Forum Discussion

CVD's avatar
CVD
Explorer
Aug 24, 2013

So Calif. to Moab

I’ll be spending a week in Moab in early Oct. A couple questions:

Getting there: I-15 to I-70 to 191 seems fairly straight forward. I’ll want to fill the water tank as I arrive. Google maps shows “Ivie Creek Rest & Picnic” area on I-70, about 120 miles before Moab. Is there a water spigot here? Is there a better place to fill up just before Moab?

Return trip: Just to see different scenery, I may take may take the “191 to 160 to 89” south to Flagstaff, then pick up the I-40 to go home. I’ll be in a 34’ class A, pulling a Wrangler, by myself. Should I take the 163, through Monument Valley? Is that road suitable for large vehicles? Is there a charge to go through the reservation?

Thanks,
  • 2gypsies wrote:
    ... Where are you planning to stay in Moab?


    When feasible, I prefer to boondock over established campgrounds. I think there are legal places to set up camp off the 313, on the way to Dead Horse Point State Park. I need to call the local ranger or BLM office to confirm.
  • All roads mentioned are good for big RVs.

    No charge for driving the highway through the reservation but if you want to tour Monument Valley, yes, there's a fee.

    Also, if you're planning to be around Page, AZ south from Page on Hwy 89 was a collasped highway just before 89A and there would be a detour but I think it was scheduled to be back in operation this fall. Try Googling Hwy 89, Page for an update. From 89A/89 intersection, Hwy 89 into Flagstaff is very good.

    Water: We always carry water with us - just in case - and it doesn't affect fuel mileage. But if you want to wait, why don't you just get it in Moab? There are plenty of RV parks that would let you get some. Where are you planning to stay in Moab?
  • I go to Moab once or twice a year and take the route through Flagstaff and Monument Valley most of the time. Lots of mountains but the roads are good except for I-40 between Kingman and Flagstaff. That section was dangerous this spring but they are starting to repave some of it so expect some construction there. 163 through Monument Valley is rough in the Utah half, not too bad and has a few very steep sections, but the view is fantastic. The alternate is 191 from Bluff to 160 has some really rough spots but it's an easier drive. The next time I go I will take I-70, it's about 100 miles more but the roads are much better.
    I always stay at a RV park with full hookups so I haven't had to look for water, but you shouldn't have a problem finding water in the Moab area.
  • I drove up from 40 (89 - 160 - 191) at flagstaff, up to the 70 through monument valley last April with a 24 ft enclosed race trailer and F250 truck, no problems, no fees. Really nice drive, I'd take my gas class A with trailer through there without a thought. Have fun!