Visit a ghost town, windswept desert plains, high canyon walls, spires, tall towers, wind caves, excellent mountain biking, and Arches National Park.

Cisco, UT route mapThere are two routes to get down to Moab, Utah, from I-70 or U.S. 191. The latter way is the quickest especially if you are coming from the west, and it’s a fast half-hour blast through the desert. However, others not in a hurry and eastbounders should take Route 128 instead.  Better yet, take one off ramp east of that, Exit 212, for the extra pleasure of Cisco.  Not technically a tourist attraction, Cisco is a gloomy ghost town out on a windswept desert plain. It’s unclear whether there are any remaining residents of this eerie location, so stop and take a look, but don’t linger too long. Read more . . .

Take in staggering scenery, canyons, mountain passes, great forested plateaus, the Navajo Nation, and Natural Bridges National Monument.

St. George, UT route mapEveryone should  discover the desert southwest and the natural wonders that await you across southern Utah. A little ambitious for a day’s drive, one could easily spend a whole day exploring any one of the monuments and parks along the way. Start your trip at St. George in the southwest corner of the state, head out on Route 9  going to  Zion National Park. Route 9 runs right through Zion Canyon, a pretty drive, but it can get tremendously busy during peak tourist season.

There are plenty of opportunities to stop and check out other more secluded areas of the park. Then it’s up U.S. 89 to Route 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you’ll have to get off the road to walk around. Read more . . .