Torrey, UT to Custer, SD Road Trip Guide: Route 24 & I-70

The drive from Torrey, Utah to Custer, South Dakota spans approximately 750 miles, crossing the Colorado Plateau, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains. This route, primarily following US-24, I-70, US-191, and US-16, is a journey through geologic time and human history.

A little-known fact: the section along the Colorado River near Moab passes through the same geological formation (Navajo Sandstone) that forms the iconic cliffs of Zion and the Vermilion Cliffs—a continuous desert highway corridor.

Wondering how long to drive Torrey, UT to Custer, SD? Without stops, plan for 11–12 hours. But the question is it worth driving Torrey, UT to Custer, SD is answered by the staggering diversity: from Capitol Reef's orchards to the Black Hills' granite spires.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: I-70 through Colorado is well-maintained but twisty with steep grades; check brakes and tires. Utah highways 24 and 191 are two-lane with occasional rough pavement. Mountain passes may require chains in winter.

• I-70 in Colorado: Eisenhower Tunnel (11,158 ft), steep descents
• US-24 between Torrey and I-70: winding, narrow shoulders
• US-16 near Custer: elk crossings at dawn/dusk

Family and Child Suitability: This drive is excellent for families, with interactive stops. Goblin Valley's mushroom-shaped rocks are playgrounds for kids. Moab's nature centers and Denver's Children's Museum break the journey.

• Torrey: Capitol Reef's Junior Ranger program
• Goblin Valley: Gnome hunt, no set trails
• Moab: Moab Giants dinosaur tracks and museum
• Grand Junction: Dinosaur Journey Museum (moving skeletons)
• Denver: Downtown Aquarium, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most national parks allow pets on paved roads and in campgrounds. In Moab, many trails are pet-friendly. Hotels in Torrey (e.g., Capitol Reef Resort) and Custer (e.g., Bavarian Inn) accept pets with fees. Always carry water and waste bags.

• Pet-friendly hikes: Moab's Mill Creek Canyon (off-leash), Denver's City Park
• Dog parks: Lions Park in Moab, Bear Creek Dog Park in Colorado Springs

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Detour to the San Rafael Swell's Wedge Overlook (Grand Canyon of the San Rafael), 30 miles south of I-70 exit 129. Near Custer, the bison herd at Custer State Park is a must-see; drive the Wildlife Loop at dawn.

• San Rafael Reef (near I-70 milepost 131): slot canyons, petroglyphs
• Florence, CO (off US-50): historic prison, antiques
• Ponca, NE (off I-80): sprawling Sandhills

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Alternate drivers every 2 hours. Rest areas along I-70 in Colorado are modern (e.g., at Glenwood Springs). In Utah, the Green River rest area has a small museum. Schedule stops every 90 minutes.

• Utah: Green River rest area (mile 147), Thompson Springs (mile 181)
• Colorado: Glenwood Springs rest area (mile 116), Georgetown (mile 228)
• Denver: I-70 eastbound rest area (mile 259)
• Wyoming: Rawhide Energy Station (US-85) for picnic tables
• South Dakota: Wind Cave National Park pullouts

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: This route passes three national parks: Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands (Island in the Sky). Key geological highlights include the San Rafael Swell, Colorado River canyons, and the Book Cliffs.

• Capitol Reef (near Torrey): Waterpocket Fold, fruit orchards (pick your own)
• Goblin Valley State Park (off I-70): Hoodoos and starry skies
• Arches National Park (near Moab): Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock
• Colorado National Monument (west of Grand Junction): Rim Rock Drive
• Rocky Mountain National Park (near Denver): Trail Ridge Road (seasonal)
• Black Hills National Forest (near Custer): Needles Highway, Mount Rushmore

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route includes two World Heritage Sites: Mesa Verde National Park (a detour south of Cortez) and the newly designated (2023) Moravian Church Settlements (Christiansfeld, but far off-route). Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings are 45 minutes south of Cortez; add 2 hours.

Culinary Infrastructure: Torrey's Cafe Diablo and Moab's Sunset Grill are standout dining. In Grand Junction, sample Palisade peaches at farm stands. Denver offers diverse cuisine (try the 'Green Chile' at Sam's No. 3). Custer has retro burgers at the Custer Wolf.

• Torrey: Cafe Diablo (Southwest), Rim Rock Restaurant (steak)
• Moab: Moab Brewery (pub fare), Jailhouse Cafe (breakfast)
• Grand Junction: Bin 707 Foodbar (farm-to-table)
• Denver: Mercantile (market), D'Corazon (Mexican)
• Custer: Bunkhouse Bar & Grill (burgers)

Local Commerce & Culture: Moab's art galleries and adventure gear stores, Grand Junction's wine tasting rooms, and Custer's western wear shops define local commerce. In Torrey, Wayne County has a strong pioneer heritage.

• Torrey: Wayne County Courthouse (historic), Torrey Trading Post
• Moab: Moab Art Walk (first Friday), Poison Spider Bicycles
• Grand Junction: Downtown Grand Junction art district
• Denver: Larimer Square, Lower Downtown (LoDo)
• Custer: 1881 Courthouse Museum, Custer City Bakery

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas stations are sparse between Torrey and Green River (80 miles). Fill up in Torrey (Sinclair or Chevron). Prices spike in remote stretches; budget for $0.50–$1.00 more per gallon in Utah's canyon country.

• Torrey, UT: Chevron, Shell (both with convenience stores)
• Hanksville, UT: One station (often higher prices)
• Green River, UT: Multiple options, including truck stops
• Moab, UT: Abundant, competitive pricing
• Grand Junction, CO: Costco for cheapest fuel

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Elevations range from 4,000 ft in Moab to 11,000 ft at the Continental Divide. Snow can close I-70 in Colorado from October to April. Summer temperatures exceed 100°F in Utah desert; pack water and sun protection.

• Spring: Wildflowers, mild temps, possible rain
• Summer: Intense heat, afternoon thunderstorms in Rockies
• Fall: Cool temps, golden aspens, fewer crowds
• Winter: Snow in Colorado, dry in Utah (but icy passes)

For tips on finding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consult our guide.