Route map
Start / endStopsOvernight
Phoenix to Moab: the drive
The drive from Phoenix to Moab covers 467 miles (751 km) and takes about 7 hr 45 min without stops, mostly on I-17, US-191 and US-160.
That's a lot of time behind the wheel for one day, so we suggest splitting it into 2 days with an overnight in Tuba City, AZ. That keeps each day to about 3 hr 45 min of driving.
We found 9 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Jerome, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Cameron Trading Post and Desert View Watchtower.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-17 | 138 |
| US-191 | 131 |
| US-160 | 126 |
| US-89 | 62 |
Best time to go: March to May and September to October.
Suggested 2-day itinerary
- Day 1: Phoenix → Tuba City, AZ (233 mi). Stops: Jerome, Montezuma Castle National Monument and Cameron Trading Post.
- Day 2: Tuba City, AZ → Moab (234 mi). Stops: Goosenecks State Park, Bluff and Canyonlands: Island in the Sky.
Best stops between Phoenix and Moab
- 1
Jerome
A former copper boomtown clinging to Cleopatra Hill, now full of galleries and tasting rooms, with sweeping views of the Verde Valley.
Photo: Seasider53 · CC BY 4.0 - 2
Montezuma Castle National Monument
A five-story cliff dwelling set high in a limestone wall, viewed from a short, flat loop trail just off I-17.
Photo: Beyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0 - 3
Cameron Trading Post
A historic trading post above the Little Colorado River, known for Navajo tacos and a large Native arts gallery.
- 4
Desert View Watchtower
Mary Colter's 1932 stone tower at the east end of the South Rim, and the first viewpoint if you enter from Cameron.
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park · Public domain - ☾
Overnight in Tuba City, AZ
End of day 1: about 3 hr 45 min and 233 miles from Phoenix.
See hotels in Tuba City → - 5
Goosenecks State Park
The San Juan River carves tight entrenched meanders 1,000 feet below a simple overlook near Mexican Hat.
Photo: Chesley Chen · CC BY-SA 3.0 - 6
Bluff
A tiny pioneer town with a reconstructed 1880 fort and good cafes, plus access to Valley of the Gods and Bears Ears.
Photo: François5000 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Near Moab
- 7
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 - 8
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 - 9
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 overnight on the way
Hotels and rentals around Tuba City, AZ, the natural end of day one:
Map not loading? See places to stay near Tuba City →
Where to stay in Moab
Base camp for Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point, plus world-class mountain biking and 4x4 trails.
Map not loading? See places to stay near Moab →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at GJT. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at PHX
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in one search. Dropping off near Moab? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Phoenix to Moab:
Phoenix to Moab road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Phoenix to Moab?
About 7 hr 45 min without stops for 467 miles via I-17, US-191 and US-160. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 9 hr 30 min.
What is the halfway point between Phoenix and Moab?
Tuba City, AZ is about halfway, roughly 234 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Where should I stop overnight between Phoenix and Moab?
To keep each day under about 4 hours of driving, stay overnight in Tuba City, AZ. Book ahead in summer and on holiday weekends.
What are the best stops between Phoenix and Moab?
Top stops include Jerome, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Cameron Trading Post and Desert View Watchtower. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from Phoenix to Moab?
About $60 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.
