The Open Road Travel

Best Place To Stop On A Las Vegas To Denver Road Trip – Moab, Utah

The drive from Las Vegas to Denver spans 13.5 hours, making it essential for those wishing to enjoy the trip to spread it over several days. There are numerous excellent stops along the way, but Moab, Utah, stands out as a prime destination. Just a small detour from our route and only minutes from the entrance to Arches National Park, Moab is a vibrant desert town celebrated as one of the premier adventure spots in the American Southwest.

Surrounded by breathtaking red rock formations and vast blue skies, Moab serves as the gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park (more details on these parks to follow). Visitors are drawn to the area for its stunning scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking on exceptional trails, rock climbing, and off-roading across the rugged desert landscape.

The town radiates a relaxed, outdoor vibe, boasting a lively assortment of local bars and restaurants, equipment and souvenir shops, and tour companies designed for adventurers. The nearby Colorado River offers chances for both rafting and leisurely floats, while the surrounding desert is ideal for stargazing thanks to its clear night skies.

Whether you seek thrilling adventures or want to take in the beautiful views, Moab is an unforgettable stop on a Las Vegas to Denver road trip, providing a fantastic base from which to explore Utah’s natural beauty.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Moab, Utah – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab

Located in the centre of Moab, just 2.3 miles from Arches National Park, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab is a distinguished hotel that boasts stunning views and upscale amenities. Every room includes a private bathroom, air conditioning, a sofa, a flat-screen cable TV, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, and modern decor.



The hotel also offers a business centre and fitness facilities, as well as a swimming pool, hot tub, and laundry services to meet all your requirements during your stay. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises, and every guest receives free parking and a daily breakfast at no extra charge.

Best Things To See On A Las Vegas To Denver Road Trip

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses approximately 1.5 million acres and houses the largest reservoir in the U.S., Lake Mead, as well as the smaller Lake Mojave. This expanse of water in an otherwise arid setting attracts many visitors for activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and various water sports.

Furthermore, the park offers shaded picnic areas, hiking trails, wild landscapes, a ghost town, and a rich array of wildlife, including 1400 plant and animal species. A variety of historical sites and structures provide additional avenues for leisure and discovery. Overall, the area allows visitors to experience segments of three of the four desert ecosystems present in the United States.

Valley Of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park covers almost 46,000 acres, functioning as both a nature sanctuary and a recreational area for the public. Established in 1935, the park was founded to protect its famous red Aztec Sandstone formations, which take on a radiant glow when sunlight strikes them from particular angles.



The park showcases a diverse range of geological features, including conglomerates, limestones, sandstones, and shales, as well as dunes and ancient petroglyphs, making it an excellent destination for geologists. Additionally, its breathtaking scenery has made it a perfect filming location for various movies, including Star Trek Generations, Total Recall, and The Professionals.

Mesquite, Nevada

Established in 1880 near the Arizona-Nevada border, Mesquite is a charming town that offers a range of attractions typical of Las Vegas, such as casinos, golf courses, museums, hotels, bars, and restaurants. This makes it a great spot to take a break on your road trip from Las Vegas to Denver, Colorado, relax, and appreciate some entertainment in a more relaxed atmosphere.

St. George, Utah

St. George, which ranks as the seventh most populous city in Utah and is the largest city beyond the Wasatch Front, was founded in 1861 as a cotton mission by Mormon settlers. Its name honours George A. Smith, an influential leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Famous for its St. George Utah Temple, the city draws many visitors desiring outdoor adventures, as it is the closest significant urban area to both Zion National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.



Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

Founded in 2009, the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is dedicated to preserving its unique red cliffs, varied ecosystems, and wildlife, including species like the desert tortoise. Located at the northeastern edge of the Mojave Desert, this area consists of both upland and lowland sections. It features more than 130 miles (210 km) of hiking, biking, and riding trails, enabling you to disembark from your vehicle and enjoy Utah’s stunning landscapes.

Grafton Ghost Town

Grafton Ghost Town is regarded as one of the most well-preserved ghost towns in the American West. It offers an intriguing glimpse into 19th-century life, highlighted by several restored wooden buildings, a historic schoolhouse, and a small cemetery, all framed by striking red cliffs and expansive desert scenery.

