Moab to Venice Beach: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This route traverses the Colorado Plateau, crossing the continental divide near Salina, UT at an elevation of 7,953 feet on I-70. The journey covers approximately 830 miles and typically takes 12-14 hours of driving time without stops.

Geologically, you'll pass through the Paradox Basin, known for its salt diapirs and anticlines that shape the dramatic canyons. The road follows the Old Spanish Trail, a historic trade route used from 1829 to the 1850s.

The route primarily uses I-70 west from Moab to Salina, then US-89 south to I-15, continuing southwest through Utah, Nevada, and into California. Key highways include I-70, US-89, I-15, and I-10.

Fuel stations are plentiful every 30-50 miles along interstates, but sparse on US-89 between Salina and Beaver. Plan to refuel in Green River (mile 158), Salina, Beaver, and St. George.

• Average gas prices (2025): Moab $3.50/gal, Salina $3.40, St. George $3.60, Las Vegas $3.80, Barstow $4.00, Venice $4.20.
• Diesel available at major truck stops.
• EV charging: Fast chargers in Moab, Green River, Salina, Beaver, St. George, Las Vegas, Barstow, and LA.

Tolls: No tolls on I-70 or I-15 in Utah. California has toll lanes on I-10; use cash lanes to avoid.

I-70 through Utah has long stretches with no service. Carry water and snacks. Cell coverage is spotty between Salina and Beaver; download offline maps.

• Rest stops: mile 147 (westbound) near Green River; mile 188 (Salina); mile 244 (Beaver).
• Fatigue management: Use the rest area near Cedar City (mile 62 on I-15) or the Valley of Fire State Park overlook (NV).

Family suitability: Stops include Cove Fort (historic site, free), the Ghost Town of Caliente, and the Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas. Kid-friendly hiking at Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (near St. George).

Pet-friendly: Numerous leash-required areas. Best rest stops for dogs: Little Sahara Recreation Area (UT) has a pet-friendly section. Most national forests allow on-leash pets.

Hidden off-route spots: The Hot Pots near Meadow, UT (natural hot springs, 10 min off I-15). Also, the Trona Pinnacles near Searles Valley, CA (1 hr off I-5).

To find more hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins in the high desert of Moab (4,000 ft) among red rock canyons, then climbs to alpine forests near Salina. Descend into the Great Basin desert of Nevada, cross the Mojave Desert, and finish at the Pacific Ocean.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: none directly on route, but nearby include Mesa Verde National Park (2 hr detour from Moab) and Grand Canyon National Park (4 hr detour).

• Natural Bridges National Monument (55 mi west of Blanding, UT)
• Zion National Park (30 mi east of I-15 near St. George)
• Death Valley National Park (2 hr north of Barstow)

Local commerce includes Navajo and Paiute arts in Utah, mining towns like Caliente, NV, and agricultural products in the San Joaquin Valley. In Venice Beach, the boardwalk offers street performers and local crafts.