Blanding to Spearfish Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

Driving from Blanding, UT to Spearfish, SD covers approximately 650 miles via US-191, I-70, and US-85. This route passes through the Four Corners region, the Colorado Rockies, and the Black Hills.

Historic fact: Blanding sits near Comb Ridge, a 100-mile monocline that Native Americans and pioneers used as a natural highway. Today, you follow a similar line north.

The drive takes roughly 10 hours without stops, but plan for 2-3 days to explore. For tips on finding stops, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Departing Blanding, you cross Colorado Plateau desert. Near Moab, the red rock of Arches National Park dominates.

Further north, the San Juan Mountains near Durango offer alpine scenery. Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction showcases canyon walls.

• Arches National Park (Moab)
• Colorado National Monument (Grand Junction)
• Black Hills National Forest (Spearfish area)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mesa Verde National Park (southwest Colorado) is a detour, but worth it. The route passes near the site.

Local commerce: Moab is a hub for adventure gear and art galleries. Grand Junction has wineries. Spearfish has a historic downtown with shops.

The route primarily follows US-191 north to I-70 east, then US-85 north to Spearfish. Expect 10 hours of pure driving.

Fuel economy is variable: mountain climbs in Colorado lower MPG. Gas stations are sparse between Moab and Grand Junction, and again between Lusk, WY and Spearfish. Fill up in Blanding, Moab, Grand Junction, and Lusk.

• Distance: 650 miles
• Driving time: 10 hours
• Altitude: 4,000 ft in Blanding to 3,600 ft in Spearfish, with passes over 8,000 ft

Accommodations are abundant in Moab, Grand Junction, and Rapid City. Book ahead in summer.

Road quality: US-191 and US-85 are two-lane highways in parts, but paved. I-70 is interstate standard. Winter driving can be hazardous.

Safety: Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk in Colorado and Wyoming. Cell coverage is spotty west of Grand Junction.

Rest zones: Rest areas exist on I-70 near the Utah/Colorado border and in Wyoming. Plan stops every 2-3 hours.

• Deer alerts common at dusk/dawn
• Carry extra water and snacks
• Download offline maps

Family suitability: Many stops are kid-friendly. Arches offers easy hikes. The Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, CO is excellent for children.

Pet-friendly: National parks allow leashed pets on trails. Most motels accept pets. Rest stops have pet areas.

Fatigue management: Break at scenic viewpoints. Short naps at rest areas are safe.