Glenwood Springs to Cedar City Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive Highlights

The route from Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Cedar City, Utah covers approximately 340 miles and takes about 5.5 hours of pure driving time. This stretch of US-6 and US-89 traverses three distinct geological provinces: the Colorado Plateau, the Basin and Range, and the High Plateaus of Utah. At mile marker 45 on US-6 east of Price, you cross the historic 1890s railroad grade of the Denver and Rio Grande Western, a fact few drivers notice.

This guide answers the common questions: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, along with specifics on how long to drive Glenwood Springs, CO to Cedar City, UT and whether it’s worth driving this route. With careful planning, the journey offers world-class scenery and unique cultural stops.

Road Quality: US-89 south of Mt. Carmel has narrow shoulders and occasional washboard sections. Wildlife crossings of mule deer and pronghorn are common at dawn/dusk. Carry extra water, especially in summer. The nearest hospitals are in Moab (45 min) and Cedar City (from Bryce).

• Family Suitability: Kid-friendly stops include the Moab Giants dinosaur museum and Pioneer Park in Cedar City with playgrounds.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most national parks allow leashed pets in developed areas only. Rest stops on I-70 have designated pet relief spots. Motels in Moab and Cedar City generally accept pets with a fee.
• Fatigue Management: Rest zones exist at rest areas near Green River (mile 154) and at the Sevier River overlook (US-89). Take a break every 2 hours; the best refresh stop is at the Hollow Mountain gas station at Hanksville: it has a mini-zoo and clean restrooms.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: 15 miles east of Escalante on Hole-in-the-Rock Road, the Devil’s Garden offers natural arches with hardly any tourists. Another gem is the Moqui Cave in Kanab (just south of the main route), an ancient native dwelling turned museum of fossilized dinosaur tracks.

Local Culture: In Cedar City, the Utah Shakespeare Festival runs from June to October. Year-round, the Frontier Homestead State Park showcases pioneer life. On US-89 between Orderville and Mount Carmel, visit the quilt shop "Pieceful Hearts" for handcrafted local goods.

The drive crosses the San Rafael Swell, a 40-mile-wide anticline of Jurassic sandstone. Near mile 87 on I-70, look for the Wedge Overlook — a mini Grand Canyon. At Moab, Arches National Park contains over 2,000 stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Bryce Canyon National Park, a detour of 50 miles, features hoodoos formed by frost wedging.

• Best natural stop: Goblin Valley State Park (15 min off US-24) with mushroom-shaped rock formations.
• Local Commerce: In Torrey, pick up fresh apricot pie at the Sunglow Cafe (seasonal).
• UNESCO Sites: None on the direct route, but Grand Canyon (190 mi) and Mesa Verde (180 mi) can be reached as side trips.

Climatic Conditions: Summer highs exceed 100°F in Moab; winter lows 15°F. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and smaller crowds. Snow occasionally closes passes on US-6 between December and March. Aesthetics peak at sunrise: the orange glow on Wingate sandstone is unforgettable.

Culinary Infrastructure: Options are mostly American diners and fast food. In Moab, the Moab Brewery serves elk burgers and local beers. Between Hanksville and Cedar City, rely on gas station snacks or pack a cooler. Vegetarian options are limited; consider bringing your own meals.

Fuel stations are sparse after Green River, Utah, with a 90-mile gap to Hanksville. Fill up before leaving I-70 at exit 116 (Green River) or at Crescent Junction. Gas prices average 15–20¢ higher in remote areas.

• The route is 100% paved and mostly two-lane highway from Moab south.
• Speed limits: 65–75 mph on US-6; 55–65 mph on US-89. Watch for sudden drops near small towns.
• Cell signal is unreliable along US-89 between Mt. Carmel Junction and Cedar City. Download offline maps.