The Ultimate Moab to Denver Road Trip - and everything in between!

Tick off a bucket list item by planning an iconic road trip across the United States. Of course the biggest challenge will be determining where to go! With this Moab to Denver road trip itinerary, you’ll get to experience some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. You’ll get to explore the famous canyons and rock arches of Utah all the way to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

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Table of Contents

Where to Stop between Moab and Denver

Driving from Moab to Denver, you’ll pass amazing natural sights and go through some renown resort towns. Plan to take your time on this adventure to truly absorb this stunning part of the United States. While this road trip from Moab to Denver itinerary can be done as quickly as 1 day, I recommend spending at least one week making this epic journey.

Mesa Arch from Island in the Sky — Mesa Arch in Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District

Starting Point: Moab, Utah

To kickoff your roadtrip, you’ll want to get to Moab, Utah. At first look, you might find the city of Moab to be a bit underwhelming, but it’s a true adventure hub. In Moab, you’ll be surrounded by stunning nature and within reach of two of the best National Parks in the United States: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Not to mention, Moab is just a short drive from the scenic Dead Horse Point State Park.

While you’re in Moab, you also won’t want to miss taking a Hell’s Revenge 4×4 off-road adventure or white water rafting on the Colorado River. They’re awesome adrenaline-filled activities that let you really admire the beauty of the area.

Want more ideas for your time in Moab?

Find more things to do in Moab with 6 Best Things to Do in Moab, Utah + a Bonus Moab Itinerary!

Determine where to stay in Moab with the Complete Guide to the Best Hotels in Moab.

Visit Arches National Park from Moab

Located just a few miles from downtown Moab, Arches National Park is the main attraction in the area. In fact, you may be interested in taking a direct road trip from Arches National Park to Denver. However, you’d be missing out on a lot of things to see in between!

If you want to see the highlights of Arches National Park, you can do it in a few hours – particularly if you take a 4×4 tour of Arches NP, but if you want to take in all the main sights and hikes of the park, you’ll need between one to three days. Trust me, it’s worth it!

The best experiences in Arches National Park include:

Hiking up to Delicate Arch for sunset. It is a 3.2 mile out and back hike with ~600 feet of elevation gain.
Witnessing the fabulous Double Arch. It is located only a half mile from the road and an easy walk for most visitors.
Admiring the Double O Arch. This hike is a bit longer at 4.1 miles with almost 700 feet of elevation gain.

Cost: $30 Day Pass or included in the $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass. If you’re headed to Colorado, the Annual Pass is a great bargain as it will get you into all of the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands for a year! There is also a Southeast Utah Parks Pass for $55 that will get you into Arches, Canyonlands, and Natural Bridges National Monument for a year.

Website: Arches National Park

Distance from Moab to Arches National Park: 5 miles / 10 minutes

Explore Canyonlands National Park from Moab

Canyonlands National Park is unique in that it is divided into 4 different districts: Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Green and Colorado Rivers. This means there are a lot of chances to get out and explore!

Most visitors to Canyonlands only check out the Island in the Sky district. However, if you are really outdoorsy, you won’t want to miss hiking in the Needles or rafting the rivers. Meanwhile, the Maze district is all backcountry hiking and only for those looking to rough and tough it out. It is typically visited for three or more days at a time.

Can’t miss experiences in Canyonlands National Park include:

Taking in the jaw dropping sunrise at Mesa Arch in Island in the Sky. It’s just a 0.7 mile hike to get there.
Being awed by the views from Grand View Point Trail in Island in the Sky. It’s a 1.8 mile hike and well worth the effort.
Hiking the Chesler Park Loop Trail in the Needles District. It’s a 10.4 mile hike and will take about 5 hours to complete. It’s a great way to take in the scenery of this off the beaten path district.
Exploring the White Rim Road via 4WD in Island in the Sky for sweeping views, hidden caverns, and secret canyons.

Cost: Also $30 Day Pass, or included in the America the Beautiful Annual Pass and the Southeast Utah Parks Pass.

