HW 128 River Road

Highway 128’s “River Road” is a classic Moab-area scenic byway that winds roughly 44 miles along the Colorado River through narrow red-rock canyons and wide desert valleys, offering dramatic panoramas of towering sandstone walls, open Castle and Professor Valleys, and iconic spires like Fisher Towers framed against distant La Sal peaks. For much of the route you’re right next to the river with opportunities to stop for riverside picnics, quick hikes like the trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge in Grandstaff Canyon, historic points such as the old Dewey Bridge site, and even cowboy-era ranching and film-location lore, all without entrance fees and well off the main park corridors.

From downtown Moab, head north on Highway 191 toward the Colorado River. Just before you cross the bridge leaving town, turn right onto Highway 128. Known locally as the "River Road," this scenic byway immediately plunges you into a narrow, deep canyon where the red sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet directly from the edge of the pavement.

As you wind along the river, you will pass several popular trailheads and recreation sites. Look for the Grandstaff Canyon parking lot on your right, which marks the start of a beautiful hike to a natural bridge. The road continues to hug the Colorado River, offering numerous pullouts and BLM campgrounds like Big Bend. These spots are perfect for stopping to watch rafters float by or to admire the reflection of the massive cliffs in the water.

About 15 miles into the drive, the canyon walls begin to pull back, revealing the expansive views of the Castle Valley area. On your right, you will see the turn-off for La Sal Mountain Loop Road. If you look toward the horizon here, you can't miss the iconic silhouettes of Castleton Tower and the Priest and Nuns formations. This stunning landscape is world-famous and has served as the backdrop for dozens of classic Western movies and car commercials.

Continue heading northeast on Highway 128 as the road meanders through a more open, high-desert landscape. Soon, you will see the signed turn-off for Fisher Towers on your right. A short, graded dirt road leads to a parking area at the base of these soaring, fluted red mudstone spires. Even if you don't plan on hiking the trail, the view of "The Titan," the largest of the towers, from the parking area is well worth the short detour.

From Fisher Towers, continue for another 9 miles until you reach the site of the historic Dewey Bridge. Once the longest suspension bridge in Utah, the original wooden structure was destroyed by fire years ago, but the metal framework and the new pedestrian bridge still stand as a landmark. There is a large parking area here with interpretive signs detailing the history of the crossing.

Most travelers choose to turn around at Dewey Bridge and head back toward Moab. The return trip offers a completely different perspective of the canyon as the afternoon sun hits the opposite walls, changing the colors from deep orange to vibrant purple. Be sure to check your fuel before leaving Moab, as there are no services along this stretch of highway.