Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by foxintheforest
If you’re looking for a stunning road trip through the American Southwest, look no further than the drive from Moab to Bryce Canyon. This unbelievably beautiful stretch of desert drive takes you past breathtaking scenery.
There’s a lot to see between Moab and Bryce Canyon. With three distinct route options, you’ll get a chance to either scurry to the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon or take your time on an epic desert road trip.
I’ve been to both Moab and Bryce Canyon countless times. In fact, I’m often on a road trip between Moab and Bryce Canyon. I legit just got back from my 4th trip to Bryce Canyon, and I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Moab. So if you’re looking to explore the best way to road trip to Bryce Canyon from Moab, then you’re in the right place!
About this Guide to Driving from Moab to Bryce Canyon
Inside this expert guide to driving from Moab to Bryce Canyon you’ll find:
- Info about the different routes between Moab and Bryce Canyon
- How long to spend on your road trip between Moab and Bryce Canyon
- An expert list of the top attractions between Moab and Bryce Canyon
- Additional expert guides to epic road trips in the American Southwest
How Long is the Drive Between Moab and Bryce Canyon?
There are two distinct routes between Moab and Bryce Canyon, the fast route, and the scenic route. The fast route is around 274 miles and takes 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The scenic route has more attractions to see and is 268 miles with nearly 5 hours of driving.
Given the fact that the scenic route is shorter and only a touch longer, I would opt for the scenic route. There’s so much to see along the way! You can opt to take a day to drive, stopping at roadside attractions, or take a few detours and make your trip a few days long.
It’s your adventure so do what works for your schedule!
How Long Should I Spend on a Road Trip from Moab to Bryce Canyon?
You’ll need at least a day to drive from Moab to Bryce Canyon and another day to drive back from Bryce Canyon to Moab. Unless you plan on just driving (you’ll still want to pull over because it’s pretty AF) you’ll want at least one full day (two nights) along the drive to take in some of the attractions.
Pro Tip: I’ve made this guide super easy for you to use. Look for the “Roadside stop” or “Detour” listed at the bottom of each attraction to plan your trip!
What is the Most Scenic Route from Moab to Bryce Canyon?
Driving the scenic route via I-70 to Highway 24 to Highway 12 through Escalante will take approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, covering a distance of about 268 miles.
This route will take you through the heart of southern Utah’s red rock country and past some of the most stunning natural wonders in the region, including Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering cliffs, deep canyons, and otherworldly rock formations.
You’ll likely want to spend a few days along this route since there is a lot of incredible scenery and things to do.
Top roadside attractions include:
- Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park
- Calf Creek Falls near Escalante
- Multiple pull-outs featuring scenic views along Highway 12
Detours to must-see activities include:
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon
- Cassidy Arch in Capitol Reef National Park
- Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
The Quickest Way to Bryce Canyon from Moab
The most direct route is via I-70 and Highway 89 through Panguitch, Utah, with a driving time of around 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through several small towns, including Green River and Salina, where you can grab a bite to eat or stretch your legs before continuing on your journey.
The quickest drive from Moab to Bryce Canyon National Park takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 274 miles.
You’ll pass by the following attractions:
- Black Dragon Canyon Viewpoint
- Mystic Hot Springs
- Freemont Indian State Park
- Panguitch
Quick detours include:
- Panguitch Lake
- Cedar Breaks
What is There to See Between Moab and Bryce Canyon?
The scenic route between Moab and Bryce Canyon features some of the most incredible desert scenery in Southern Utah. Touted as one of the prettiest drives in America, this is an area you don’t want to miss.
There are plenty of attractions and natural wonders to see between Moab and Bryce Canyon National Park, including:
- Capitol Reef National Park: This park boasts stunning canyons, towering cliffs, and colorful rock formations that are sure to take your breath away.
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: This vast, rugged landscape is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the region, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and unique rock formations.
- Goblin Valley State Park: This park is famous for its eerie hoodoos, strange rock formations that have been eroded over time to resemble goblins.
- Kodachrome Basin State Park: Named for its stunning array of colors, this park features towering sandstone chimneys, deep canyons, and unique rock formations that are unlike anything else in the world.
- Calf Creek Falls: This stunning waterfall is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and requires a short hike to reach, but the views are well worth the effort.
Pro Tip: Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as some of these attractions are located in remote areas with limited facilities. And don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to capture the stunning scenery along the way!
Attractions Near Moab
There are plenty of things to do in Moab like some of the best rafting tours in Moab. But, there are a few noteworthy attractions that are right along your Moab to Bryce Canyon road trip.
Ideally, you’d want to spend 3 days in the area to enjoy some of the top Moab hikes, Moab jeep tours, attractions, and more.
Here’s a quick look at a few stops along the way, whether you visit Moab in November or at another time of year.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves getting outside. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering pinnacles, and stunning rock formations, the park is a true wonder of nature.