Website: Canyonlands National Park

Distance from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky District: 30 miles / 40 minutes

District from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, The Needles District: 75 miles / 1 hour 20 minutes

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument has two main entrances located in Grand Junction and Fruita, Colorado. Here you’ll find over 40 trails ranging from 0.25 miles to over 14 miles. You can opt to drive or hike through its impressive 23,000 acres of canyons, plateaus, and massive towers of naturally sculpted monoliths and sheer-walled canyon.

The top three things to do in the Colorado National Monument are:

Driving the 23 mile Rim Rock Drive. It will wind you up switchbacks to mesa tops and driving along the canyon walls before descending into the valley below.
Watching sunrise at Grand View or sunset at Book Cliffs View. It’s the best option for getting amazing photos of the Colorado National Monument.
Checking out the impressive Balance Rock, a 600 ton boulder carefully perched on its rock tower.

Distance from Moab to Colorado National Monument: 100 miles / 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost: $25 Weekly Pass or included in the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. It is also covered under the Colorado National Monument Annual Pass ($45).

Website: Colorado National Monument

Colorado Wine Country in Palisade, CO

Did you know Colorado makes wine? Next up you’ll head to Palisade, CO for some wine tasting. Believe it or not, there are quite a few wineries and vineyards just east of Grand Junction – 27 wineries to be exact. Stop by one or more to learn about the winemaking process and to taste the best wine Colorado has on offer.

Check out at least one of the top 5 wineries in Palisade:

Distance from Colorado National Monument to Colorado Wine Country: 33 miles / 45 minutes

Optional Addition: Aspen

From the winemaking region of Colorado, you have the option to take a side trip down to Aspen. From here you’ll be able to visit one of the most photographed parts of the Rocky Mountains at Maroon Bells. To get to Aspen, you’ll pass through Glenwood Springs, which you’ll stop at on the way back.

During this optional stop, you’ll want to check out some of the best things to do in Aspen, including:

Driving the scenic 20-miles through Independence Pass, one of the highest roads in North America. This road will take you through hair pin turns and along the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet above sea level. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pull over to take jaw dropping pictures of the panoramic vistas.
Visiting the John Denver Sanctuary for its beautiful gardens and family friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place to find some serenity.
Trying out one of the largest and most popular ski areas in the United States at Snowmass. It also has one of the best snowboarding schools in the US.

Admire the Famous Maroon Bells

Located just 10 miles outside of Aspen, you’ll find the famous twin peaks of Maroon Bells. These peaks rise over 14,000 feet above sea level and are some of the most photographed mountains in the entire continent of North America. Unfortunately, due to their popularity, you will need to reserve your visit online before you go.

When you get to Maroon Bells, you’ll have a number of opportunities to explore the area, including:

Strolling around the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, an easy 1.9 mile trail around Maroon Lake. It will take about an hour and is an easy walk for all ability levels.
Hiking the 3.5 miles roundtrip to Crater Lake. This hike will take about 2 hours and has about 700 feet of elevation gain.
Making the 10.9 mile trek along the Maroon Peak Trail. This adventure will take at least 8 hours as you’ll climb almost 5,000 feet in elevation. This difficult hike is certainly not for the faint of heart!

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, consider taking an overnight backpacking trip to tackle the Four Pass Loop. This gorgeous 26 mile hike with 7,870 feet of elevation gain can be split into two days or even 3 or 4 days to really take in the scenery.

Distance from Colorado Wine Country to Aspen: 117 miles / 2 hours

Glenwood Springs

One of the most perfect stops for your Moab to Denver road trip itinerary is by far Glenwood Springs. Home to some of the best hot springs in the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be able to relax in geothermal pools as well as hike to the fabulous Hanging Lake.

