15 Scenic Detours To Take While Traveling Between Moab And Zion

Between the towering arches of Moab and the dramatic cliffs of Zion lies a stretch of Utah that surprises at every turn. These handpicked stops turn any road trip into an experience worth remembering. Keep this list handy for your next Southwest adventure.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Delivering breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park sits just 30 minutes from Arches National Park. It takes its name from a 19th-century horse corral and has appeared in famous films like “Thelma & Louise.”

Castle Valley

Visitors are drawn to Castle Valley by its striking red rock formations and towering sandstone spires that dominate the horizon. Some formations resemble castles, which inspired the valley’s name. Hikers, climbers, and photographers come here year-round to soak in its rugged beauty.

Fisher Towers

Formed by millions of years of erosion, the jagged sandstone pillars of Fisher Towers soar close to 900 feet above the desert. Their cinematic looks have landed them roles in films like “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” Hikers and climbers of all levels find their way to these iconic trails.

Moab

Moab is a vibrant hub for outdoor adventures like biking, rafting, and jeep tours, with a thriving local arts scene. Every year, off-road enthusiasts gather here for the famous Moab Jeep Safari. Interestingly, the town’s name comes from a biblical region east of the Jordan River.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park’s Island offers stunning overlooks of canyons carved by the Colorado River. Located less than an hour from Arches, it provides a peaceful retreat. Mesa Arch is a favorite spot for sunrise photography. The park features four separate districts, each showcasing its own unique scenes and vistas.

San Juan River

Flowing through dramatic desert scenery, the San Juan River invites rafters to explore calm sections perfect for family float trips. Stretching over 380 miles, it’s a major tributary of the Colorado River. Bald eagles and beavers thrive along its banks.

Negro Bill Canyon

A scenic trail through Negro Bill Canyon leads to the impressive Morning Glory Natural Bridge, which stretches 243 feet and ranks among Utah’s largest natural bridges. The lush canyon supports rare flowing creeks in the desert and honors William Grandstaff, nicknamed “Negro Bill.”

Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons, part of Zion’s lesser-known section, features red rock cliffs and quiet hiking trails that appeal to travelers looking for calm. Its name, “Kolob,” comes from Mormon scripture and means “nearest the throne of God.” The area also served as a backdrop in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”

Gooseberry Mesa

Mountain bikers flock to Gooseberry Mesa for its scenic plateau and trails suited to all skill levels. Panoramic views stretch across the Virgin River, and the desert terrain and unique geology add to the experience. The area is also popular for spotting desert bighorn sheep.

Kanab

Kanab, known as “Little Hollywood,” gained fame as a filming site for classic Westerns. Sitting halfway between Arches and Zion, it’s a convenient and scenic stop. It also hosts Best Friends Animal Sanctuary—the nation’s largest no-kill shelter—and an annual film festival celebrating its cinematic roots.

La Verkin Creek Trail

For those seeking solitude, the La Verkin Creek Trail near Zion delivers quiet beauty with waterfalls, natural pools, and shifting scenery. The trail moves through desert stretches and lush riparian zones, drawing nature lovers who want fewer crowds and more variety than the park’s more popular routes.

La Sal Mountains

Providing a cool escape from desert heat, the La Sal Mountains stun with peaks over 12,000 feet, the second-highest mountain range in Utah. These volcanic laccolithic mountains formed millions of years ago and are home to elk and mountain goats. 

Hole N” The Rock

Near Moab, a 5,000-square-foot home carved straight into sandstone stuns first-time visitors. It features 14 furnished rooms, odd collections, and even a petting zoo. It took 12 years to complete and includes everything from exotic taxidermy to a fireplace sculpted out of rock.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

In the St. George area, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve shelters endangered desert tortoises and other native species. Trails weave through lava rock, canyons, and red cliffs. Along certain paths, hikers can spot dinosaur tracks preserved in stone for over 190 million years.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Just outside the town of Escalante, this park features desert trails covered in vividly colored petrified wood. A scenic reservoir adds to the calm. Some logs date back over 135 million years, frozen in time as ancient trees turned to quartz-like stone.