Show Low to Riverton: Epic High Desert Road Trip Guide

Driving from Show Low, Arizona to Riverton, Wyoming spans 730 miles via US-191, I-40, US-491, and US-191, typically taking 11 hours and 20 minutes without long stops. This route traverses the Colorado Plateau, crossing the Little Colorado River near Holbrook, AZ, and later the Green River in Utah, offering diverse high-desert scenery. The elevation climbs from 6,300 feet in Show Low to 4,950 feet in Riverton, with the highest point at 7,900 feet over the Wasatch Plateau.

Historically, this corridor follows parts of the Old Spanish Trail and the Overland Trail, used by 19th-century settlers and traders. The landscape shifts from ponderosa pine forests to sagebrush plains, then to red rock canyons and finally to the Wind River Basin. This guide covers key stops, fuel strategies, climate considerations, and hidden gems along the way.

The route is generally safe, but watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope, at dawn and dusk. In winter, carry chains; in summer, carry water and sun protection. Speed limits are 75 mph on I-40 and 65 mph on two-lane highways; be aware of frequent speed zone changes in small towns like Bluff, UT, where locals appreciate strict compliance.

For families, the Petrified Forest National Park offers short trails and visitor centers; Mesa Verde has cliff dwelling tours that require moderate hiking; Moab's Arches National Park has easy trails like the Windows Loop, perfect for kids. Restaurants with highchairs and kids' menus are available in larger towns, but in remote areas, fast food is your best bet.

Fatigue management is crucial: plan to stop every 2 hours to stretch. Key rest areas include the Wahweap Rest Area near Glen Canyon, the Cisco Rest Area in Utah, and the Black Rock Rest Area south of Riverton. For overnight stops, consider Holbrook, AZ; Cortez, CO; Moab, UT; and Price, UT, each with budget-to-midrange motels.

If you're traveling with pets, most motels along the route are pet-friendly; national parks have specific pet policies (e.g., not allowed on trails in Arches). There are numerous pet-friendly parks, such as the Riverwalk in Riverton, where dogs can run leash-free. For longer stays, pet boarding is available in Moab and Riverton.

For detailed tips on finding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check Wayro's blog.

The trip showcases three distinct geological provinces: the Colorado Plateau's flat-topped mesas, the Rocky Mountains' uplifted ranges, and the Wyoming Basin's open plains. Near Monticello, UT, you'll see the Abajo Mountains, a volcanic laccolith. The drive along US-191 between Green River, UT and Rock Springs, WY follows the Green River through Flaming Gorge country, with its steep canyon walls colored by iron oxides.

Climate varies dramatically: Show Low enjoys mild summers (65-80°F) and snowy winters; Moab is arid with summer highs over 100°F; Riverton has a semi-arid climate with cold winters (avg 20°F in January). Spring and fall are ideal for travel, but be prepared for sudden thunderstorms in summer afternoons, especially in Colorado and Utah.

Local commerce along the route is minimal, but you'll find Navajo crafts in Holbrook, including authentic rugs and jewelry. In Cortez, the Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers guided tours. Moab's economy revolves around outdoor recreation, with numerous gear shops and cafes. In Riverton, check out the Riverton Museum to learn about the area's fur trade history. For a taste of local flavor, try the fry bread at a diner in Blanding, UT, or a bison burger in Dubois, WY (a slight detour north).

Hidden gems off the route include the Valley of the Gods (near Mexican Hat, UT), a scenic dirt road with formations reminiscent of Monument Valley, and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, which offers boating and fishing. For those seeking solitude, the Cisco Desert in Utah is a ghost town with haunting ruins.

Fuel economy varies, but a typical sedan has a range of 400 miles, so plan stops at least every 250 miles. Gas prices are generally lower in Arizona and higher in rural Utah; expect $3.50-$4.50 per gallon. Diesel is widely available along major highways, but confirm in smaller towns like Blanding, UT, for late-night availability.

Road quality is excellent on I-40 and US-191, with well-maintained pavement. In winter, sections of US-191 over the Wasatch Plateau can close due to snow, so check conditions. There are rest areas every 50-100 miles, with the most reliable at Holbrook, AZ; Cortez, CO; and Green River, UT.

• Fast-food chains and truck stops are common in larger towns, but in remote stretches, carry snacks.
• Cell service is intermittent in rural areas, so download offline maps.
• Scenic byways like the Trail of the Ancients in Colorado offer cultural detours.

The route is not a designated scenic byway, but it passes near several national parks: Petrified Forest (AZ), Mesa Verde (CO), Arches and Canyonlands (UT), and Grand Teton (WY) are all within a 2-hour detour. For a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde, CO is a 1-hour detour from Cortez, featuring 5,000 archaeological sites. This is a key education opportunity for history buffs.

Riverton is the gateway to Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Local museums in Riverton offer insights into Plains Indian culture, and the annual Ethete Powwow in July showcases traditional dances.