Boulder to Orderville: Epic Utah Road Trip Guide

This route follows US-36 from Boulder to I-70 West, then US-89 and US-89A through some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States. Orderville is a hub for visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Historically, the route parallels the Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century trade route connecting Santa Fe to Los Angeles. You’ll drive through the Colorado Plateau, where layers of sedimentary rock reveal millions of years of geological history.

Driving distance is approximately 470 miles, taking 7.5–8.5 hours without stops. Many travelers spend days exploring side canyons and national parks.

You’ll traverse the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, and high desert. Key natural attractions include Arches National Park (near Moab) and Bryce Canyon National Park (a detour via UT-12).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route: Mesa Verde National Park (a 1-hour detour from Cortez, CO) and the Grand Canyon (further south).

• Mesa Verde offers well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, a must-see for history buffs.
• Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos are otherworldly; sunrise and sunset are best.

Local culture in Orderville is rooted in Mormon pioneer history. Visit the historic Orderville Mercantile for handmade goods and local art.

Road quality is good on interstates, but US-89A is winding and narrow in places. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk, at dawn and dusk.

For family and child suitability: Plan stops every 2 hours for restrooms and leg stretches. Moab offers many kid-friendly hikes like Park Avenue in Arches.

• Pet-friendly framework: Most national parks allow pets on paved trails; check park regulations. There are several pet-friendly motels in Moab and Kanab.
• Fatigue management: Use rest areas on I-70 (e.g., rest stop near mile marker 147). In Orderville, the Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge has comfortable beds.

Hidden off-route spots: Goblin Valley State Park (off I-70 near Green River) is a surreal landscape of mushroom-shaped rocks. Also consider Kodachrome Basin State Park (off US-89) for vibrant rock formations.

For more tips on finding unique stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

From Boulder, take US-36 West to I-25 South, then merge onto I-70 West. This interstate is well-maintained and passes through the Rocky Mountains near the Eisenhower Tunnel (elevation 11,158 ft).

After Grand Junction, continue on I-70 to exit 182 (US-191 South) to reach Moab. From Moab, take US-191 South to US-89 West in Arizona, then US-89A North to Orderville.

• Fuel stations are plentiful along I-70, but sparse on US-89 between Kanab and Orderville – fill up in Kanab.
• Cell service is intermittent, especially in canyons; download offline maps.
• Best time to drive: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.