The drive from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City and it was an awesome trip! Beautiful landscapes, snow-topped mountains in Colorado and desolate but interesting deserts in Utah. The air was fresh, we felt ready for adventure and our car’s engine made a gentle noise. Winding roads and amazing natural beauty changed as we drove. We saw incredible views and rugged land, making our journey really spectacular. I will always remember this trip as an adventure we want to experience again and again.
I can get used to the speed limits in Utah and Nevada! I have always had a lead foot with a record of multiple speeding tickets over the years (sorry dad!). When I saw the speed limit of 80mph I thought to myself…challenge accepted! Utah and Nevada cater to my need for speed!
Driving Route
Main Attractions
The road trip from Grand Junction to Salt Lake City offers many beautiful scenic views on this 5 hour drive.
Start your journey with a visit to this picturesque national monument located near Grand Junction. Drive the scenic Rim Rock Drive for breathtaking views of red rock canyons, towering monoliths, and unique rock formations.
Then, as you head east from Grand Junction, consider a detour to Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world. Explore the lush forests, and pristine lakes, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Next, this museum, located in Fruita, Colorado, showcases an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and offers interactive exhibits that are perfect for families.
Fourth, take a scenic route along the Colorado River as you enter Utah. This road is known for its stunning red rock canyons and cliffs, making it a fantastic drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.
Next, just north of Moab, Utah, you’ll find the world-famous Arches National Park. Explore the iconic sandstone arches, rock formations, and stunning landscapes. Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Balanced Rock are must-see attractions.
Again, located near Moab, Canyonlands offers dramatic canyons carved by the Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts, and Island in the Sky and the Needles are popular areas to explore.
Next, this state park, near Canyonlands, provides panoramic views of the Colorado River and its canyons. The overlooks here are breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Also, known for its otherworldly landscape of bizarre rock formations, Goblin Valley is a unique and fascinating place to explore. It’s particularly fun for kids who can let their imaginations run wild among the goblin-like figures.
So, as you continue west, visit Capitol Reef, a lesser-visited but equally impressive national park. The Waterpocket Fold and fruit orchards in Fruita are noteworthy attractions.
Along the route, you’ll have opportunities for scenic detours through national forests, such as Fishlake National Forest, where you can enjoy lush forests and mountain scenery.
And, just west of Salt Lake City, the salt flats are a unique and striking natural wonder. It’s worth a stop to marvel at the vast, white expanse.
Finally, when you reach Salt Lake City, consider visiting the Great Salt Lake. Antelope Island State Park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and swimming.
Accommodations
We stayed one night at the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) in Salt Lake City. This campground was clean and quiet with a large amount of amenities available. They took precautions to COVID-19 safety regulations for residents.
We stayed in site #1108 which was a level pull-in site, full hook-up, near the playgrounds, hot tub/pool, Mexican restaurant, propane, dumpster and the exit. After taxes and the Value Kard Rewards Discount (10%), we paid $66/night. Checkout is at 12 noon, quiet hours are 10pm to 8am.
