MOAB

SCENIC LOCATIONS SCENIC BYWAYS
UPPER COLORADO RIVER
SCENIC BYWAY (U-128)
This spectacular route along the Colorado River gorge begins at the Colorado
River Bridge on the north end of Moab. For the first 13 miles (20.9 km) it parallels the
Colorado River within a narrow section of the gorge, providing breathtaking views of
the surrounding red sandstone cliffs. Popular attractions along this portion of the route
include viewpoints of the river, a paved pathway and public camping areas.
At 13 miles (20.9 km) the gorge widens as the highway proceeds past Castle
and Professor Valleys, which have been the shooting locations for many western
films including Wagon Master and Rio Grande, along with numerous television
commercials. The Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission has a museum
at the lodge located at Mile Marker 14. Admission is free. Popular hiking trails along
this stretch of road include the Sylvester Trail, which is 18.4 miles (29.6 km) from
Highway 191, and the Amphitheater Loop, 22 miles (35.4 km) from Highway 191.
See discovermoab.com for detailed trailhead directions. After 24.7 miles (39.8 km)
the highway passes a viewpoint for one of the grandest views in the west, the
red rock spires of the Fisher Towers set against the often snow covered peaks
of the La Sal Mountains.
After leaving the valley, the road winds farther up the river gorge until arriving at the
site of the historic Dewey Bridge at 29.8 miles (48 km). Unfortunately, Dewey Bridge
was destroyed in April 2008 by a brush fire. The road then follows the northern bank
of the river for a few more miles before exiting the Colorado River gorge. At this point
the highway proceeds across open desert toward the ghost town of Cisco at 44 miles
(70.8 km). Cisco was founded as a water refilling station for steam locomotives along
the main line of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. After another 5 miles
(8 km), the route intersects Interstate 70.
DEAD HORSE
MESA
SCENIC BYWAY
(U-313)
Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway,
on Utah Highway 313, takes you
through miles of incredible red
rock canyon country. To reach the
byway, head north from Moab on
US-191. After about 9 miles (14.5
km), look for the “Dead Horse Point
State Park” sign and turn left (west)
onto SR-313. This is the start of the
byway. After a series of hairpin
curves as you begin to ascend
the plateau, paved pullouts allow
you to park and photograph the
scenery. At about 14.6 miles (23.5
km) from the beginning of SR-313,
a fork to the left leads to Dead
Horse Point State Park. Note that a
fee is required to proceed to the
viewpoints. The view from Dead
Horse Point is one of the most
photographed scenic vistas in the
world. Towering 2,000 feet above
the Colorado River, the overlook
provides a breathtaking panorama
of Canyonlands’ sculpted
pinnacles and buttes.
SCENIC LOCATIONS ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
26 DiscoverMoab.com | 435-259-8825
Length 44.0 mi / 70.8 km
Time to Allow 2 hours
After leaving Dead Horse Point
State Park, backtrack to Highway
313, turn left, and head toward
the Island in the Sky District of
Canyonlands National Park,
ultimately ending at Grandview
Point. This section of the park sits
atop a massive 1,500-foot mesa,
quite literally an Island in the
Sky. 20 miles (32.2 km) of
paved roads lead to many
Length 35.0 mi / 56.3 km
of the most spectacular views
Time to Allow 2 hours minimum, but
in canyon country.
several additional hours are
recommended to enjoy the
state and national parks.
DiscoverMoab.com | 435-259-8825
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