for day use and overnight stays. Top attractions include Shafer Canyon Switchbacks, Musselman Arch, and the Fort Bottom Ruin.

• Note: Permits are required for both day use and overnight trips on the White Rim. Book well in advance.

Where to stop on the White Rim Road

• Shafer Canyon Switchbacks: A series of tightly winding roads offering thrilling views of the rugged canyon.
• Shafer Trail Viewpoint: A scenic lookout offering a panorama of the surrounding terrain.
• Turn off for Shafer Canyon Road: A side route that takes you further into the canyon’s heart.
• Gooseneck Overlook: A picturesque overlook presenting a bird’s eye view of the winding Colorado River.
• White Crack Overlook: Another stunning viewpoint, with sweeping views of the white rock formations and surrounding landscape.
• Musselman Arch: A stunning natural rock arch, a must-see geological feature on the trail.
• Murphy Hogback Hill: A hill that presents a challenging yet rewarding climb, with beautiful views at the summit.
• Hardscrabble Hill: Another scenic hill that offers sweeping vistas.
• Fort Bottom Ruin: An archaeological site featuring ancient ruins from the region’s ancestral inhabitants.

9. La Sal Mountain Loop

• Mileage: 60-mile loop
• Time: ~ 2.5-3 hours
• High Clearance Vehicle Required? No

The La Sal Mountain Loop offers amazing views over the Moab Valley and Canyonlands National Park.

Starting south on US-191, you’ll head uphill through alpine evergreens and aspens, experiencing the contrast between desert red rock and lush mountain greenery.

Don’t miss looking checking out Castle Rock, as you descend from the mountains.

If you’re visiting in winter, check for road closures beforehand as snow might close it during winter.

Where to stop on the La Sal Mountain Loop

• Ken’s Lake: An excellent spot to pause and rejuvenate, it offers an idyllic setting for a leisurely lunch or simply soaking in the surrounding beauty.
• Climbing into the Mountains: Enjoy the views as you climb up higher going from desert plateaus to forested mountains.
• Mill Creek Recreation Area & Oowah Lake: Mill Creek is popular with hikers and climbers and Oowah Lake is a pretty mountain lake in the woods
• Warner Lake and Campground & Desert Overlook: A peaceful spot among the aspen trees.
• Castle Valley & Colorado River Scenic Byway: The loop road guides you towards the junction of Highway 128 passing the Red Cliffs Lodge, riverside campgrounds, and the sacred Matrimony Springs

Epic Long-Distance Drives from Moab

Moab is the perfect pit stop on any USA road trip!

The area offers incredible routes that stretch out to various stunning locales across southern Utah and Arizona.

Here are a few great drives to consider:

• Moab to Page, Arizona: This route takes you through Cedar Mesa and Monument Valley, ending at the breathtaking Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Lake Powell near Antelope Canyon.
• Moab to Bryce Canyon: Skip the monotony of the I-70 and instead venture down Highway 24 for a visually rich journey. Starting from Hanksville, pass through quaint towns like Torrey, Boulder, and Escalante before arriving at Bryce Canyon. This drive takes you to San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Grand Staircase Escalante.
• Moab to Zion National Park: This journey showcases the inspiring mountains of the Dixie National Forest and Piute Reservoir. You’ll pass near Bryce Canyon, making it a worthy stopover on your way!

Insider’s Guide to Navigating Moab’s Scenic Drives

Going on a drive through Moab’s desert landscapes can be an unforgettable adventure, but it’s essential to be prepared.

Here are some essential safety tips for a smooth ride.

• Be weather-wise: Avoid driving after storms, as flash floods and muddy trails can lead to hazardous conditions. It’s best to wait 24 hours after heavy rainfall.
• Stay connected: Cell service can be unreliable in these areas, so keep a GPS handy or download maps in advance for offline use.
• Be prepared: Pack the essentials, even for short drives. These include plenty of extra water, snacks, a blanket, additional clothing layers, and sun protection gear.
• Communicate effectively: If you’re part of a convoy, indicate the number of cars following you as you pass other vehicles. This helps others know if they should wait. A fist signal means you’re the last car in the line.
• Respect the right of way: Uphill vehicles have the right of way on tight roads. Yield to the uphill driver when passing, or find a safe place to pull over.
• Share and care: Many of Moab’s drives are popular with cyclists. Give them plenty of space and always be courteous!

FAQs about Scenic Drives Moab

When is the best time to visit Moab?

October stands out as the best time to visit Moab, particularly if you’re planning a driving tour.

Both spring and fall drives in Utah are good options as the temperatures are more comfortable. Fall is typically drier, making it ideal for dirt road adventures. Spring, though slightly wetter and windier, still offers nice weather.

Summers in Moab are best avoided, given the heavy tourist influx and intense heat that can soar well over 100 degrees daily.

Winters present a peaceful alternative as Moab is less crowded, but be aware that many unpaved roads can become snowy, icy, and impossible to drive during this season.

Final thoughts on Moab Scenic Drives

From scenic long-distance drives to local attractions, driving to Moab Utah is beautiful. Once you’re there, the scenic drives in either a normal car or a 4WD give you some incredible Moab scenery and Moab views.

While a 4WD vehicle is a bonus, it’s certainly not a requirement to experience some of the best drives in Utah and these scenic drives and majestic landmarks on a Moab road trip.

Read here for more things to do in Moab, or, if you’re short on time, see my recommendations for visiting Arches and Canyonlands in one day.

Last Updated on July 16, 2023 by Hannah