Why You Should Road Trip from Denver to Moab

Are you craving an epic road trip with unforgettable views? Then, this trip is for you! I've driven this route three times, and below, I will share what to expect, my favorite tips, and why you should do it!

Let's go on this larger-than-life road trip, shall we?

What to Expect

This drive is an experience that takes you through various landscapes and changing terrains. You begin in the plains near the airport and move through the city, then onto the Front Range, where the mountains are truly located—sorry, if you are in Denver, you aren't really in the mountains!

Finally, you transition into the desert. Yes, Colorado indeed has a desert! Crossing into Utah feels like stepping into a different world—often called the "Mars state," Utah's landscapes indeed resemble those of Mars.

The first four hours of the drive through Colorado offer breathtaking views. The real highlight, however, is the Glenwood Springs Canyon. The 13 miles of twisting canyon, with the Colorado River below, is a masterpiece of nature. The interstate here provides stunning views at every turn, leaving you in awe.

As you leave Glenwood behind, the mountains give way to the desert as you approach Grand Junction. This city, surrounded by beautiful buttes and unique scenery, is a true hidden gem. Be sure to take some time to explore its unique charm!

About 20 minutes after passing Grand Junction, you'll reach Fruita. This is where the excitement for what awaits you in Utah starts to build. The border between Fruita and Utah is just 8 minutes away.

At this point, the road opens up to 80 mph, transporting you to another planet. You'll be greeted by striking rock formations in various shades of red and brown, with the busy I-70 traffic fading behind you—just you and the open road. About an hour and a half later, you'll arrive in Moab.

Tips and Tricks

Below are my favorite places that I have discovered over the years while road tripping from Denver to Moab and back.

Castle Valley (Rt 128) vs. I-70

Both Castle Valley (Rt 128) and I-70 are must-visit routes. Camping along Rt 128 puts you by the river, winding through dramatic red formations. On I-70, you'll pass turnoffs for Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and Arches—all remarkable road trip highlights with stunning landscapes.

Glenwood Springs

Whether you're heading to Moab or returning, Glenwood Springs is the perfect stop for relaxation. My top choice is Iron Mountain Hot Springs, where you can soak in several pools along the Colorado River while enjoying the scenery. What I love about this hot spring is that you are in smaller pools and there are fewer kids around. There is another hot spring called Glenwood, which I was planning to visit, but I decided to go here instead because of the smaller pools. There were times I was the only person in the pool! Be sure to check out my full blog post about them.

Palisade

This is a must-stop for picking up local goodies! They have the cutest little peach market where you can find fresh peaches, homemade pies, and other delicious treats. Don't miss their amazing milkshakes; at least, that's what my friend told me. My personal favorite is the peach smoothie! Which is perfect if you are driving during the summer heat!

Grand Junction

About 20 minutes past Palisade is Grand Junction. I've written about this place before; it's hands down the best spot to stop for pizza or grab a few slices to take with you on your road trip. If you're looking for more adventure, there are plenty of activities to explore, such as strolling through downtown or hiking some of the trails.

Why Should You Do It?

This relatively easy six-hour drive is filled with breathtaking scenery that will distract you from the long drive! Another tip for you is that it's often more cost-effective to fly into Denver rather than directly into Grand Junction and then drive the 1.5 hours to Moab, if you're looking to save on transportation costs.

What do you think? Have you done this drive before? What was your favorite part? And for those planning this trip, let me know in the comments!