Drives Utah Moab and Utah's Canyon Country
Highway 128: Colorado River Byway
UT 128, River Road · Moab → Cisco turnoff
The drive
Highway 128 leaves Moab at US 191 and follows the Colorado River upstream through a red-walled canyon, past Castle Valley and the Fisher Towers, to Dewey Bridge. After that the canyon opens into desert under the Book Cliffs, and the drive ends at the Cisco turnoff. It is 41.4 miles and about 1 hr 10 min.
The river is beside you for most of the first 30 miles, and the curves are mostly gentle. It is a popular road for cyclists, with narrow shoulders. The La Sal Mountain Loop joins it from Castle Valley, which makes a longer loop back to Moab possible.
Work zones near Moab can slow traffic, so check UDOT's project page before you go.
Along the way
- Moab (US-191)
- Dewey Bridge
- Cisco turnoff
Good to know
- UDOT is building a multi-use trail along Highway 128 near the river in Moab, with flaggers or signals reducing traffic to one lane and delays of up to 15 minutes on weekdays.
- Shoulders are narrow and there are many cyclists, so pass with care.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check UDOT: SR-128 Colorado River trail project.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 128 take?
Highway 128 from Moab to the Cisco turnoff is 41.4 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min.
Is there construction on Highway 128 near Moab?
Yes. UDOT began a trail project along Highway 128 in March, using flaggers or temporary signals to reduce traffic to one lane, with delays of up to 15 minutes. Check the project page before you go.
Is Highway 128 good for cyclists?
It is popular with them, but shoulders are narrow, so drivers should expect to share the road.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.