You can spend hours exploring numerous Arches hiking trails, including the popular Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden hikes.
Other top attractions include the towering Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, and the Fiery Furnace.
Even if you only have one day to explore the park, there are plenty of sights to see and trails to hike, making it a perfect destination for a quick outdoor adventure.
Stop Type: Detour. The park entrance is right along the road.
Fee: $30 or free with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Red Tape: No dogs
Pro Tip: Arches National Park gets so crowded during the day, they stop cars from coming in. Get an early (sub 7 am) start to beat the crowds in the park.
Which is Better Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park?
Both parks have stunning beauty and wonderful things to see. Bryce is better known for its hoodoos, or large, needle-like rock spires that make up the canyon. While Arches is known for its arch formations.
Both parks have plenty of easy and scenic hiking options. You can also visit both in one day and see all of the highlights. You get a lot more top-down views in Bryce Canyon, giving it an edge for photography. While Arches National Park has more attractions nearby, as well as more opportunities for backcountry travel.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is an enormous swath of land, encompassing over 250,000 acres. There are three districts, the Needles, the Maze, and Island in the Sky. Island in the Sky is the closest district to Moab.
Here you’ll find top-down views of vast canyon systems. Popular attractions such as Mesa Arch for sunrise, the Syncline Loop, Grand View Point, and the famous White Rim Road can all be found in Island in the Sky.
Stopping here for 1/2 a day will enable you to scope out the best views, but you’ll need multiple days to really dive into the park.
Stop Type: Detour. The park entrance is about a 40-minute drive from the road out of Moab.
Fee: $30 or free with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Red Tape: No dogs
Pro Tip: If you’re choosing between Arches and Canyonlands National Park, you’ll want to visit Arches if you want to see more whacky rock formations or Canyonlands if you prefer sweeping views.
Dead Horse Point State Park
En route to Island in the Sky, you’ll pass the entrance to Dead Horse Point State Park. Featuring wonderful vistas and easy hiking trails, this is a great family-friendly stop on a road trip from Moab to Bryce Canyon.
Stop Type: Detour. The park entrance is about a 35-minute drive from the road out of Moab.
Fee: $20 per vehicle
Red Tape: None
Corona Arch
Corona Arch is one of the best hikes in Moab outside of the national parks. This detour takes you up a moderate trail that ends at a funky archway. What makes it great is that it’s free to visit, although it’s about 20 minutes outside of Moab.
Stop Type: Detour. A 20-minute drive from the road out of Moab.
Fee: none
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: a few hours
Attractions Near Green River and the San Rafael Swell
Once you leave Moab on your way to Bryce Canyon, your next stop is the San Rafael Swell. This rugged, remote swath of desert landscape is truly a magical place.
Well-known for it’s BLM camping, stunning slot canyons, and jaw-dropping sandstone mountains, it’s a must-see for the intrepid traveler.
Pro Tip: You’ll make a choice here. Either take I-70 through the Swell (fill up on gas in Green River – it’s 106 miles to the next service station) or you’ll continue via the scenic route on Highway 24 towards Hanksville.
Black Dragon Canyon Viewpoint
This stop is worth it if you’re taking the shortest way to Bryce Canyon. As a simple pull-out, you can explore the vast expanse of the Swell right from the highway. It only takes a few minutes to explore, so you’ll be able to hop out of the car quickly.
Stop Type: Roadside
Fee: none
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: a few minutes
Goblin Valley State Park
For a wild and whacky hoodoo experience, look no further than Goblin Valley State Park. Roam free amongst these towering rock pinnacles. Some are even small enough to climb around on!
Stop Type: Detour. A 30-minute drive from Highway 24
Fee: $20 per vehicle
Red Tape: No camping without a reservation. No drones without a permit.
Recommended time: A few hours
Little Wildhorse Slot Canyon
Little Wild Horse Canyon is an 8-mile hike that goes through some incredible slot canyons. Start with Little Wild Horse, then turn down Behind the Reef Road and take Bell Canyon back to the car.
You’ll get over a mile of beautiful slots – reminiscent of Antelope Canyon in Page – along this stunning hike.
The sandy washes can be a bit tiring and there are a few spots where you will need to use your hands to scramble the rocks, but you don’t need any technical gear.
Stop Type: Detour. A 30-minute drive from Highway 24.
Fee: none
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: Half day
The Scenic Route from Moab to Bryce Canyon: Capitol Reef National Park
Highway 24 heads south to Hanksville, then traverses Capitol Reef National Park. You’re at the beginning of the beautiful part of the drive.
What I love about this particular route is that you can opt to simply take the scenic drive through Capitol Reef or you can stop for a few quick excursions.
Popular activities include:
- Petroglyph roadside stop
- The historical town of Fruita
- Cassidy Arch
- Hickman Bridge hike
Stop Type: Detour. A 20-minute drive from the road out of Moab.
