Glenwood Springs to Show Low: Epic Colorado to Arizona Road Trip

The route from Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Show Low, Arizona covers roughly 700 miles and takes about 11 hours of pure driving time, but the real journey unfolds across two major highways: I-70 west, then US-191 south. This corridor follows the ancient Trail of the Ancients, a route used by Ancestral Puebloans for trade long before asphalt existed.

Along the way, you'll descend from the Colorado Rockies at 5,761 feet to the high desert of the Colorado Plateau at 6,300 feet, experiencing dramatic shifts in geology, climate, and culture. The drive is undeniably worth it for those who crave solitude, archaeological wonders, and an unfiltered slice of the American West.

The landscape transitions from alpine forests to red rock canyons, then to the high desert of the Navajo Nation. Arches National Park near Moab is a detour, but the real spectacle is along US-163, with Monument Valley's towering sandstone buttes.

• Hidden Gem: Goosenecks State Park near Mexican Hat offers a mesmerizing view of the San Juan River meander.
• Cultural Stop: Navajo Nation's Window Rock Tribal Park has a small museum and the iconic natural arch.
• Local Commerce: In Kayenta, buy handmade silver jewelry from roadside vendors; cash only.

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

Long stretches of empty road can lead to fatigue. Plan rest stops every two hours. Moab is a natural break point with ample dining. For families, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding has interactive exhibits on Ancestral Puebloans.

• Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed on leashes at national monuments; always carry water.
• Food: Kayenta has Navajo taco stands; Show Low offers casual diners.
• Weather: Summer heat exceeds 100°F in Utah; start early. Afternoon thunderstorms common in Arizona.

The route is a mix of interstate (I-70) and two-lane highways (US-191, US-160, US-163). Gas stations are sparse between Blanding, UT and Kayenta, AZ, so fill up in Moab and again in Mexican Hat. Cell service drops off significantly south of Moab; download offline maps before you leave.

• Key fuel stops: Glenwood Springs (first), Moab, Blanding, Mexican Hat, Kayenta, Chinle, Show Low.
• Road conditions: I-70 is excellent; US-191 is well-maintained but winding and narrow in places.
• Winter travel: Snow possible in Colorado and northern Arizona from October to May; carry chains.