Aspen to Scottsdale Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The 845-mile drive from Aspen, CO to Scottsdale, AZ traverses the Colorado Plateau via US-550, I-70, US-191, and US-163, a route that dips into Utah before descending into Arizona. A little-known fact: the highway segment between Moab and Mexican Hat follows the exact path of the 19th-century Mormon pioneer expedition, complete with sandstone wagon ruts still visible at certain rest stops.

This guide answers core questions: best stops Aspen, CO to Scottsdale, AZ, how long to drive Aspen, CO to Scottsdale, AZ (roughly 13.5 hours without stops), and is it worth driving Aspen, CO to Scottsdale, AZ? The answer is an emphatic yes, provided you plan for the geological wonders and climate shifts along the way. For a deeper strategy on curating your own adventure, check out this resource on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are within a 50-mile detour: Mesa Verde National Park (near Cortez) and the recently inscribed Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (though not on route, the cultural parallel is the Ancestral Puebloan sites at Hovenweep). The primary geological spectacle is Monument Valley, a sacred Navajo landscape of red sandstone buttes rising 1,000 ft from the desert floor.

• Must-stop viewpoints: Wilson Arch (US-191), Mexican Hat Rock, Forrest Gump Point
• Local commerce: Navajo jewelry stands at Goulding's Lodge; buy authentic silver and turquoise from licensed vendors
• Hidden off-route spot: Valley of the Gods, a 17-mile gravel loop with hoodoos rivaling Monument Valley, without the crowds

Climatic conditions vary dramatically: Aspen leaves at 8,000 ft with 50°F summer temps, while Scottsdale bakes at 110°F. The drive transitions through pinyon-juniper woodlands, high desert, and Sonoran cactus forests. Pack layers, a wide-brim hat, and at least 1 gallon of water per person.

Fuel stations are sparse between Moab and Kayenta, with gaps exceeding 70 miles. Fill up in Moab (cost ~$3.50/gal) and again at Kayenta (tribal station, often higher). The climb over the Colorado Plateau at 6,000-8,000 ft elev. reduces fuel economy by 15-20% in standard vehicles; plan for an extra stop.

• Recommended fuel stops: Moab, Monticello, Blanding, Kayenta
• EV charging: Level 2 chargers in Moab, Cortez, and Sedona; no Superchargers between Moab and Kayenta
• Road conditions: US-163 through Monument Valley is two-lane but well-maintained; watch for cattle and sand drifts at dawn/dusk

The route is serviced by AAA and has cellular coverage (Verizon/AT&T) I-70 and US-191, but significant dead zones from mile 20 south of Blanding to Kayenta. Download offline maps and audiobooks in advance.

Infrastructure safety is high on I-70 and US-191, but wildlife (deer, elk, cows) pose risks at twilight. The two-lane stretches through American Fork Canyon and near Moab require headlight use even in daytime. No major construction zones as of 2025, but check NPS alerts for Monument Valley road closures due to flash floods.

• Best family stop: Moab Giants (dinosaur tracks and museum), with a playground and picnic area
• Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels in Moab and Sedona allow dogs; Navajo Nation parks restrict pets unless leashed and with proof of vaccination
• Fatigue management stops: Rest areas at mile 182 on I-70 (east of Salina) and at Goulding's Lodge (Monument Valley); both have shade and water

Culinary infrastructure clusters in Moab (Zax, Pasta Jay's) and Sedona (Elote Cafe, Mariposa). Between them, Kayenta offers Navajo tacos at the Kayenta Monument Valley Inn. For a real off-grid meal, stop at the Bluff Food Truck in Bluff, UT, for green chile cheeseburgers.

Local commerce and culture: The Moab Arts Center hosts rotating exhibits of contemporary Navajo and Ute artists; the San Juan County Welcome Center in Monticello stocks regional jams and honey. Support Indigenous artisans by visiting the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock if you have time, or buy directly from roadside stands near Mexican Hat.

Hidden off-route spots: Muley Point Overlook (18 miles south of Mexican Hat) offers eye-level views of Monument Valley and allows primitive camping. For geology buffs, the Moki Dugway (paved switchbacks on UT-261) drops 1,200 ft in 3 miles and is an adrenaline-pumping detour.

things to do between Aspen, CO and Scottsdale, AZ: Raft the Colorado River in Moab, hike the Devil's Garden Trail in Arches, photograph the Mittens at sunrise, and stargaze in the International Dark Sky Park of Natural Bridges National Monument.