St. George to Moab
The adventure capital of Utah, home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, legendary mountain biking, world-class rock climbing, and Colorado River rafting. Moab delivers adrenaline-pumping outdoor experiences in a jaw-dropping desert landscape.
I-15 North → I-70 East → US-191 South
310 miles
Distance
4 hr 30 min
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
March-May, September-November
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Moab
Route: I-15 North → I-70 East → US-191 South
Head north on I-15 to Cove Fort, take I-70 East through one of the most remote stretches of interstate in America, then exit south on US-191 through desert terrain to Moab. The I-70 segment through the San Rafael Swell is spectacular.
About Moab
Moab is Utah's ultimate outdoor adventure town — a small desert community of about 5,300 people that serves as the basecamp for two national parks, world-famous mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, and off-roading. Arches National Park, with its 2,000+ natural stone arches including the iconic Delicate Arch, sits just 5 miles from town. Canyonlands National Park, with its vast mesa-top views of canyon country stretching to the horizon, is 30 miles away.
The drive from St. George takes about four and a half hours and includes one of the most remote stretches of interstate in America — I-70 through central Utah between Salina and Green River. This 110-mile segment has almost no services but crosses the stunning San Rafael Swell, a massive geological uplift of colorful rock layers. From Green River, US-191 heads south through dramatic desert terrain to Moab.
Beyond the national parks, Moab is famous for the Slickrock Bike Trail — a 10.5-mile loop over petrified sand dunes that put Moab on the mountain biking map. The Colorado River provides excellent rafting, from gentle float trips to Class III-IV whitewater through Westwater Canyon. Dead Horse Point State Park offers arguably the most dramatic overlook in Utah — a 2,000-foot sheer drop to the Colorado River's gooseneck bend, famously used in the final scene of Thelma & Louise.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services)
- Salina — 170 miles / 2 hr 15 min (CRITICAL — last full services before Green River)
- Green River — 280 miles / 3 hr 30 min (gas, fast food)
- No services on I-70 between Salina and Green River (110 miles)
Weather & Climate
Moab has a semi-arid desert climate. Summer highs reach 95-105°F with intense sun. Winter is cold (25-45°F) with occasional snow. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-80°F. The 4,000-foot elevation makes it slightly cooler than St. George in summer but significantly colder in winter.
Best Time to Visit
March-May, September-November
Spring and fall offer perfect hiking temperatures (60-80°F) and manageable crowds. Summer exceeds 100°F and inner canyon hikes become dangerous. Winter is cold (25-45°F) but offers solitude and snow-capped La Sal Mountain views. Wildflower season in April-May is beautiful.
Things to Do in Moab
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Moab, Utah.
National Parks
Arches National Park
$30 per vehicleOver 2,000 natural stone arches in a concentrated area. The Delicate Arch hike (3 miles round trip) is Utah's most iconic trail. Devils Garden, Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section are other must-sees.
Timed entry reservations required April-October — book at recreation.gov
Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
$30 per vehicleThe closest Canyonlands district to Moab with jaw-dropping mesa-top viewpoints. Grand View Point, Mesa Arch (sunrise photography icon), and Green River Overlook are unforgettable.
Dead Horse Point State Park
$20 per vehicleA 2,000-foot sheer cliff overlooking a dramatic gooseneck bend of the Colorado River. Often considered the single best overlook in Utah. The visitor center and trails are excellent.
Arrive for sunset — the canyon walls glow orange and red
Delicate Arch
Included with Arches entryUtah's most famous landmark and the icon on the state license plate. The 3-mile round-trip hike gains 480 feet of elevation over slickrock to reveal the freestanding 52-foot arch.
Mesa Arch
Included with Canyonlands entryA short 0.5-mile loop trail to an arch perched on the edge of a 500-foot cliff in Canyonlands. At sunrise, the arch glows orange from light reflecting off the canyon below — one of the most photographed scenes in the Southwest.
Arrive 30+ minutes before sunrise for a prime photo spot
Adventure Activities
Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail
FreeThe legendary 10.5-mile loop over undulating petrified sand dunes that made Moab a mountain biking mecca. Challenging terrain with incredible views. Not for beginners — try the 2.3-mile practice loop first.
Colorado River Rafting
$75-$300+ per personHalf-day to multi-day rafting trips on the Colorado River. Family-friendly float trips through red canyon walls or adrenaline-pumping Class III-IV whitewater through Westwater Canyon or Cataract Canyon.
Off-Road 4x4 Trails
$150-$400 for guided toursMoab has the most famous off-road trails in America. Hell's Revenge, Fins & Things, and the Poison Spider Mesa trail challenge Jeep and UTV enthusiasts. Guided tours and rentals available.
Rock Climbing
$200+ for guided climbsWorld-class climbing on Wingate sandstone towers and walls. Indian Creek, just south of Moab, is considered the crack climbing capital of the world. Guide services available for all levels.
Skydiving
$250-$350Tandem skydiving over Canyonlands with views of Arches, the La Sal Mountains, and the Colorado River. One of the most scenic skydiving locations in the world.
Bar M Bike Trail
FreeAn excellent beginner-to-intermediate mountain bike trail system north of Moab. Rolling terrain, great views, and far less intimidating than Slickrock. Perfect for families.