The don’t miss opportunities in Glenwood Springs include:

Making the trek to the stunning Hanging Lake. This 3 miles out and back hike packs a serious punch with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Fortunately, you’ll be rewarded at the top with views of Hanging Lake and a number of waterfalls. And you can then cool down in the local hot springs! Make sure to get a hiking permit for Hanging Lake in advance!
Soaking in one of the three hot springs attractions in the area. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is actually home to the largest hot springs pool in the world!
Visiting the natural geothermal steam bath at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves.
Trying a half day of whitewater rafting through Glenwood Canyon.

Distance from Colorado Wine Country to Glenwood Springs: 75 miles / 1 hour 10 minutes

Distance from Aspen to Glenwood Springs: 40 miles / 55 minutes

Vail

Another awesome stop when driving from Denver to Moab is Vail. It is one of the best known mountain towns in Colorado for its epic skiing. However, if you’re not visiting during ski season, there are still plenty of things to do in Vail.

Here are some of the best ways to appreciate Vail:

Checking out the shopping and restaurants as you walk through the picturesque Vail Village. Alternatively, you can also explore Vail on a 2 hour Segway tour.
Visiting the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in the United States at 8,250 feet above sea level.
Flying down the mountainside on the Forest Flyer, an alpine coaster at Vail Ski Resort. This roller coaster offers a unique way to experience Vail with its impressive 3,400 feet track.

Distance from Glenwood Springs to Vail: 60 miles / 1 hour

Pack smartly with the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List!

Breckenridge

Leaving Vail you’ll head on to another world-class ski town – Breckenridge. Situated in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find epic skiing in the winter and amazing hiking in the summer.

Downtown Breckenridge also offers a quaint mountain vibe with no skyscrapers, chain hotels, or chain restaurants – a perfect place to stop between Moab and Denver!

Outside of skiing, extreme sledding, and hiking in Breckenridge, you’ll find a few other key things to do while you’re in town:

Strolling along the Historic Main Street through the picturesque downtown, visiting the boutiques and admiring the crafts and souvenirs.
Seeking out the famous Breckenridge Troll.
Doing a bike and beer tour through some of the best craft breweries and distilleries in Breckenridge.
Riding the free Breckenridge Gondola from town up to Peak 8 Base Area. Here you’ll have beautiful panoramic mountain views and plenty of hiking opportunities in the area.
Going on a gold mine tour that descends over 1,000 feet underground to explore historic tunnels. You’ll also have to try your hand at gold panning!

Distance from Vail to Breckenridge: 36 miles / 45 minutes

Driving through Rocky Mountain National Park — Rocky Mountain National Park

Optional Addition: Rocky Mountain National Park

Before arriving in Denver, you have the opportunity to check out one more amazing National Park: Rocky Mountain National Park! This stop is a bit of a detour, adding a couple of hours to your drive, but it is worth it.

You’ll be rewarded with stunning views and hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as time to explore the fabulous Estes Park.

Here are three of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park:

Hiking one of the 200+ hiking trails through the park. Two of the best hikes to try and fit in are the 3.3 mile Emerald Lake Trail and the 9.4 mile Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail.
Driving Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park for stunning mountain views. Note that this road is only open in the summer months as they have to wait to clear all of the snow at the higher elevations.
Visiting or staying at the haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. This famous hotel was used as the inspiration for Stephen King’s bestselling novel and subsequent film, The Shining.

Distance from Breckenridge to Rocky Mountain National Park: 107 miles / 2 hours 30 minutes

Cost: $30 Day Pass or included in the $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Website: Rocky Mountain National Park

Learn about the 12 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Denver skyline — The Capitol Building and Skyline in Denver

End Destination: Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is your end destination! Due to its elevation being, you guessed it, a mile above sea level, Denver has earned this fun nickname. Here you’ll have plenty of stunning sightseeing opportunities so plan to spend a few days in Denver to explore this beautiful Colorado capital.

While you’re there, taking in as many of the top things to do in Denver as you can, including:

Taking advantage of the free tours at the Colorado State Capitol. They are available on weekdays and you’ll be able to climb up to the rotunda to get a panoramic view of the mountains in the distance. This stunning building sits 5,280 feet above sea level!
Exploring the 16th Street mall, Union Station, the historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) District, and the colorful RiNo (River North) Art District in downtown Denver.
Catching a concert or hiking around the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Tasting all of the delicious Denver delicacies with a downtown Denver Food Tour, Beer Tour, or Cocktail Tour.

