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JMonroe · 03-21-2014, 09:57 AM

Doing some early planning for our late summer / fall western tour and hope I can get information about the route from Moab UT to Gallup NM. The Moab area is on my bucket list for a visit and we have relatives we've not seen in decades in Gallup. We'll visit them before we move on to the Albuquerque balloon rally in early October.

My trip routing software shows us taking highway 191 south out of Moab, meeting up with 491 which will take us the rest of the way out of Utah. Are these good roads for 63' of motorhome and toad?

MandG-Fun · 03-21-2014, 10:26 AM

You shouldn't have any problem with that route. If you haven't made reservations for Moab yet don't wait too long. You'll have a blast there, especially with the Jeep. Unlimited trails you can explore at all levels of difficulty. Enjoy.

scenic route · 03-21-2014, 12:21 PM

After visiting Mesa Verde NP, we traveled northwest on 491 to 191 into Moab...no problems. South of Cortez on 491, can't speak too. We stayed at OK RV Park in Moab...FH w/50A service, might even get some shade there.

Jeep paradise, that Moab. Fill up the Jeep every night for the next day, pack a lunch and take much more water than you think you'll ever need. An emergency sandwich or two helps...you just won't want to stop exploring.

When traveling south, don't forget Mesa Verde NP, it's too close to miss out on. A little out of the way, but Priest Gulch CG on 145 north of Cortez is what all CGs should be like and was a beautiful place to stay for the park visit. Right on the Delores River w/all the free firewood you can burn.

JMonroe · 03-21-2014, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the responses. I'm definitely looking forward to exploring the back country trails while in the Moab area. Had wondered about possibly contacting a local Jeep or 4X4 club for information or maybe even some company. Back in the '70s and 80's we were very active in a family oriented 4X4 club and it's always safer to have a buddy, especially the farther you get away from civilization. The Jeep has little modification other than electronic lockers front and rear.

Do you think we'll have issues getting reservations in September?

I've put Priest Gulch in my favorites list. Looks to be almost on our way. If we have the time (Depends on how much time we spend at our earlier stops. The only destination that has a defined start time is the balloon rally) we may stop for a few days.

scenic route · 03-21-2014, 04:12 PM

Don't think you'll have any problem with reservations...there's quite a few CGs in Moab. We were there in mid August. Priest Gulch might be a different story...I'd make reservations there a couple of days ahead, when you know you'll pass that way...the place really is nice, a true destination CG in a glorious setting.

Krashqueen · 03-21-2014, 04:28 PM

Great info

rgvtexan · 03-21-2014, 08:33 PM

Went thru Moab last Sept 25, it was packed. OK was full as were other parks. We stayed in Monticello on the way to Chama and ABQ. We have volunteered at the AIBF 4 out of the last 5 years. It should not be missed.
US 491 is a good road. Mesa Verde is a Great NP. Sleeping Ute CG and Casino is a good stop ~ 25 miles south of the park.
Make your res. in ABQ early. Come to the Chase Crew Tower and we can hook you up to Crew a Balloon.

twogypsies · 03-21-2014, 09:46 PM

You'll have no problems with 491. Also, we've done many, many trails in the Moab area with our Jeep Liberty. Your Wrangler will have lots of company on the trails..many people there. Have fun!

dwkerch · 03-29-2014, 09:20 AM

Moab to Monticello, UT; Monticello to Cortez, CO; Cortez to Gallup. Used to live in Gallup and did that route many times. Or if you want to see Monument Valley on the way - Moab through Monticello to Mexican Hat, UT then through Monument Valley to Kayenta, AZ, through Chinle, AZ (and Canyon de Chelly) to Ganado and Window Rock, AZ - then Gallup.