Denver – Moab: Road Tripping to the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari

While there are any number of events that could be seen as an official start to the off-road season, none feel quite so well, official, as the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

Now in its 53rd year, the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari promises the same rock-crawling, dirt-flinging, adventure-riding good time as past events—with a few extra highlights for good measure. A new Level 3 Difficulty trail called “Buttes and Towers” has been added. Three “Skills Days” are new, offering spotting and recovery tips. And Jeep is setting six Gladiator-based concepts loose on the rugged Moab trails that have us really, really hoping FCA reconsiders a two-door configuration.

With nine days of action-packed trail riding (April 13-21), we’re sure you’ll be plenty entertained. But why not make that extended vacation a little more… extended? You’ve come this far, what’s a few more days, right?? Besides, life is about the journey—not the destination.

So, add a little overland spice into your off-road adventure and consider adding a road trip to the docket. We’ve drawn up a short but sweet traveler’s guide that takes you from Denver to Moab, just in time for the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari.

Why Denver?

First, there’s plenty to see and do, both in and around the Mile-High City. Plus, it’s a great meeting point for people taking various routes from the east.

Presumably, most of you west-bound travelers will be taking Interstate 80. Highly convenient and generally well-maintained (depending on what state you’re driving through) it’s also incredibly, incredibly boring. It’ll get ya there, but you better have some seriously entertaining podcasts and playlists lined up for the ride.

If it’s feasible, consider taking Route 6 (also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway) across the heartland. Or check out our Lincoln Highway Road Trip if you really want to take the long, meandering way ‘round. Either of those routes will require you to budget some serious travel time though, especially if you want to hit the roadside attractions that truly make them unique. Consider 2-6 weeks depending on how far east you’re starting and how many Instagram opportunities you want.

Technically speaking, you could drive Denver to Moab in about 6 hours, and just cherry pick some of the attractions on this list.

But where’s the fun in that?! Regardless of how you get to the great state of Colorado, we’ve got some recommendations once you arrive. And from there, we’ve built a short but sweet 3-day road trip to (or home from) the mecca of four-wheeling: the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

So, pack up the 4×4 and cue up some tunes because we’re about to put a little mileage on that ride.

2019 Easter Jeep Safari Road Trip

DAY 1: EXPLORE DENVER

As we said, there’s no shortage of entertainment both in and around Denver, so feel free to add another day in this historic gold-mining town if you want more exploration time. Hit one of the city’s excellent breweries, see a concert, tour a museum, or catch a festival. The urban buzz is sure to keep you busy.

If you’d rather build up to the Jeep Safari with something a little more nature-oriented, why not explore the Rockies for the day?

Bonus Mini Road Trip

Head out of town on I-70 to the Winter Park ski resort. If you’d rather pass on the cold weather fun, continue north toward Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. Snag a day pass for $20 and drive through picture-perfect vistas that will have you questioning reality. (No legal grass needed.)

Locals recommend taking Trail Ridge Road up above the treeline. You’ll experience elevation changes of almost 4,000 ft in only a few minutes! (So pack a sweatshirt.) You might be a little shaky when you get to the top—but the heavenly views will be worth it. Exit into Estes Park and head back to Denver, making a snack stop in Boulder—“America’s Foodiest Town.”

DAY 2: R&R IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Before you leave Denver, make a point to check out Union Station. While it’s a bit of a tourist trap, this historic (but still operational) train station is a sight to behold. Plus, there will be no shortage of breakfast opportunities and places to top off the gas tank.

Hop on I-70 and head west out of the city. Enjoy the beautiful drive through stunning mountains and national forests. If you have the time, consider stopping off along the way and taking advantage of some local 4×4 trails, otherwise continue on to Glenwood Springs.

A resort city roughly 2.5 hours from Denver, Glenwood Springs offers plenty of activities. Zipline at a mountain adventure park, take a hike to the gravesite of famous gunslinger Doc Holliday, or just unwind in one of the locally famous hot springs. Finding a restaurant or hotel will be easy, but we suggest doing some camping along the Colorado River. Glenwood Canyon Resorts offers simple cabins for as little as $50 a night—or luxury suites for around $200 if your back just can’t handle basic amenities anymore.

DAY 3: COLORFUL COLORADO

From Glenwood Springs, it’s only about a 3-hour drive on I-70 West to Moab. Leave early so you can take your time, enjoy an old mining town or two along the way, and take advantage of a traffic-free detour once you get to Utah.

About 1.5 hours in, take a respite in Grand Junction. Known as the hub of Colorado’s wine country, it’s also home to the Colorado National Monument. If you’re expecting a big rock with a metal plaque, think again. Known locally as just “The Monument,” the attraction is actually a park, with 23,000 acres of canyons, natural monoliths, and panoramic views of breathtaking red rock landscapes. For $15, you can get a day pass and drive your 4×4 along the picturesque 23-mile Rim Rock Drive. (Consider all those big boulders, red dirt, and blue skies as mental prep for the Easter Jeep Safari.)

Experience the Scenic Route

When you’ve finished exploring, hop back on I-70W. You can take the interstate into Crescent Junction, pick up US-191 and ride that into Moab. Or, you can take the less crowded and more scenic route that is Hwy-128.

Winding along the Colorado River, this stretch of Hwy-128 offers 40+ miles of excellent spots to squeeze in a little hiking or swimming, enjoy a bagged lunch, or simply sit and stare. From I-70, you can pick the route up about 23 miles west of the Colorado border at junction 212, right near Cisco, an abandoned ghost town (and filming location for Vanishing Point!) that’s just itching to be explored.

Once you land in Moab, you can settle down and begin prepping for the Easter Jeep Safari. Admittedly, there’s no shortage of gear to double (and triple) check among other last-minute arrangements. But we urge you to take some time—at either the beginning or end of your Moab adventure—to head south down US-191 and really take some time exploring the local, natural wonders.

You’ll get a taste of some of these on the Jeep Safari, but they really deserve the extra attention. Major highlights include Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, but don’t miss the lesser-known attractions of Hole N” The Rock, Looking Glass Arch, and Newspaper Rock.

As always, stay safe and happy travels!