Moab is a gateway to some of the most spectacular drives in the American West. Within an hour of town, a single tank of gas can take you from canyon floors to alpine meadows, along the Colorado River, past ancient petroglyphs and pictographs, and to overlooks that drop two thousand feet straight down. These are the scenic byways worth knowing, what to expect on each one, how long to set aside, and what you'd miss if you only came for the trails.

 

Scenic Drives Along the Colorado River

 

Carving deep canyons and shaping many of Moab’s most iconic views, the Colorado River is the thread that ties this region together. Whether you’re cruising beside the water or climbing to overlooks high above it, these scenic drives reveal the river—and surrounding red rock—from a new perspective at every turn. 

 

Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 128)

 

44 miles one-way | Allow 2–3 hours with stops | Paved
Often called River Road, this scenic byway winds alongside the Colorado River through a striking red rock canyon before opening into the wide-open landscapes of Castle Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Castleton Tower, the Priest and Nuns rock formations, distant views of the Fisher Towers, and the historic Dewey Bridge. Looking to stretch your legs? The pet-friendly Grandstaff Canyon Trail is a favorite, leading to Morning Glory Natural Bridge, the sixth-largest natural bridge in the United States. 

 

An aerial view of the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (Utah State Route 128) winding alongside the Colorado River through a dramatic red rock canyon near Moab, Utah.

 

Potash Road, Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 279)

 

17 miles one-way | Allow 1.5–2 hours with stops | Paved
Following the Colorado River northwest from Moab, Potash Road delivers dramatic scenery beneath towering sandstone cliffs. Along the way, stop to see Native American petroglyphs carved into the rock, roadside dinosaur tracks, and climbers scaling the famous Wall Street section of Potash Road.  
 

An aerial view of a scenic cycling and running route located along Utah State Route 128 (the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway) just outside of Moab, Utah, hugging the winding red rock gorges of the Colorado River.

 

Scenic Drives to the Overlooks

 

Ready to trade river views for sweeping panoramas? These scenic drives climb to some of Moab’s most spectacular overlooks. Winding through mesas and high-desert terrain, each route leads you through unforgettable vistas stretching across canyons, rock formations, and distant mountain ranges.

 

An open-air red Hummer 4x4 on the sandstone slickrock of the Hell's Revenge trail during a guided sunset off-roading in Moab, Utah.

 

Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway (Highway 313)

 

22.5 miles one-way from Highway 191 | Allow 1 hour plus time at the overlook | Paved 
This scenic byway leads you to one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. Heading west toward Dead Horse Point State Park, you’ll have an impressive view of Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district along the way. After cruising past ruby sandstone and where the mesa's width condenses to just 30 feet, you’ll enter Dead Horse Point State Park and make your way to the byway’s main attraction: the Overlook Trail. A short paved pathway reveals a dramatic 2,000-foot drop to the Colorado River, where sweeping gooseneck bends wind through layered red rock canyons. Entry to the park is $20 per vehicle. Late afternoon offers the most striking light across the canyon walls. 
 

A breathtaking view of the gooseneck bend of the Colorado River from the iconic overlook at Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah.

 

Arches National Park Scenic Drive

 

19 miles one-way | Allow 2–3 hours with stops | Paved | 
Winding past towering fins, balanced rocks, and sweeping desert vistas, this scenic byway is a destination in its own right. Balanced Rock, the Windows, and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint are all visible from or easily reached along the drive. While dogs are not permitted on hiking trails, they’re welcome to enjoy the scenic drive with the windows down and fresh air breezing by.
 

Three people sitting on the red sandstone rocks at sunrise next to the iconic Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah

 

Island in the Sky, Canyonlands Scenic Drive

 

17 miles one-way into the district | Allow 2 hours with stops | Paved
Climbing up to the mesa that forms the Island in the Sky district, this scenic drive unfolds through a series of rim-edge overlooks with breathtaking views of the Colorado and Green Rivers converging far below. Mesa Arch is a short, worthwhile hike from the road, while clear days reveal vistas extending more than 100 miles. The drive continues beyond the visitor center to the Grand View Point overlook at its southern end. 
 

 

Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah captures the dramatic layers of red rock canyons carved by the Green River.

 

La Sal Mountain Loop Road

 

60 miles total loop | Allow 3–4 hours | Paved with some sections of maintained dirt | Accessible in summer. Check conditions in shoulder seasons 
Trade desert warmth for the cool mountain air of the La Sal Mountains as this scenic loop leads you from red rock country to alpine forests and wildflower meadows. The route passes through Castle Valley, winds by aspen groves near Warner Lake, and offers sweeping overlooks toward Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Temperatures are often 20°F cooler than Moab, making this the perfect summer drive. 

 

A scenic view of the tranquil reflection of an autumn sunset over Warner Lake in the La Sal Mountains, part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Moab, Utah.

 

Tips for Driving in and Around Moab

 

A little prep goes a long way! Before heading out, fill your gas tank for longer drives, as fuel options become scarce once you leave town. Downloading offline maps or your preferred AllTrails routes is useful in case you lose cell service. Regardless of the season, always check the weather before heading out too, so you know when to expect summer rainstorms, icy roads, or strong winds. And what’s a road trip without snacks and drinks? Load up on your favorite snacks and be sure to pack enough water—even a short summer drive can mean extreme desert heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best scenic drives near Moab?

The Colorado River corridor drives (Highway 128 and Potash Road/279) and the Dead Horse Point Mesa Byway are the most consistently favored. Together, they showcase the region from two perspectives—towering canyon walls at river level and expansive rim-top overlooks. The La Sal Mountain Loop is perhaps the most underrated.

Do I need a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle for scenic drives in Moab?

All of the scenic drives featured in this guide are suitable for standard vehicles during normal conditions, as all routes are paved or well-maintained. However, if you plan to drive the La Sal Mountain Loop Road during winter, you will need Four Wheel Drive, as snow and icy conditions are common. Moab's backcountry jeep trails are a separate experience and aren't covered in this guide.

Can you drive through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks without hiking?

Yes! Both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park offer scenic paed roads with numerous overlooks and pullouts that can be enjoyed without hiking. While landmarks like Delicate Arch and Mesa Arch involve short walks from the road, many of the parks' most impressive views are accessible directly from the scenic drive.