Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
Capitol Reef to Moab: the drive
The drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Moab covers 145 miles (234 km) and takes about 2 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on SR-24, I-70 and US-191.
It's an easy drive that leaves plenty of time to explore along the way. Allow about 3 hrs with breaks.
We found 4 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Goblin Valley State Park, Canyonlands: Island in the Sky, Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| SR-24 | 81 |
| I-70 | 32 |
| US-191 | 32 |
Best time to go: March to May and September to October.
Best stops between Capitol Reef and Moab
- 1
Goblin Valley State Park
Thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos you can wander among freely, about 30 minutes off the Capitol Reef–Moab route.
Photo: CGP Grey · CC BY 2.0
Near Moab
- 2
Canyonlands: Island in the Sky
A mesa-top district with Mesa Arch at sunrise and Grand View Point looking 1,000 feet down to the White Rim.
Photo: au_ears · CC BY-SA 2.0 - 3
Dead Horse Point State Park
A gooseneck of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below, and arguably the best sunset point near Moab.
Photo: Mike Nielsen · CC BY-SA 2.0 - 4
Arches National Park
Over 2,000 natural stone arches, including Delicate Arch at the end of a 3-mile round-trip hike.
Photo: Palacemusic · CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to stay in Moab
Base camp for Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point, plus world-class mountain biking and 4x4 trails.
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Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Capitol Reef to Moab:
Capitol Reef to Moab road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Moab?
About 2 hr 30 min without stops for 145 miles via SR-24, I-70 and US-191. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 3 hrs.
What is the halfway point between Capitol Reef and Moab?
Green River, UT is about halfway, roughly 73 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from Capitol Reef to Moab in one day?
Yes. At 2 hr 30 min of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between Capitol Reef and Moab?
Top stops include Goblin Valley State Park, Canyonlands: Island in the Sky, Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Capitol Reef to Moab?
About $19 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit Moab?
March to May and September to October.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
