Travel Guide: Road Trip from Denver CO to Moab Utah

Denver is surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of exciting towns, each offering unique experiences and attractions. From mountain towns to historic ones, you name it. And knowing that, we couldn’t help but want to have a long, adventurous road trip. After some research, we decided to drive from Denver CO to Moab Utah. Why Moab, you asked? Well, the right question should be “Why not?”. It’s rich in history, the scenery is stunning, and there are tons of outdoor activities. It wasn’t just a road trip, though! The scenic route we took allowed us to take a few detours and make some stops. We made sure our journey was worth telling, and it turned out to be better than what we planned.

Planning our trip

We did our Denver-Moab trip earlier this summer, and it’s honestly one of our favorite trips this year. How come? In just one week, we explored and witnessed so many things. Yes, although driving from Denver to Moab technically takes a little over 5 hours, we decided to make plenty of stops as we had the time and there were just a lot we couldn’t miss.

This is what our journey looked like:

• Day 1: Spend a day in Denver.
• Day 2: Drive to Breckenridge and explore the city.
• Day 3: Drive to Glenwood Springs and enjoy the hot springs.
• Day 4: Drive to Palisade and taste some of the best wines Colorado has to offer.
• Day 5: Arrive in Moab and explore Arches National Park.
• Day 6: Canyonlands National Park.
• Day 7: Departure

A day in Denver

How far from Denver to Moab? It takes less than 6 hours, but with a few detours, ours was longer. We arrived in Denver early in the morning around 10 AM. Since we needed our daily dose of caffeine, we decided to grab a hearty breakfast at a local coffee shop. After some research, we decided to go to Little Owl Coffee. This not-so-little coffee shop is the place to be if you want a cup of high-quality coffee. There are several branches in the city, and the one we visited was the one on Blake Street. Based on our experience, the staff was very friendly. We enjoyed the Macchiato a lot, and it was cheap. Make sure to try out the Apple Butter Donut and Twelve Spice Cookie!

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After filling our tummies and visiting some other shops, we headed to our hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Denver to drop off our bags since we couldn’t check in until 4 PM it was a hassle to explore Denver while carrying so much. Of course, the hotel staff was kind enough to help us and they even offered us to use the hotel’s gym. However, we decided to take a leisurely stroll through downtown Denver instead. We went to the 16th Street Mall and simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Once it was time to check in, we immediately returned to the hotel. Why were we in a hurry? Because we wanted to take a dip in the rooftop pool on the third floor. It’s arguably the hotel’s best amenity, offering not only a place to relax but also mile-high views of Denver. It’s so amazing that it’s seen as one of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Denver. Some of us who didn’t swim went to the Four Seasons Spa instead.

The picturesque town of Breckenridge

Staying at a 5-star hotel like the Four Seasons, we slept like babies. We took our time to pack our stuff before checking out and driving to Breckenridge. We headed west out of the city, taking I-70 to CO-9 towards Breckenridge. It was only a one-and-a-half-hour drive, and the views of mountains, forests, and rivers were amazing. The drive was also relatively easy, with no major traffic.

In case you didn’t know, Breckenridge is famous for its ski resort, but visiting it in summer is also a good choice. Once we arrived, we wandered through the quaint shops, browsing for souvenirs and local crafts. We particularly loved the historic Main Street, which was lined with colorful buildings and lively cafes. One of our favorites is The Crown. The staff was super friendly to us, and we enjoyed the locally roasted coffee a lot. Better yet, there’s a kids’ menu, too.

We spent a night in this town, and our accommodation was the Gravity Haus. It’s a lovely, boutique hotel situated at the foot of Peak 9. We chose the Deluxe King Room, and it was everything we needed. Aside from the essentials, we also had Gaiam yoga mats in our room. It was like the hotel knew us better than our close friends. We also loved the fact that the hotel offers free bikes for its guests, making exploring the town much easier. There’s a restaurant and a cafe as well, and you can store your ski gear in the ski storage if you’re planning to come in winter. Another highlight is the on-site bathhouse with hot tubs and a sauna.

“While there are so many awesome accommodations in Breckenridge, we think Gravity Haus is among the top 3.”

WOW Travel

A soaking good time in Glenwood Springs

The next day, we would trade the high mountain peaks for a more relaxed pace as we drove to Glenwood Springs. It took us less than an hour from Breckenridge to Glenwood Springs via the I-70. This charming town nestled along the Roaring Fork River is famous for its hot springs, and it’s the main reason why we were so excited to make a stop.

As we pulled into Glenwood Springs, we were immediately struck by its picturesque beauty. It didn’t take us long to find a cozy spot to park near the historic downtown area. Then, we would explore the shops and restaurants on foot. However, the highlight was no other than our stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, home to the world’s largest hot springs pool.

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Thanks to the on-site hot springs pool, we didn’t have to venture out to have a relaxing soak. It’s so big that you’ll also find a diving area, lap swimming, and countless spots for relaxation. Our favorite, though, was the Therapy Pool. Its restorative 104-degree waters offered us the ultimate pampering. Dating from 1888, this resort has everything you can possibly imagine. There’s also a spa, a gym, and a sports shop. For our stay, we booked the Deluxe King Room, and it was divine. With a balcony and free breakfast at the poolside Grill, we truly can’t wait to return.

Optional: Aspen

If you have more time, feel free to have a day trip down to Aspen. It’s less than an hour away from Glenwood Springs, so it won’t take long. There, you can explore the contemporary art exhibits at the Aspen Art Museum, hone your skiing skills in the winter, and even witness the Maroon Bells. Fun fact: they’re often considered one of the most photographed mountain peaks in North America.

