Utah 128
About
Utah Highway 128 offers families an unforgettable scenic adventure along the Colorado River with minimal hiking required. This 44-mile paved route features numerous pullouts where kids can safely enjoy breathtaking red rock canyon views, spot wildlife, and take memorable family photos without strenuous physical activity,perfect for families with varying ages and abilities.
Highlights
- ✓Dramatic red rock canyon walls towering over the scenic Colorado River
- ✓Multiple safe pullouts perfect for quick photo ops and leg stretches
- ✓Fisher Towers viewpoint with otherworldly rock spires
- ✓Potential wildlife sightings including bighorn sheep, deer, and various birds
- ✓River access points where kids can safely explore the shoreline
Pro Tips
- 1.Start early in the morning (7-8 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and catch golden light on the red rocks,kids will be more comfortable and photos turn out stunning
- 2.Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks since there are no services along the route; several pullouts have picnic-worthy spots with shade
- 3.Download an offline map beforehand as cell service is spotty throughout the drive
- 4.Fill up on gas in Moab before departing,there are no gas stations along Highway 128
- 5.The Fisher Towers viewpoint around mile 21 is particularly kid-friendly with dramatic rock formations that spark imagination
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for stopping at pullouts. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds. Weekdays are less busy than weekends during peak tourist season.
What to Know
This is a free scenic drive with no entrance fees. Pullouts are gravel but generally accessible for strollers at viewing areas. No restrooms or services are available along the route, so plan bathroom breaks in Moab before and after.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though summer temperatures (June-August) can exceed 100°F, making stops uncomfortable. Winter offers clear views but can be cold; road is occasionally icy. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage add extra beauty. Flash flooding possible during monsoon season (July-August).
Nearby Eats
Return to Moab for family dining at Milt's Stop & Eat (classic burgers and shakes) or Quesadilla Mobilla (kid-friendly Mexican fare with outdoor seating).
More Activities Near Moab
Corona Arch
Corona Arch offers one of Moab's most rewarding family-friendly hikes, featuring a relatively easy 3-mile round trip trail that leads to a stunning 140-foot natural arch. This moderately challenging trek includes some fun scrambles over slickrock and even a short ladder section that kids find exciting, making it perfect for families looking to experience the magic of Utah's desert landscape without committing to an all-day adventure.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is an awe-inspiring outdoor classroom where kids can explore over 2,000 natural stone arches and towering red rock formations. The park offers several family-friendly trails with varying difficulty levels, making it perfect for adventurous families who want to hike, scramble over rocks, and witness some of nature's most incredible sculptures up close.
Toadstool Hoodoos
The Toadstool Hoodoos trail offers families an otherworldly hiking adventure through unique mushroom-shaped rock formations that kids will find absolutely magical. This moderate 4-mile out-and-back trail showcases dramatic red and white striped hoodoos that look like something from a fantasy movie, making it an exciting introduction to desert hiking for adventurous families.
Twisted Sstrait Ice Cream
Twisted Sstrait Ice Cream is a beloved local Moab ice cream shop offering creative, unique flavors that go beyond typical vanilla and chocolate. After a day of hiking Arches or exploring red rock country, families can cool down with premium, creamy scoops while enjoying outdoor seating and the friendly, small-town atmosphere that makes Moab special.