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Moab’s Scenic Byways

Every pull-off is a reason to stop.

The roads in Moab were built as shortcuts through a landscape defined by steep canyons, but you’ll find yourself ignoring your GPS’s “fastest route” at every turn. 

If you’re exploring Moab for long enough, you’ll find yourself on these roads anyway. The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway traces the Colorado River for miles, starting in a narrow canyon that opens up to iconic western scenery. The Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway cuts beneath sheer cliffs etched with petroglyphs. And the La Sal Loop road — not an official scenic byway, but just as gorgeous — offers a fantastic way to escape summer heat or see golden aspen leaves in the fall.

Highway 128 Scenic Byway

Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway (U-128)

This spectacular route along the Colorado River gorge begins at the Colorado River Bridge on the north end of Moab. For the first 13 miles (20.9 km) it parallels the Colorado River within a narrow section of the gorge, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding red sandstone…

canoe on the water

Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway (U-279)

This Scenic Byway provides great views of the Colorado River, ancient rock art and dinosaur tracks. A late afternoon start is rewarding as the sunset on the reddish-orange sandstone cliffs along the route is especially beautiful on the return drive to Moab. This byway begins 4.1…

Scenic Byway U-313

Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway (U-313)

Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway, on Utah Highway 313, takes you through miles of incredible red rock canyon country. To reach the byway, head north from Moab on US- 191. After about 9 miles (14.5 km), look for the “Dead Horse Point State Park” sign and turn left (west)…

Local Tips

Movie history
We’re serious about the iconic western scenery. The landscapes around Scenic Byway 128 have been used as movie backdrops since “Wagon Master” was filmed here in 1950.

 

Look for pull offs 
Each of these roads offer pull-offs every few miles: if you’re making a day of it, stop at each one and see what new landscape features or wildlife you can spot.