Moab to Hanksville: Desert Road Trip Guide

Moab sits at 4,026 feet elevation, while Hanksville lies at 4,344 feet — a subtle climb across 100 miles of US-191 and UT-24. The route crosses the San Rafael Swell, a massive geological uplift formed 60 million years ago that exposes colorful Jurassic and Triassic rock layers.

Locals refer to this stretch as the "Goblin Valley Corridor" due to the surreal hoodoo formations that dominate the landscape. Driving time is roughly 1.5 hours without stops, but most travelers spend 4-6 hours exploring.

Road quality on US-191 is excellent with clear shoulders. UT-24 requires caution — watch for flash floods in washes from July to September. Always carry extra water (1 gallon per person) and a paper map.

• Family stops: Goblin Valley's "Hoodoo Maze" is a safe, flat play area for kids.
• Pet-friendly: Dogs allowed on leash at all state parks; carry waste bags.
• Rest zones: Designated viewpoints at mile 28 (Crescent Junction) and mile 60 (Temple Mountain).

Fatigue management: Plan a mid-route break at the Goblin Valley Visitor Center (open 8am-5pm), which has shaded picnic tables and restrooms. The next rest area is 40 miles ahead at Hanksville.

US-191 from Moab to the UT-24 junction is a well-maintained two-lane highway with a 65 mph speed limit, gradually descending through sandstone cliffs. UT-24 from the junction to Hanksville is narrower and more winding, with frequent dips and blind curves — recommended speed 55 mph.

• Fuel: Last gas in Moab at mile 0; next at Hanksville. No stations in between.
• Cell Service: Spotty after leaving Moab; only pockets near Green River cutoff (mile 34).
• Food/Water: Pack supplies — only basic snacks at Goblin Valley State Park visitor center.

For planning the best stops between Moab and Hanksville, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Best stops Moab to Hanksville include the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite (mile 14), where 112 million-year-old theropod footprints cross a slab of Cretaceous mudstone. Further west, the San Rafael River Overlook (mile 56) offers a panoramic view of the reef's sinuous ridges.

• Goblin Valley State Park (mile 72): Enter via UT-24 to see thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos. Entrance fee $20 per vehicle.
• Little Wild Horse Canyon (mile 75): Slot canyon hike 1.5 miles to a junction; moderate difficulty.
• Hanksville's Wolverine Petrified Wood: Private collection of 200-million-year-old fossilized trees along UT-95.

Local commerce is limited but authentic. In Hanksville, visit Stan's Burger Shak for bison burgers and house-made root beer. The old Moab Drive-In (closed since 2019) still has a vintage neon sign visible from US-191.