Distance from Breckenridge to Denver: 80 miles / 1 hour 40 minutes

Distance from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver: 65 miles / 1 hour 20 minutes

Want to learn more about visiting Denver?

See all of the Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado.

Determine Where to Stay in Denver: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

1 Week Itinerary from Moab to Denver

To make the most of this epic adventure, you’ll want to spend at least one week driving from Moab to Denver. However, if you are working with a tight timeline, you can certainly condense it by prioritizing the stops and places of interest.

If you’re going to spend a week doing it, here is how it shakes out.

Day 1: Visit Arches National Park from Moab

Arches National Park is located just outside of Moab and offers plenty to keep you busy for a day (or more). Work your way through the park checking out all of the fabulous stops and scenery. Try to catch sunset at Delicate Arch before returning to town for dinner.

Where to Stay in Moab: As you’ll be in Moab for multiple nights at the beginning of your trip, you’ll want to select the accommodation best for you and your budget. Here are some of my favorite hotel options in Moab:

Backpacker Budget Option: Lazy Lizard Hostel
Budget Hotels: Adventure Inn Moab | Rustic Inn
Mid-Range Hotels: MainStay Suites Moab | The Gonzo Inn
Luxury Hotels: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton | Red Cliffs Lodge

Day 2: Check Out the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park from Moab

Make the 1 hour 20 minute drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park to hike Chesler Park Loop Trail. This 5 hour hike will give you an overview of the best scenery in the Needles District.

Know what to Pack for a Day Hike: The Essential Hiking Packing List

Day 3: Head to the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Start your day at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try to get there for sunrise at Mesa Arch. Spend the day exploring and hiking through the Island in the Sky before heading to Dead Horse Point State Park.

Arrive at Dead Horse Point State Park at least an hour before sunset to explore a bit. Then catch a beautiful sunset here before heading back to Moab.

Day 4: Colorado National Monument, Colorado Wine Country, Aspen and Maroon Bells

It’s time to hit the road and leave Moab! To take the scenic route from Moab to Denver, follow Route 128 to i70. This way you’ll get the opportunity to admire all of the red rocks as you drive. Your first stop of the day will be the Colorado National Monument.

Explore here before jumping back in the car to head to Colorado Wine Country to grab some lunch and a glass or two or local wine. After lunch, back in the car to head to Aspen to explore and visit Maroon Bells.

End the day by heading back to Glenwood Springs, which you drove through on the way from Colorado Wine Country to Aspen. Alternatively, if you’d rather take it slower or you couldn’t get the needed reservation for Maroon Bells, you can skip Aspen.

Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs: Spend the night at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort to have the largest hot springs pools in the world, right at your hotel!

Day 5: Glenwood Springs, Vail, and Breckenridge

Start your day off in Glenwood Springs by hiking to Hanging Lake and then lounging in the hot springs to recover.

Once you’re fully recouped, meander your way through the resort towns of Vail and Breckenridge taking your time to admire the beautiful ski towns and their respective sights.

Continue on your way to Estes Park to spend your night in one of the most memorable hotels in Colorado.

Where to Stay in Estes Park: Overnight at the famous Stanley Hotel from the movie The Shining for a night you won’t forget.

Day 6: Rocky Mountain National Park

Today you’ll spend the day hiking and driving through Rocky Mountain National Park. You may also want to spend some downtime trying to find wildlife in the park! However you opt to spend your time in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will leave you breathless!

At the end of the day, make your way to your end destination in Denver, Colorado. As you’re driving from Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver make sure to keep your eyes open for Elk and deer! The wildlife in this area is unreal.

Where to Stay in Denver: Stay downtown at the Kimpton Hotel Born, which is located right next to Union Station. It’s the perfect location for exploring Denver. As an added bonus, you’ll have great mountain views from the terrace at the Kimpton – and maybe even your room if you’re lucky!

