The drive from Moab to Telluride is the kind of road trip you dream about. It goes from the arid desert to lush forest as you tick off the miles.

It’s 132 miles and takes about 2 and a half hours without stops.  But, there are so many incredible views and interesting stops. Give yourself at least four hours to soak in the scenery as the red rock desert gives way to sagebrush, ranch land, aspen groves, and the jagged San Juan Mountains.

Make sure to fill up with gas in Moab before starting this scenic drive.

Leaving Moab for the La Sal Mountains

Heading south out of Moab, the temperature around 100° on Highway 191. About 12 miles outside of town, you’ll see “Hole N” the Rock” painted in huge letters on rocks on the left side of the road. The quirky roadside attraction includes a 14-room home carved into the sandstone.

I’ll admit I stopped. In addition to the historic 5,000 square foot home, there’s a gift shop, general store, trading post and petting zoo.

It’s a fun stop before continuing south to Utah Highway 46 at La Sal Junction. From there you travel the tiny cowtown of La Sal and head toward the Utah-Colorado line. In Colorado, the road becomes Highway 90. The entire route is paved but feels wonderfully remote.

Descending Into Paradox Valley

Soon after crossing into Colorado, the road twists through forest and scrubland before descending into Paradox Valley.

A brief rain shower swept through during my drive. I rolled down the windows and breathed in the earthy scent of wet sage. The landscape opened into a broad valley framed by colorful sandstone mesas.

Paradox Valley gets its name from the Dolores River. Instead of following the valley’s length, the river cuts perpendicularly across the middle of the valley and passes through the canyon walls.

Stopping in Bedrock

The tiny community of Bedrock sits along Highway 90. Besides the scenery, the main attraction is its historic stone general store. Built in 1882, it once served local ranchers and miners. It the late 1800s it was a post office. It even had a cameo in the movie Thelma & Louise.

The store made me laugh with its old signs and wonderfully quirky character. Across the road, cloud shadows danced across the distant sandstone mesas.

The Bedrock Store has changed ownership and operating status over the years. It’s likely closed, but still worth a stop to admire its quirkiness.

Driving Toward Naturita and Norwood

Turn onto Highway 141 and follow part of the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway toward Placerville and Telluride. The full byway follows Highways 141 and 145 through a landscape shaped by rivers, geology and mining.

Naturita is a tiny town of about 600 sitting in the Uncompahgre Valley. From Naturita toward Norwood, the scenery shifts again. Red sandstone and scrubland fade into high-country ranches surrounded by broad mountain views.

Entering Telluride’s Box Canyon

“Uncompahgre” is a Ute Indian word used to describe the water in the area such as “dirty water” or “rocks that make water red.”  From Norwood the landscape quickly changes from wide open ranch land with sage, pinyons, and juniper to a forest filled with aspen groves, ponderosa pines, and mixed conifers. You have the Uncompahgre National Forest on your left, and the San Juan Forest on your right.

The final turn is into the box canyon that’s home to Telluride. For the final dramatic stretch, Highway 145 follows the San Miguel River as steep canyon walls rise on both sides.

Watch for wildlife, especially near dawn and dusk. Bighorn sheep are occasionally seen in the cliffs near Placerville. During my drive, traffic stopped as two does and two fawns crossed the highway. I cheered from my car when the final fawn cleared the guardrail and caught up with its mother.

Soon, the canyon opens into Telluride’s spectacular mountain setting. After hours of changing scenery, those jagged peaks provide a fitting finale. Elk are often seen grazing in the meadows as you get closer.

Know Before You Go

This drive is beautiful in either direction. Summer brings long daylight hours, while fall adds golden aspens near Telluride.

Check Utah road conditions and Colorado road conditions before leaving. Snow, thunderstorms, construction and wildfire activity can affect the route.

Services and cell coverage are limited between communities. Carry water, snacks and basic emergency supplies. Gas stations are limited so fill up before leaving Moab.

The fastest route is not always the most memorable. Between Moab and Telluride, the road less traveled is worth every extra minute.

For your time in Moab, check out my posts on Moab Springs Ranch and 2 days in Arches and Canyonlands. For time in Telluride, enjoy reading 3 Nights in Telluride for adventure options.