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Highway 128 in Utah makes up the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway. This road runs 44.6 miles (71.7 kilometers) from just north of Moab all the way to I-70.
Introduction to the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway
We drove about ⅓ of the road leading north from Moab before turning around and heading back to town. There’s some spectacular scenery as well as campgrounds and opportunities for hiking, rafting, and other activities. You could easily spend an entire day exploring the attractions along the way.
Big Bend Recreation Site
Heading out from Moab, our first stop was at the Big Bend Recreation Site, where you’ll find a sandy beach, boat launch, picnic tables, and 30 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s run by the Bureau of Land Management.
Salt Wash
Next, we stopped at an unmarked pullout to view Salt Wash. Salt Valley in Arches National Park drains into the Colorado River from this point.
Unmarked Pullout
We stopped a bit further up the road at another unmarked pullout near the Red Cliffs Lodge to take in more of the spectacular natural scenery.
Red Cliffs Lodge
We turned around at Red Cliffs Lodge, which offers luxury accommodation in a natural setting along with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and several family-friendly activities. You’ll also find the interesting Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, which delves into the rich history of filmmaking in the area. (Note: the museum appears to be closed (as of December 2025).).