Dining & Nightlife
Desert Bistro
$$$Moab's best fine dining in a charming historic house setting. Seasonal menu with locally-inspired cuisine, excellent wine list, and intimate atmosphere. Reservations essential.
Quesadilla Mobilla
$Beloved food truck (now with a brick-and-mortar) serving creative gourmet quesadillas. A Moab institution — the green chile chicken is legendary.
Moab Brewery
$$Moab's original craft brewery with a full pub menu. Great burgers, salads, and house-brewed beers. The Scorpion Pale Ale and Dead Horse Amber are local favorites.
Milt's Stop & Eat
$Classic roadside burger stand that's been a Moab fixture for decades. Cash only, outdoor seating, and some of the best burgers in Southern Utah.
Antica Forma
$$Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza using imported Italian ingredients. The best pizza in Moab with a casual but quality atmosphere.
Family Activities
Arches Scenic Drive
$30 per vehicleThe 36-mile round-trip scenic drive through Arches passes viewpoints, trailheads, and pull-offs where you can see arches and formations from your car. Great for families with young kids.
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park
$16-$22Outdoor museum with life-size dinosaur models, a dinosaur track site, 3D theater, and interactive exhibits. Kids love it.
Colorado River Float Trips
$75-$125 per personCalm-water float trips on the Colorado River suitable for ages 4+. Paddle through red rock canyons, spot wildlife, and swim in calm sections. Most guided trips include lunch.
Corona Arch Trail
FreeA moderate 3-mile round-trip hike to one of the most impressive arches near Moab. FREE and no permit needed — a great alternative to crowded Arches National Park.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Moab Drive
I-70 between Salina and Green River has very few services — fill up gas and grab food in Salina
Book Arches National Park timed entry reservations in advance (April-October) at recreation.gov
The Slickrock Bike Trail is iconic but extremely difficult — try Bar M trail for beginners
Moab restaurants book up fast in peak season — make dinner reservations, especially weekends
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal — summer exceeds 100°F
Dead Horse Point sunset rivals anything in the national parks and is often less crowded
Consider splitting the drive with an overnight in Salina or Green River
Bring more water than you think you need — the desert is unforgiving
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Moab
How far is Moab from St. George?
Moab is approximately 310 miles (4 hours 30 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North, I-70 East, and US-191 South.
Do I need reservations for Arches National Park?
Yes, timed entry reservations are required from April through October. Book at recreation.gov — popular time slots sell out. Without a reservation, you can enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM.
Is Moab worth the drive from St. George?
Absolutely. Moab offers two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands), world-class mountain biking, river rafting, and adventure activities you cannot find near St. George. Plan for 2-3 days minimum to fully experience the area.
What is the best beginner mountain bike trail in Moab?
The Bar M trail system north of Moab is the best for beginners with rolling terrain and great views. The Intrepid Trail System near Dead Horse Point is another excellent intermediate option. Save Slickrock for when you are experienced.
Can I raft the Colorado River with kids?
Yes! Many outfitters offer calm-water float trips suitable for ages 4+. These trips go through scenic red rock canyons without intense rapids. Whitewater trips (Class III+) typically require ages 12+.
Nearby Destinations from Moab
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Salt Lake City
Utah's capital city offers world-class skiing, a thriving food scene, professional sports, and the international airport that connects Southern Utah to the world. The I-15 corridor is the most-traveled route for St. George residents.
Denver
The Mile High City offers Red Rocks Amphitheatre, world-class skiing, Rocky Mountain National Park, craft breweries, and professional sports — all connected by one of the most stunning drives in America through the Colorado Rockies.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Moab
St. George to Moab — 310 miles, 4 hr 30 min Drive
Moab is Utah's ultimate outdoor adventure town — a small desert community of about 5,300 people that serves as the basecamp for two national parks, world-famous mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing, and off-roading. Arches National Park, with its 2,000+ natural stone arches including the iconic Delicate Arch, sits just 5 miles from town. Canyonlands National Park, with its vast mesa-top views of canyon country stretching to the horizon, is 30 miles away.
The route from St. George, Utah to Moab, Utah covers 310 miles and takes approximately 4 hr 30 min via I-15 North → I-70 East → US-191 South. Head north on I-15 to Cove Fort, take I-70 East through one of the most remote stretches of interstate in America, then exit south on US-191 through desert terrain to Moab. The I-70 segment through the San Rafael Swell is spectacular.
Things to Do in Moab
National Parks: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky), Dead Horse Point State Park. Adventure Activities: Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail, Colorado River Rafting, Off-Road 4x4 Trails. Dining & Nightlife: Desert Bistro, Quesadilla Mobilla, Moab Brewery. Family Activities: Arches Scenic Drive, Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, Colorado River Float Trips.
Best Time to Visit Moab
Spring and fall offer perfect hiking temperatures (60-80°F) and manageable crowds. Summer exceeds 100°F and inner canyon hikes become dangerous. Winter is cold (25-45°F) but offers solitude and snow-capped La Sal Mountain views. Wildflower season in April-May is beautiful.
Travel Tips
I-70 between Salina and Green River has very few services — fill up gas and grab food in Salina. Book Arches National Park timed entry reservations in advance (April-October) at recreation.gov. The Slickrock Bike Trail is iconic but extremely difficult — try Bar M trail for beginners. Moab restaurants book up fast in peak season — make dinner reservations, especially weekends.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Capitol Reef National Park, Salt Lake City, Denver.