Once abandoned due to floods and violence, Grafton now attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, nostalgic Old West atmosphere, and appearances in classic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. This combination makes it a peaceful and reflective stop for both history buffs and adventurers on a Las Vegas to Denver road trip.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, which attracts over 5 million visitors annually, is the most visited national park in Utah and holds the distinction of being the second-most popular nationwide, trailing only Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The first of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks on our Las Vegas to Denver road trip, it encompasses 147,242 acres, making it the 28th smallest national park in the United States. Established on November 19, 1919, it is also the 15th-oldest national park and is focused on Zion Canyon.

It lies at the junction of three major regions: the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert. Its varied landscapes showcase a mix of coniferous forests, colourful deserts, riparian zones, and flowing rivers, all contributing to its stunning scenery. The geological features include canyons, mesas, panoramic overlooks, and towering rock formations, revealing remarkable natural beauty.

Key attractions comprise the distinctive waters of Weeping Rock and the breathtaking views from Angels Landing. The park also supports a wide variety of wildlife, including badgers, bighorn sheep, bobcats, cougars, coyotes, desert cottontails, grey foxes, jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, mule deer, ring-tailed cats, rock squirrels, several species of lizards, and nearly 300 species of birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park covers 35,835 acres, making it Utah’s smallest national park and the 10th smallest in the contiguous United States, as well as the 12th smallest in the entire nation. It attracts about 2,104,600 visitors each year, ranking it as the 15^th-most visited national park in the United States. Established on February 25, 1928, it is also recognised as the 17th oldest national park.

Renowned for its natural geological amphitheatre, Bryce Canyon has been sculpted by millions of years of erosion, resulting in striking red hoodoos that reach high into the sky. This area is thought to have been home to Native Americans for many centuries.



While Bryce Canyon may not feature as diverse a range of wildlife as some of the other national parks in Utah, it is still home to various animals, including badgers, black bears, bobcats, elk, grey foxes, mule deer, porcupines, and prairie dogs. Additionally, the park supports 15 amphibian and lizard species, and roughly 190 bird species.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument covers nearly 2 million acres of remote desert in southern Utah. This region features impressive cliffs, deep canyons, and natural arches, offering abundant wilderness experiences, beautiful drives, and hiking options.

Notable attractions include Peek-a-Boo Canyon, Spooky Gulch, Calf Creek Falls, and the extensive Escalante River canyon system. Several scenic routes take travellers to various viewpoints and trails. It serves as an ideal destination for adventure seekers on a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver, Colorado.

Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest covers nearly 2 million acres in southern Utah, making it not only the state's largest forest but also one of the most extensive high-elevation plateaus in the nation. The range of elevations within the forest supports a wide variety of tree species along with several wilderness areas.

Throughout the centuries, the Colorado River has carved out colourful cliffs, canyons, and gorges, enhancing the area's rugged charm, while various lakes add a peaceful contrast to the landscape. With plentiful mountains and diverse weather patterns, Dixie National Forest is an exceptional spot for outdoor pursuits like hiking and camping.

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park, established on December 18, 1971, is Utah's newest national park and ranks as the 28^th-youngest in the entire United States. Spanning 76,679 acres, it’s the second-largest park in the state and the 29th largest nationally. With an annual visitor count of 1,405,353, it is recognised as the 19^th-most visited national park in the U.S.



The park's centrepiece is the Waterpocket Fold, a distinctive geological structure that stretches for 100 miles. It also exhibits a range of rock formations that have developed over millennia, alongside erosion features like cliffs, domes, and monoliths. Unlike some other parks in Utah, Capitol Reef is characterised by its verdant terrain, where guests can explore orchards and savour fresh fruit. The area also boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, and roughly 230 bird species.

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park offers a uniquely surreal experience, celebrated for its remarkably unconventional scenery. The park features a vast valley filled with thousands of rock formations which resemble mushrooms, commonly known as "goblins."

Located in a remote desert region, visitors are invited to wander among these formations at their own pace, scale the rocks, and take in the stunning vistas of the red sandstone cliffs and wide-open skies. It is particularly popular for activities such as photography, stargazing, and family-friendly outings, and it includes a campground along with necessary facilities.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest national park, covering 337,598 acres, making it the 15^th-largest in the lower 48 states and the 23rd largest nationally. Established on September 12, 1964, it ranks as the 31^st-oldest national park in the U.S. Annually, the park draws around 911,600 visitors, positioning it as the 28th most-visited national park in the country. However, it remains the least visited of Utah’s Mighty 5 parks.