The Wine Country

For day four, we headed to Palisade, our last detour before we arrived at Moab. Why didn’t we just go straight to Moab then? Well, it’s because Palisade is arguably one of the best attractions near Moab. It’s a charming town in the heart of Colorado’s wine country. Upon arriving, we embarked on a winery tour. With over 30 wineries, we had a great time exploring the wine culture here.

One of our favorites was the Colterris Winery. It has tasting rooms which are open from 12 PM to 5 PM every single day. Pretty cool, right? We sipped on crisp whites, rich reds, and even a few unique blends. Each sip was a journey through the flavors of the region, from fruity and floral to bold and complex.

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We also spent the afternoon exploring the town, stopping at farmers’ markets, and antique shops. We hate to admit this, but fatigue caught up to us so we headed to our hotel, the Wine Country Inn, sooner than we planned. Lucky for us, this place was so comfortable. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s the perfect choice for travelers looking for adorable luxury.

One of the biggest selling points of this Victorian-style hotel is its free afternoon wine tastings. Although we missed it, you should definitely give it a try. There’s also a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, and a gym. Spa treatments are also available for those who are into self-pampering. We spent our night in the King Room, and while it wasn’t the fanciest, it was super cozy. We also were able to wake up to amazing views of the mountain and vineyard.

The wonder of Arches National Park

After a good night’s sleep, we woke up early in the morning as we were so eager to hit the road and finally reach Moab. After a quick breakfast and coffee, we packed up the car and bid farewell to our Wine Country Inn. The drive to Moab was scenic, with the landscape gradually changing from the rolling plains of Colorado to the rugged red rock formations of Utah. As we approached Moab, we couldn’t help but be amazed by the dramatic scenery. The town itself is small and charming, with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of outdoor gear shops.

Though it wasn’t our first time, we were still thrilled to explore the rock formations at Arches National Park. Our stops included the Delicate Arch and the Windows Section. The sights at both points were breathtaking, especially when the sun began to set. Make sure you have your phone fully charged as you’ll want to take tons of pictures!

Since we were going to spend two nights in Moab, we decided to book a tried and true hotel in Hoodoo Moab. Arches National Park is just a quick 10-minute drive from the hotel. We stayed in the King Suite and it was fantastic. We had a separate living area, a queen-sized sofa bed, as well as a spotless bathroom. Our favorite part, though, was the private balcony overlooking the pool.

Another highlight of this hotel is its luxurious spa. It has a wide range of treatments, and we opted for the Classic Massage. Some might say it’s pricey, but we think it was worth the money. The skilled therapist sure knew how to make us feel young again. For our full review, check out these best Hilton hotels in Moab UT!

Exploring Canyonlands National Park

Our last full day in Moab was dedicated to Canyonlands National Park. After we filled our tummy, we packed up our gear and hit the road. From the hotel, the park was only around half an hour away. As we drove deeper into the park, the scenery transformed into a surreal wonderland. Towering mesas, deep canyons, and intricate rock formations stretched out before us. We were so excited as this park has some of the best campgrounds in Moab, Utah.

Our first hike of the day was the Mesa Arch Trail. The trail was relatively short, but the payoff was incredible. As we reached the summit, we were greeted by the iconic Mesa Arch, a natural bridge that frames the rising sun. We snapped countless photos and really had a great time.

Next, we explored the Grand View Point Overlook, which offers sweeping vistas of the entire Island in the Sky district. We could see the intricate network of canyons and buttes that make this park so unique. It was a truly humbling experience. As the day wore on, we continued to explore the park, stopping at various viewpoints and hiking trails. We even stumbled upon a hidden waterfall, a delightful surprise amidst the arid landscape.

A road trip to remember

The distance from Denver CO to Moab Utah is 355 miles, and it normally takes less than 6 hours. However, we were happy with our trip, which to some might be a hassle. With so many detours, we were able to enjoy the enchanting towns and attractions along the way. Our road trip was 7 days in total, but those were also some of the best days we had. If you’re also planning to drive to Moab from Denver, we highly recommend making a few stops along the way. Every stop will give you a special moment to remember.

Tips for an unforgettable experience

Our road trip was so great that we would rate it 10/10. However, were we not prepared, things could easily go wrong, especially considering the driving distance from Denver to Moab Utah. Here are some tips to make sure yours is smooth sailing.

• Plan your route and stops properly. You’ll want to do tons of research and map out your route. Don’t hesitate to detour to smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path attractions for a more authentic experience.
• Accommodations can fill up quickly, especially in popular destinations like Moab. So, book your accommodations in advance. If you need recommendations, check out where to stay near Moab!
• Make sure to obtain the necessary permits. Some national parks require permits for certain activities, such as hiking and camping.
• Moab’s national parks offer a variety of activities, from short hikes to strenuous climbs. However, make sure not to overdo it. You’ll want to start with easier trails and gradually increase your difficulty level.

For more travel destination recommendations, check out these best day trips from Denver!

Is there a railway from Moab to Denver?

Yes, there is a railway from Moab to Denver. However, it’s not a traditional passenger train. It’s operated by the Rocky Mountaineer, a luxury tourist train offering scenic journeys through the American Southwest.

Where is the best place to stop from Denver to Moab UT?

There’s no one definite answer to this, as it depends on your preferences. However, we do think some of the best stops include Glenwood Springs, Palisade, Colorado National Monument, and Vail.

How many days are enough in Moab?

It depends. However, three days are normally enough to see the highlights of Moab, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.