Fee: Free to drive Highway 24, but $30 per vehicle to enter other parts of the park or free with an America the Beautiful Parks Pass
Red Tape: No dogs
Recommended time: A few minutes to a full day depending on activities
Moab to Bryce Canyon via Escalante and Scenic Route 12
After you pop out of Bryce Canyon, you’ll reach Torrey, Utah. From here head south on Highway 12 and be prepared to be amazed! You’ll head up to 11,000-foot mountain passes only to soar back to ground level.
You’ll cross through parts of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The drive is utterly jaw-dropping! With lots of detours for activities, you can easily spend a full day (2 nights) here and just barely scratch the surface.
Boulder Mountain
Your first adventure after Torrey is up a mountain. The road climbs up Boulder Mountain. Stop at the Larb Hollow Overlook and Homestead Overlook to soak in the amazing scenery. Can you spot Capitol Reef and the San Rafael Swell in the distance?
Stop Type: Roadside stop
Fee: None
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: a few minutes
Drive the Scenic Route 12
Highway 12 is out of this world! This ribbon of tarmac slices through the scenic petrified dunes. Utilize the many pullouts to soak in the epic scenery!
Escalante Things to Do
After passing through Boulder, you’ll reach the Escalante area. There is a small town of Escalante – which has grown over the years to have plenty of lodging and food options. There are a lot of amazing things to do in Escalante, including the best hikes in Escalante. Here’s a look at a few fan favorites.
Lower Calf Creek Trail
Scope out the waterfall nestled along the Escalante River along this 6.7-mile trail. This moderate hike takes you to a stunning waterfall. The best part? The trailhead is right off of the road.
Stop Type: Roadside stop
Fee: None
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: 3 – 4 hours
Hell’s Backbone 4×4 Road
Hell’s Backbone is a 4×4 road that requires high clearance and low gears to reach. It’s a great beginner 4×4 route that takes you up for a bird’s eye view of Escalante and the surrounding area. A great rest-day activity if you want to go on a 4-wheeling adventure.
Stop Type: Detour
Fee: None
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: a half day
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park features fun and funky red rock cliffs and spires. You’ll even find some narrow, but walkable slot canyons in this park. Come for the views and then make your way to Bryce Canyon.
Stop Type: Detour. About 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon
Fee: $10 per vehicle
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: A few hours to a half day
Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
Arguably one of the best hikes in Escalante, Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyons are a must-do for the intrepid hiker. You’ll squeeze (literally) your way through the narrows of Spooky, while Peek-a-Boo gulch features an arch inside!
Pro Tip: Hole in the Rock Road has some horrible washboard. A passenger vehicle can make the journey, but it will be challenging. Do not attempt to drive down Hole in the Rock Road after rains, as the road becomes a muddy mess and is often impassible.
Stop Type: Detour: 40 minutes from Highway 12 down Hole in the Rock Road
Fee: None
Red Tape: None
Recommended time: a few minutes
The Quickest Way to Bryce Canyon from Moab
If you opted to stay on I-70 you can stop and check out these attractions on your way to Bryce Canyon from Moab.
Mystic Hot Springs
Made famous from Instagram, the Mystic Hot Springs feature built-in bathtubs to soak in. It’s quite a trip to take a hot mineral bath in the middle of the desert, so go ahead and soak! There are camping and loading options nearby.
Stop Type: Roadside
Fee: $25 per adult
Red Tape: Advanced reservations required
Recommended time: a few hours to an overnight
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks is a bit of a detour, but it’s an interesting contrast to nearby Bryce Canyon. The hoodoos are larger and the basin is bigger than Bryce, giving you a real sense of scale. There are a few short hikes and several overlooks to check out along the scenic drive.
Stop Type: Detour: 1.5 hours from Bryce
Fee: $10 per person or free with the America the Beautiful Pass
Red Tape: No dogs
Recommended time: a few hours
Bryce Canyon National Park Attractions
There are a lot of things to do in Bryce Canyon, but you can certainly hit the highlights with limited time. Spending one day in Bryce Canyon will let you be able to catch an iconic sunrise as well as enjoy some of Bryce Canyon’s top hikes such as the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails.
Which is Better, Zion or Bryce?
It depends on what you’re looking to see and do. Bryce Canyon offers accessible views, stunning photography opportunities, and doesn’t require a bus permit.
While Zion requires you to reserve a bus pass to access the scenic route and you’ll need permits for famous hikes such as the Subway and Angels Landing.
Zion sees more crowds than Bryce, although both parks get very crowded.
Personally, I prefer Bryce because I don’t want to ride a bus to visit the park.
Returning to Moab from Bryce Canyon
Looking to head to Moab from Bryce Canyon? Why not just make it a loop! You can reverse the direction and
Additional Expert Advice for Visiting Moab and Bryce Canyon
Wanna plan your trip to Moab and Bryce like an expert not a tourist? Check out these handy resources.
