Directions - Grand Junction to Moab

Most Direct Route

If you arrive late in the day, or on that rare occasion that the weather is bad, staying on a major highway is probably your best bet.

I70 is wide and open. Traffic is light to non-existent. It doesn't take long to cover the miles, as the speed limit is 80 MPH (130 KPH). All-in-all a very easy and relaxing drive.

Directions - Grand Junction to Moab via Cisco and Route 128

Scenic Route

Driving to Moab from Grand Junction by way of Route 128 is a real treat.

The first part of the drive is open highway driving along Interstate 70 West…The real adventure starts when you exit the highway at exit number 214. You need to pay attention as there is nothing else on the sign – Just “Exit 214”.

After exiting I70, turn south (left) go under the bridge, and then west (right). If after a few miles on this road you think you’re lost because it looks like you’re in the middle of nowhere, don’t worry, you are on the right road. It looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere, because it is!

After travelling six miles on this road, you’ll come upon an odd assortment of old abandoned ramshackle buildings. This is Cisco. Established in 1880, Cisco thrived as an early railroad water-refilling station and provisioning center. The advent of diesel locomotive and later, Interstate 70, doomed the town.

Less than 3 miles further down the road, you will see the signs for 128 South to Moab. This is your turn!

The first part of Route 128 is open and barren. This soon changes, as the road comes alongside The Colorado River. From this point on to Moab, route 128 follows the river through a spectacular and very scenic canyon.

This area is also known as, The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway.

Dewey Bridge

As you approach the canyon, you will go over the river. If you look to your immediate left, you will see what remains of the old Dewey suspension bridge. Originally built in 1916, it was the primary connection between southeastern Utah, and Grand Junction. Unfortunately, the wooden decking was consumed by fire in 2008. It is still an interesting stop. Right after you go over the river, watch for the turn off to your left - this will take you to the old bridge.

Further down the road plan on lots of photo stops. With the river in the foreground, and the sheer canyon walls in the background, it really doesn’t matter what direction you face – all of your pictures are going to be great!

The road will take you to one breathtaking scene to another. I just want to point out a few things along the way that you may want make note of to come back to sometime during your getaway….

If you like to hike, there are numerous great trails in the Moab area that range from very easy to very challenging. Along your drive today, you’ll pass two of them that I would recommend.

Fischer Towers / Granstaff Canyon

The first one, Fischer Towers is fairly rugged. The second hike of note along this route is Granstaff Canyon – which takes you along a small river and ends up at Morning Glory Bridge. It’s a relatively easy trail.

Castle Creek Winery / Moab Museum of Film

Another fun stop along your route, which you may want to consider is The Castle Creek Winery. It’s a great way to break up the drive, and at this point you’re only 14 miles out of Moab.

As an added bonus, in the building next door to the winery is The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage. This is a fun little museum that showcase the many movies that have been filmed in the area. The combo winery/film museum are worth a stop.

Back on the road, you are now only 20 minutes out of Moab.

Your getaway isn’t even one day old yet – but already seen some spectacular scenery.

There are lots of fun restaurants in town. Time to get some dinner and relax. Over the next couple of days, you will have to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Get some rest tonight, the best is yet to come!

Directions - Grand Junction to Moab via Colorado National Monument

Most Scenic Route

If you're looking for a specular drive to start your getaway – this is it!

This route is the same route that takes you down Route 128, but adds in an awesome detour along the rim of the Colorado National Monument.

The Colorado National Monument is not well known, but very much worth seeing. The entrance road climbs the canyon walls through a series of switchbacks. You’ll quickly gain about 1,000 feet of elevation. Once on top the views are absolutely stunning.

The road works its way north for about 25 miles along the rim. It is paved and well maintained. There are numerous pull-outs to stop, take pictures, and have a picnic lunch (suggestion as to where to pick up lunch, below).

Many of the pull outs also have informational sign posts. The sign posts are well done and give you a brief introduction to the geologic and human history of the area. 

As you approach the north entrance (where you will be exiting), you'll come across the visitor's center. This is a worthwhile stop to go in and find out more about what you've been seeing along your route...also a good bathroom stop 🙂

Once you exit the monument, follow the signs to I70, westbound. You now have the option to stay on the highway to Moab, or take spectacularly scenic Route 128 along The Colorado River. 

Both of theses route options are outlined on this web page. 

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Just in case you missed the suggestion for a place to pickup a picnic lunch...here it is:

I have found a Subway sandwich shop in Grand Junction, which is co-located with a gas/convenience store. This stop is really easy, and it is directly on your route. I marked it with a dot on the map above – zoom in to see it clearly. This is also a good place to pick up a case of water.

Moab is really dry and for a good part of the year, hot. Do yourself a favor and don’t get dehydrated! Be sure to drink LOTS of water!

Directions - Salt Lake City to Moab