Glenwood Springs to Laughlin: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Glenwood Springs, CO (elevation 5,761 ft) to Laughlin, NV (elevation 528 ft) spans approximately 750 miles along I-70 W, US-191 S, and US-93 S. This drive descends from the Rocky Mountains to the Mojave Desert, crossing the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin.

A curious fact: The highway passes through the historic Cisco, UT ghost town, once a bustling railroad stop for uranium mining. The stretch from Moab to Laughlin is notorious for extreme temperature swings—up to 60°F difference between day and night in spring.

This guide answers two key questions: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities and whether the journey is worth the drive. The answer is a resounding yes, but only if you know where to pause.

The long stretches of desert on US-93 can induce highway hypnosis. Plan stops every 2 hours. Key rest zones include:

• I-70 West: Rest area at mile marker 182 (just past Eagle, CO) and at mile marker 108 (near Green River, UT). Both have picnic tables and restrooms.
• US-191: No official rest areas, but Moab town offers plenty of coffee shops. Try Love Muffins & Bread Co. (107 N Main St) for caffeine and snacks.

Consider an overnight stay in Moab (halfway point) to break the trip into two manageable days. In Laughlin, end the drive by walking the Riverwalk to stretch.

Pets are allowed on leashes at most national parks in limited areas. Arches National Park allows pets on paved roads and picnic areas but not on trails. Dead Horse Point State Park is more permissive: dogs are allowed on trails if leashed.

• Pet-friendly lodging: In Moab, Destinations Inn (146 N 200 W) allows dogs for a fee. In Laughlin, the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall allows pets in select rooms.
• Vet services: Moab Veterinary Clinic (445 W 200 N) and Laughlin Animal Clinic (1955 S Casino Dr) are available.

Important: Desert temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer; never leave a pet in a parked car. Carry water and shade breaks.

The primary route uses Interstate 70 West from Glenwood Springs to Crescent Junction, then US-191 South through Moab, and finally US-93 South through Nevada to Laughlin. The total drive time without stops is about 12 hours, but plan for 2-3 days to enjoy attractions.

• Fuel stations are plentiful along I-70 and US-191, but sparse in the Nevada desert between Alamo and Laughlin (about 100 miles apart). Fill up in Moab or Beaver.
• Road quality: Excellent on interstate, good on US-191 (two-lane with passing lanes), and fair on US-93 (desert highway with some rough patches).
• Tolls: No toll roads on this route.

Best stops Glenwood Springs, CO to Laughlin, NV include Arches National Park, Valley of the Gods, and the Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument (requires detour). Each offers distinct geological features.

How long to drive Glenwood Springs, CO to Laughlin, NV without stops is roughly 11.5 hours. With breaks and sightseeing, allocate 2-3 days.

Venture off the main highway to discover less-visited gems. One standout is the Cisco Landing on the Colorado River at the end of State Route 128 (20 miles east of Moab), a popular spot for primitive camping and stunning river views.

• Fisher Towers Recreation Area (just north of Moab): A trail leads to towering sandstone spires, with parking at a BLM site.
• Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada, near Panaca): About 40 miles east of US-93, featuring slot canyons and a dramatic gorge. A worthwhile detour.

Another hidden gem: the ghost town of Gold Butte, NV (dirt road access, high-clearance recommended) offers petroglyphs and solitude.

The drive is moderately family-friendly with many stops that engage children. In Moab, the Moab Giants (2614 US-191) offers dinosaur tracks and a museum. The Arches Visitor Center has junior ranger programs. In Laughlin, the Riverwalk on the Colorado River offers boat rides and a lookout point.

• Rest stops with playgrounds: I-70 rest area near Thompson Springs (east of Moab).
• Safety: The Nevada desert stretch can be isolated; carry extra water and snacks for kids.

The scenery transitions from pine forests and hot springs (Glenwood Springs) to red rock canyons (Moab) to sagebrush and Joshua trees (Nevada). Highlights include:

• Arches National Park (3 miles from Moab): Over 2,000 sandstone arches, best visited early morning or late afternoon.
• Valley of the Gods (off US-163 near Mexican Hat): Free, less crowded alternative to Monument Valley with similar rock formations.
• Grand Canyon–Parashant (via BLM roads): Remote, no services, but offers stunning overlooks of the Grand Canyon’s north rim.

Local commerce along the route includes Moab’s artisan shops (e.g., Moab Rock Shop), gemstone sellers in Beaver, and the historic Laughlin casinos. The economy is driven by tourism, mining (uranium and copper in Moab area), and gambling in Laughlin.

Things to do between Glenwood Springs, CO and Laughlin, NV include hiking, rafting on the Colorado River, visiting ghost towns like Cisco, and soaking in hot springs at Glenwood Springs. For family-friendly activities, try the Moab Giants dinosaur museum or the Laughlin Riverwalk.

The route offers diverse dining, from farm-to-table in Colorado to Southwestern fare in Utah and buffets in Laughlin. In Glenwood Springs, try the Smoke Modern BBQ (known for brisket) at 5016 16th Ave, Carbondale. In Moab, Zax Restaurant (96 N 100 W) serves pizza with local dough.

• Beaver, UT: The Creamery (382 W 300 N) sells fresh cheese curds and squeak cheese.
• Las Vegas area (50 miles off-route): Extensive dining options; consider a detour for the Bellagio buffet.
• Laughlin: Gourmet options are limited; stick to casino buffets like the Aquarius Casino’s food court.

Mesa Verde National Park (near Cortez, CO) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just off US-160, about 1.5 hours south of Moab. It preserves Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings built between 600 and 1300 AD. The site is accessible via a two-hour detour from the main route.

• Must-see: Cliff Palace and Balcony House require guided tours; book online in advance.
• Tip: Visit in spring or fall to avoid summer heat and crowds.

The road condition is generally good, with I-70 well-maintained. US-191 between Green River and Moab has passing lanes but is narrow in places. US-93 from Alamo to Laughlin is mostly two-lane with open range, so watch for livestock.

• Gas stops: The segment from Alamo, NV to Laughlin has no services for about 70 miles (last gas in Alamo). Don’t pass without a full tank.
• Emergency services: Cell coverage is patchy in the Nevada desert; download offline maps. In Colorado, coverage is good on I-70.

Glenwood Springs experiences a continental climate (avg. July high 88°F, January low 16°F) with frequent snow in winter. The drive through Utah’s desert is arid and hot in summer (Moab avg. July high 97°F) and cool in winter (January low 22°F). The Nevada section is desert with extreme heat (Laughlin avg. July high 108°F) and mild winters (January low 42°F).

Aesthetic highlights include the red rock sunrise from Dead Horse Point State Park (just north of Moab) and the lonely Joshua trees along US-93 near the White Hills. The stark transition from Colorado greenery to Utah vermilion to Nevada beige is visually dramatic.