Memphis to Moab Road Trip

Day 1 · Tue, Sep 29
Moab, UT

Arrival in Moab

  1. Memphis to Moab drive — Take I-40 west and I-70 west; allow roughly 20–22 hours of driving before breaks, so this requires an overnight stop and cannot realistically be completed alongside Moab activities in one day.
  2. Arches National Park — Just north of Moab, visit the park’s scenic viewpoints and short trails; allow at least 2–3 hours, best planned for a separate day.
  3. Moab Giants — North of town along US-191, this outdoor dinosaur park offers an easy, family-friendly stop; allow about 1–2 hours.
  4. Moab Museum — In downtown Moab, explore exhibits on the region’s history and landscapes; allow about 1 hour and check current opening days before visiting.
  5. Antica Forma — Downtown Moab, enjoy wood-fired pizza after a long day; budget approximately $20–35 per person.
  6. Moab to Memphis drive — The return is another roughly 20–22 hours behind the wheel before breaks; depart only after an overnight stay, and plan an overnight stop en route.

Morning — Memphis to Moab

The Memphis-to-Moab drive is not a realistic same-day trip: allow roughly 20–22 hours behind the wheel before breaks, and plan an overnight stop rather than pushing through. The suggested I-40/I-70 routing takes you well north; check live navigation before setting out, since a route via I-40 and US-491 may be more direct depending on conditions. Leave early, share driving if possible, and book a place to stay en route. You won’t arrive with enough daylight—or energy—for the Moab stops below, so treat them as a plan for a later day.

After arriving — Arches and Moab stops

Visit Arches National Park on a separate day: allow at least 2–3 hours for viewpoints and short walks, and check the National Park Service website for current hours, entrance fees, and any timed-entry requirements. The park entrance is just north of town on US-191; carry water, and expect limited shade on trails. Moab Giants, also north of town along US-191, is an easy family-friendly stop of about 1–2 hours; check its current hours and admission price before driving out. Then head back downtown for the Moab Museum (about an hour; verify opening days and hours, as they can vary).

Evening and onward travel

Finish with wood-fired pizza at Antica Forma downtown; budget about $20–35 per person, and check current hours or book ahead if you’re arriving in the busy dinner window. The Moab-to-Memphis drive is another roughly 20–22 hours before breaks, so don’t start it after dinner or without an overnight stop planned. After a night’s rest, depart early, confirm the route and road conditions, and reserve lodging along the way.

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