Moab to Livingston Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

The drive from Moab, Utah to Livingston, Montana spans roughly 550 miles along US-191 and I-15, crossing the Colorado Plateau, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains. This route follows the historic Mormon Trail and passes through the heart of the American West.

A little-known fact: the segment between Price, Utah and Spanish Fork Canyon is one of the most avalanche-prone highways in the lower 48, with snowsheds and warning systems dating back to the 1950s. For a deep dive on discovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The drive takes about 9 hours without stops, but plan for 2–3 days to fully experience the landscapes. Key coordinates: Moab (38.5733° N, 109.5498° W) to Livingston (45.6641° N, 110.5616° W).

Leaving Moab, the red rock canyonlands give way to the San Rafael Swell, a geological dome with dramatic cliffs and dinosaur fossils. Past Price, the landscape shifts to alpine forests as you cross the Wasatch Range.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but Dinosaur National Monument (detour near Vernal) is part of the Jurassic World Heritage nomination.
• Natural attractions: Arches National Park (near Moab), Spanish Fork Canyon, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (near Brigham City), and the Gallatin National Forest near Livingston.
• Local commerce: In Moab, buy Navajo crafts; in Price, visit the Prehistoric Museum; in Livingston, explore the historic downtown with art galleries and fly shops.

Scenery shifts dramatically: from desert sand to sagebrush steppe, then to pine forests and finally the grassy plains of Montana. Each region supports distinct local economies—tourism in Moab, coal mining near Price, tech in SLC, agriculture in Idaho.

This route primarily uses US-191 from Moab to I-15 near Provo, then I-15 north to Idaho Falls, and US-20/US-191 to Livingston. Gas stations are plentiful in towns but sparse in remote stretches like the 70-mile gap between Green River and Price.

• Gas stops: Moab, Green River, Price, Spanish Fork, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Brigham City, Tremonton, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, West Yellowstone (detour), Livingston.
• Elevation profile: Moab at 4,000 ft, climbs to 7,500 ft at Soldier Summit, then descends to 4,500 ft in SLC, rises again to 6,000 ft in Idaho, and ends at 4,500 ft in Livingston.
• Road conditions: Generally good, but winter requires chains or snow tires from November to April, especially over Soldier Summit and Monida Pass.

For fuel economy, expect higher consumption climbing steep grades. A full tank in Moab (range ~300 mi) needs a refill by Price. In summer, carry extra water for desert stretches. For tips on trip planning, refer to the linked blog.

Safety concerns include wildlife (deer, elk, and occasionally moose) especially at dawn/dusk on rural two-lane sections. In winter, black ice on I-15 north of Brigham City is common. Always check weather reports for avalanche warnings near Soldier Summit.

• Family stops: Moab's parks (Swanny City Park), Price's indoor water park (Carbon Aquatics), Salt Lake City's Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, and the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theater in Rexburg.
• Pet-friendly stops: Rest areas allow pets on leash; many hotels like La Quinta in SLC and Best Western in Livingston accept pets. Off-leash areas: Willow Park in Idaho Falls.
• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours. Recommended rest zones: Green River rest area (milepost 164 on I-70, but off-route), Scipio rest stop on I-15 at mile 204, and Beaver Mountain viewpoint near Logan.

Hidden off-route spots: Nine Mile Canyon (40 miles east of Price) has thousands of petroglyphs. The Golden Spike National Historical Park (west of Brigham City) commemorates the transcontinental railroad. And the ghost town of Cisco, Utah (near the Colorado border) offers eerie ruins.