Redmond, OR → Moab, UT

From Redmond's high desert plateau, you'll begin this 719-mile journey by heading southeast on US-97, a direct and efficient route that cuts through some of Oregon's most remote backcountry before joining I-80 near the Idaho border. The route primarily follows I-80 as it crosses into Idaho and Utah, eventually merging onto US-191 for the final stretch into Moab. This combination of highways takes you through increasingly dramatic terrain, from the sagebrush-covered rolling hills of central Oregon to the towering red rock formations that define the Colorado Plateau. The drive typically takes around 14 and a half hours of actual driving time, though most travelers prefer to break it into two days to fully appreciate the landscape and arrive refreshed.

Your initial climb out of Redmond immediately gains elevation as you traverse the transition zone between the Cascade Range's eastern slopes and the Great Basin. As you continue southeast through Burns and into Idaho, you'll notice the landscape becoming progressively more arid and open, with vast stretches of sagebrush interrupted only by occasional small towns. Once you hit the Wasatch Range approach near the Utah border, the terrain shifts dramatically—you'll encounter significant elevation changes as I-80 climbs through mountain passes before descending into the Book Cliffs region. The final push down US-191 toward Moab provides some of the route's most spectacular views, as the highway snakes through increasingly colorful canyon country before arriving at the iconic red rock landscape surrounding your destination.

The most practical driving consideration is planning your fuel stops, as stretches between towns can be substantial, particularly through central Oregon and the Idaho sections. The elevation gain from Redmond (around 3,100 feet) to the highest points on I-80 (over 8,000 feet) requires attention to your vehicle's performance, and the descent back down to Moab (around 4,000 feet) means consistent braking on longer downhill grades. Spring through fall offers the most pleasant driving conditions, with summer temperatures becoming intense in the southern sections and winter snow potentially closing mountain passes on I-80. Early autumn provides the ideal window—mild temperatures, clear skies, and the bonus of fewer summer tourists clogging the roads through Utah's canyon country.

The 719-mile drive from Redmond, Oregon to Moab, Utah takes approximately 14h 22m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

• Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
• Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
• Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
• Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
• Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.

Best Time to Drive Redmond to Moab

For long drives like this 719-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.

Driving Strategy

Covering 719 miles from Redmond to Moab is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.

Frequently Asked Questions