The park is divided into three distinct areas by the Colorado and Green rivers and celebrated for its expansive canyons and diverse geological features, including arches, buttes, mesas, and pinnacles. It showcases the stunning wilderness of Utah, with vibrant colours that change throughout the seasons.

History buffs can explore ancient rock art and remnants associated with Butch Cassidy and his notorious gang. Additionally, wildlife enthusiasts will encounter a wide variety of species, including badgers, bats, beavers, elk, black bears, bobcats, bighorn sheep, cougars, coyotes, foxes, mule deer, pronghorns, ring-tailed cats, many rodents and reptiles, and approximately 200 bird species.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park, the first of Utah's Mighty 5 national parks, draws approximately 1,807,000 visitors each year, ranking it as the 16th most visited national park in the U.S. Spanning 76,679 acres, it is the 20th smallest national park in the country and was established on November 12, 1971, making it the 29th youngest national park.

The park is named for its most renowned feature: an impressive collection of over 2,000 natural rock arches, the largest such assortment in the world, formed from sandstone over millions of years due to erosion. Alongside these arches, Arches National Park boasts distinctive geological structures like balancing rocks, fins, and pinnacles, as well as some of the best stargazing locations on Earth, making it a prime destination for geologists.



Wildlife lovers will find that the park hosts a wide variety of species, including antelope squirrels, bighorn sheep, cougars, coyotes, collared lizards, kangaroo rats, mule deer, red foxes, spadefoot toads, two types of rattlesnakes, 190 bird species, and countless insects.

Grand Junction, Colorado

Grand Junction acts as a vibrant gateway to Colorado’s Western Slope, known for its blend of outdoor recreation, beautiful landscapes, and laid-back environment. Surrounded by striking red rock formations, it offers easy access to destinations like Colorado National Monument, where stunning canyons and remarkable rock formations provide exceptional views.

The city features a lively downtown area filled with art galleries, local restaurants, and wineries, which highlight its position in Colorado's wine country. With a variety of activities available, such as hiking, biking, rafting, and tours of nearby orchards and vineyards, Grand Junction is a desirable destination for visitors who enjoy both relaxation and adventure.

White River National Forest

White River National Forest is recognised as one of Colorado's most diverse and exciting outdoor destinations, encompassing parts of the Rocky Mountains and featuring famous sites such as the beautiful Maroon Bells.

Throughout the year, it draws visitors for its abundant outdoor activities. There’s top-notch skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and plentiful hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and picturesque drives through its alpine woods, vibrant wildflower meadows, and high-altitude lakes in summer.

Boasting a wide array of wildlife, breathtaking mountain scenery, and easy access from key resort towns, White River National Forest has an excellent blend of rugged wilderness and recreational activities suitable for all types of adventurers travelling on a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver.

Vail, Colorado

Vail is a world-renowned mountain resort in the Rocky Mountains, well-known for its extensive skiing facilities at Vail Ski Resort, one of the largest in North America. In the winter, visitors flock to the area for exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences. In contrast, summer reveals a different charm, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, festivals, and gondola rides that provide stunning mountain vistas.



Designed to mimic a European alpine village, Vail Village boasts a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with upscale shops, charming lodgings, and fine dining, creating a lively yet picturesque setting year-round.

The Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, located atop Lookout Mountain with sweeping views of the surrounding plains, offers an engaging look into the life and legacy of the legendary frontiersman Buffalo Bill Cody. Though small, the museum showcases fascinating artefacts, exhibits, and stories from the Wild West era, many about Buffalo Bill’s famous travelling show.

Nearby, his burial site boasts stunning panoramic views that stretch all the way to Denver. This site combines historical importance, picturesque landscapes, and touches of frontier history, making it an ideal final stop for travellers on a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver.

Final Thoughts On The Ultimate Las Vegas To Denver Road Trip Itinerary

That concludes our guide to a perfect Las Vegas to Denver road trip itinerary. You should now have all the necessary information to complete the drive, including when to go, the route to follow, how long it will take, where to stay, and what to see along the way. We also published helpful guides on where to stay in Las Vegas, Nevada, the top attractions in Las Vegas, Nevada, and how to enjoy Las Vegas on a budget before you begin.



All that’s left is deciding what to take with you, and then you can start budgeting and booking everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible. Anyone seeking to continue driving beyond Denver may enjoy our guides on:

A Denver to Mount Rushmore road trip itinerary

A Denver to Yellowstone National Park road trip