Taos NM to Cedar City UT: A High Desert Road Trip Guide

This route follows US-64, I-25, US-84, I-40, US-89, and UT-14 across 850 miles of high desert, mountain passes, and Colorado Plateau. The drive from Taos, NM to Cedar City, UT takes approximately 14 hours without stops. The highway crosses the Continental Divide twice and skirts the Grand Staircase–Escalante.

Historical fact: The segment near Tierra Amarilla follows the Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century trade route. The section between Kanab and Cedar City was used by John Wesley Powell during his 1871 expedition. For insights on uncovering hidden spots, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route passes the San Juan Basin, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness (north of I-40), and the Valley of the Gods near Mexican Hat. Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 10 miles east of Cortez, CO. Its Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings are a mandatory detour. Further west, you'll drive through the Grand Staircase–Escalante, a sprawling monument of colorful cliffs and slot canyons.

• Mesa Verde: Cliff Palace tours require reservations (seasonal).
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park: iconic but slightly off-route (30 miles south of US-163).
• Goosenecks State Park: free overlook of the San Juan River's entrenched meanders.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route includes two UNESCO sites: Mesa Verde National Park (detour) and the Pueblo de Taos (starting point). Taos Pueblo, a living community, has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. Mesa Verde's Cliff Palace dates to 1190 AD. These sites provide deep cultural context to the journey.

• Taos Pueblo: $16 entry, guided tours available.
• Mesa Verde: $30/vehicle, hours vary by season.

Local Commerce & Culture

Farmington, NM has a Navajo trading post (Hogback Trading) with rugs and jewelry. The town of Blanding, UT sells locally made silver crafts. Pawn shops in Moab offer used outdoor gear. Cedar City hosts the Utah Shakespeare Festival (s), but the route's high season runs May-September for outdoor markets.

• Shiprock Trading Company (NM): authentic Navajo weavings.
• Kokopelli's Trading Post (Blanding): old West memorabilia.
• Coffee shops in Moab: Moab Coffee Roasters for espresso.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse between Blanding, UT and Monticello (60-mile gap). Prices peak in Moab ($4.50/gal) and drop in Cortez ($3.80). A full tank in Taos ($3.70) can reach Cortez. Budget $120 for gas.

• Costco in Farmington, NM offers best value.
• Fill up in Moab before heading west.
• UT-14 from Long Valley Junction to Cedar City has no services for 50 miles.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

I-40 from Albuquerque over Raton Pass is well-maintained. US-191 from Moab south is a two-lane highway with wildlife hazards (deer near the Colorado River crossing). Winter conditions require chains from October to April at La Manga Pass (10,220 ft). Summer brings monsoon flash floods on UT-12 between Escalante and Boulder.

• Cell service drops near Mexican Hat, UT (20-mile dead zone).
• Download offline maps before leaving Farmington.
• Rest areas near Shiprock and Blanding have bathrooms and vending.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Taos at 6,967 ft has cool summers (high 80s°F) and snowy winters. Cedar City at 5,840 ft is similar. The best months are May-June and September-October for mild temperatures and vibrant skies. Summer monsoon clouds create dramatic lighting over the San Juan Mountains. Autumn colors peak in mid-October around Moab.

• July-August: afternoon thunderstorms, flash flood risk in slot canyons.
• December-February: snow possible on US-160 over Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft).
• Spring (March-April): windy, dust storms near Kayenta.

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is long for kids, but attractions like the Edge of the Cedars State Park museum (Blanding) offer interactive exhibits. The Moab Giants dinosaur park (6 miles north of Moab) has a walking trail with life-size dinosaurs. UT-12 between Tropic and Cannonville has red rock scenery that keeps children engaged.

• Stops: Edge of the Cedars (free for kids under 5).
• Museums: Frontier Homestead State Park in Cedar City (historic Pioneer activities).
• Play areas: City parks in Cortez and Kanab have playgrounds.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most national forests allow dogs on trails, but Mesa Verde prohibits pets on trails and in buildings. In Moab, Arches National Park allows dogs on paved roads only. The hike to Corona Arch (off UT-191 near Moab) is dog-friendly (no shade). Kanab, UT is known as a pet-friendly town with many lodges accepting dogs.

• Overnight: Best Western Plus in Cortez allows pets ($25 fee).
• Restaurants: Moab Diner has outdoor seating with water bowls.
• Veterinarian: Kanab Animal Hospital (435-644-3829) for emergencies.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long straight stretches on US-191 south of Blanding can cause highway hypnosis. The best rest areas: the one at the Colorado River Bridge (mile 22, UT-191) has shade and picnic tables. The Baker Pass Rest Area (mile 87, US-6/UT-10) offers panoramic views but no water. Take a 15-minute break every two hours.

• Scenic stop: Valley of the Gods pullout (10 minutes off US-163).
• Recoup: Coffee shop in Bluff, UT (Comb Ridge Coffee) for caffeine.
• Stretch: Hiking the 1-mile loop at Goosenecks State Park.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Two hours west of Taos, off NM-550, is the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, another UNESCO site with astronomical alignments. Near Cortez, the Canyons of the Ancients visitor center has a 2-mile trail past 14th-century structures. On UT-14, the 1.5-mile hike to Strawberry Point overlooks the Virgin River Gorge.

• Chaco Canyon: 28 miles of dirt road; requires high-clearance in mud.
• Hovenweep National Monument: 40 miles west of Cortez, features tower ruins.
• Panguitch Lake: 20 miles east of Cedar City off UT-143, a trout fishing spot.

Culinary Infrastructure

Farmington's El Bruno's serves green chile stew. In Moab, the Quesadilla Mobilla food truck offers cheap meals ($8). Cedar City's Centro Woodfire Pizzeria uses local ingredients. Grocery stores (Smith's in Moab, City Market in Cortez) provide picnicking items.

• Breakfast: The Cracked Egg in Moab for huevos rancheros.
• Lunch: Twin Rocks Café in Bluff, UT for Navajo tacos.
• Dinner: Escalante Outfitters in Escalante for farm-to-table.