Photo: Pavel Golovinsky
Photo: Harald Padeborn
Photo: Anton Vezikov
Utah 128
FreeAdventure
🕑 2-3 hours for the full drive with photo stops, or 45 minutes if driving straight through👶 Best for all ages. Infants and toddlers can enjoy the views from their car seats, while older kids (8+) will appreciate the dramatic landscape and photo opportunities at the safe pullout areas. Great option for mixed-age families since everyone experiences it together.🧡 Saved by 11 families
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).
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