Ouray to Laughlin: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the Uncompahgre Gorge, carved by the Uncompahgre River just outside Ouray, drops 1,000 feet in a mere 3 miles? This route from Ouray, CO (elevation 7,792 ft) to Laughlin, NV (elevation 550 ft) is a vertical journey through 7,242 feet of elevation change, crossing the Colorado Plateau, the San Juan Mountains, and the Mojave Desert. The total distance is approximately 700 miles, taking 10–12 hours of driving time (excluding stops). For a deep dive on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check our guide.

From Ouray's hot springs and ice climbing to the red rock of Arches and the Mojave's cacti, this route encapsulates the Southwest. The Uncompahgre Plateau gives way to the Colorado River canyonlands. In Moab, local galleries sell Native American jewelry. In Kanab, visit the Little Hollywood Museum. The transition from coniferous forests to sagebrush to Joshua trees is a botanical feast.

• Natural attractions: Million Dollar Highway overlooks, Dead Horse Point State Park (near Moab), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (near Kanab), Snow Canyon State Park.
• Local commerce: Ouray's Silver Eagle Brewing, Moab's Spanish Valley Winery, Kanab's Stone Horse Coffee.
• UNESCO sites: The route does not pass any UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly, but Mesa Verde National Park (off a detour) is a designated site.

Begin on US-550 (Million Dollar Highway) south from Ouray, then connect to US-491 south to Monticello, UT. Follow US-191 west to Moab, UT, then I-70 west to UT-24, south on US-89 to Kanab, UT, then west on UT-9 through Zion National Park (winter closures possible). From St. George, UT, take I-15 south to exit 27 for NV-163 west to Laughlin. Fuel stations are sparse in sections like US-491 between Monticello and Blanding, and along UT-24. Fill up in Monticello and Kanab.

• Best stops: Moab (Arches National Park), Kanab (Grand Staircase-Escalante), St. George (Snow Canyon State Park).
• How long to drive: 10–12 hours pure driving; plan for 2 days with overnight in Moab or Kanab.
• Is it worth driving: Absolutely, for the diversity of landscapes from alpine to desert.
• Things to do between: Hiking in Zion, rafting in Moab, dining in St. George.

US-550 has steep grades and narrow lanes with no guardrails in sections—drive slowly. Winter conditions can be treacherous; check weather. The entire route is well-paved. Service stations along US-191 and I-15 are reliable. For family stops, the Don and Diane Laughlin Riverwalk offers kids' activities. Pet-friendly: many hotels in Moab and Kanab accept pets; watch for heat exhaustion in summer months.

• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours at scenic overlooks like the Red Canyon visitor center (Utah) or the Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada).
• Hidden gems: The Goosenecks State Park (off US-191) for a stunning canyon viewpoint; the ghost town of Cisco, Utah.
• Climate: Cool and temperate in Ouray (50-70°F summer) to scorching in Laughlin (110°F+ summer). Pack layers and a gallon of water per person.