Day 7: Denver

You have arrived! Make the most of your time in the capital of Colorado for the day – or more! There’s plenty to do in Denver and the surrounding areas to keep you busy for weeks! (Trust me, I lived there for a bit and LOVED it.)

Be prepared with 80+ Good Road Trip Snacks: The Key to Any Successful Road Trip!

FAQs about Traveling from Moab to Denver

Taking a road trip from Moab to Denver offers ample opportunities to explore the beautiful nature out west, but you likely have some questions top of mind.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help ease some of those burning concerns.

How far is Moab from Denver?

The distance from Moab to Denver is just 355 miles. This makes the journey between the two an easy day drive or an even better road trip.

How do I get from Moab to Denver?

Of course the fastest option to get from Moab to Denver would be to fly. However, you would miss out on so many wonderful things between the two cities! Still, it’s a great option for those tight on time. Flights tend to be pretty reasonable, costing around a couple hundred dollars, and the flight time is just over 1 hour.

The best option to get from Moab to Denver is to drive (of course!). This beautiful route will take you through some stunning scenery and cities, not to mention that you’ll want to have a car at your disposal to see all of the fantastic scenery in Moab and beyond!

If you want more transportation options to get from Moab to Denver, you can rent a car in Moab and drive 50 minutes to Green River. From there, you can take the bus or train to Denver.

How long is the drive from Moab to Denver?

A direct drive from Moab to Denver will take right around 5.5 hours to cover the 355 miles.

The fastest route from Moab to Denver will take you North from Moab along Route 191 to i70 and into Colorado. Or you can take the more scenic route from Moab to Denver along Route 128 to i70. This route takes you past Castle Valley, a small town known for its castle-like rock formations, and Fishers Towers, a series of towers made of sandstone and caked with a stucco of red mud.

How many days do you need in Moab?

You’ll want to give yourself at least 3 days in Moab, but it is easy to spend a full week (or more) in this area. With just 3 days in Moab, you’ll have one day each for Arches National Park, Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, and the Needles District of Canyonlands – each just scratching the surface of the parks.

While you could certain do a road trip from Moab to Denver over a long weekend, you’d have to miss a number of stops along the way, and it would leave you longing to return to Moab to take advantage of the rich activities found in the area.

What is the best time of year to road trip from Moab to Denver?

If you’re an avid skier, you may be interested in making this trip in the shoulder ski season to try and fit in some skiing in the famous ski towns of Breckenridge, Vail, or Aspen.

Otherwise, the best time to road trip from Moab to Denver is typically Spring or Fall. The roads should be clear of snow and the weather is ideal for hiking – particularly in Moab where summer temperatures can soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is there to see between Moab and Denver?

The answer is, of course, a lot! Driving Moab to Denver will take you through some of the most scenic parts of the western United States. In fact, this entire itinerary will make your jaw drop as you meander through deep canyons and dramatic red rock formations to jagged mountain peaks dusted in fresh snow.

Hopefully it’s persuaded you to make it a road trip instead of jumping on a flight from Moab to Denver!

Plan More of Your Road Trip

This epic Moab to Denver road trip itinerary is perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers out there. You’ll build amazing memories as you make the journey – particularly if you go with friends or family!

Need more ideas for your Moab to Denver road trip?

Learn more about your road trip destinations between Moab and Denver:

Make Your Road Trip Even More Epic with These Resources

Now that you have the best route from Moab to Denver, you can focus on the finer details, like what to pack and the best car snacks to take. After all, they’re vital parts of any successful road trip!

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Road trip from Moab to Denver with 9+ stops

The ultimate road trip from Moab to Denver in the United States

2 Comments

Corey says:

February 28, 2022 at 10:34 am

Cool article and it was an interesting read! Thanks for writing and sharing it!

1. Julia says:
  
  February 28, 2022 at 5:21 pm
  
  Thanks – it’s a great area of the country. Can’t wait to spend some quality time in Moab again!