Taos, NM → Salt Lake City, UT
455 mi · 9h 6m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
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Taos
33°
Hinsdale County
44°
Mesa County
47°
Carbon County
40°
Salt Lake City
44°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 455 mi · 9h 6m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
44°F, wind 8 mph
Rest Stops
2
Restrooms
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Gorge Overlook Rest Stop 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 1 construction zone on route
1 Construction Zone on Route
US 84 in both directions: Road maintenance operations. Between New Mexico State Line and County Road 382.
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Selected Route
Via US-64 → US-84 → ... → I-15 ALT → SR-270
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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US 160 MP 143.10 WB at 8th St in Pagosa Springs (Looking West)
Pagosa Springs, CO · WB
US 160 MP 142.50 WB : 0.1 miles E of Great W Ave in Pagosa Springs (Looking West)
Pagosa Springs, CO · WB
US 160 MP 142.50 WB : 0.1 miles E of Great W Ave in Pagosa Springs (Looking at Roadway)
Pagosa Springs, CO · WB
US 160 MP 140.90 WB at CR 600 in Pagosa Springs (Looking West)
Pagosa Springs, CO · WB
US 160 MP 113.75 EB : 0.3 miles W of USFS 143 (Looking West)
CO · WB
South
CO · NB
US 491 MP 068.15 SB : 1.4 miles E of Utah Border (Looking North)
CO · NB
US-191 NB @ MP 103.8, SR-46 / La Sal Jct, SJ
UT · NB
US-191 @ Spanish Trail Rd, GR
UT ·
US-6 WB @ Carbon Ave / SR-10, PRC
UT · WB
US-6 WB @ Soldier Summit / MP 210.36, UT
UT · WB
I-15 NB @ 1400 N / SR-75 / MP 261.83, SPV
UT · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
29 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 29
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We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Taos, NM to Salt Lake City, UT covers 455 miles in roughly 9h 6m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 29 rest areas, 1 reported incident and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
54° / 33°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
46° / 37°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
51° / 35°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
48° / 30°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
49° / 36°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
47° / 37°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
42° / 24°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌧️ Moderate rain at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Taos, NM
33°F
Wind: 3 mph
Salt Lake City, UT
44°F
Wind: 9 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Taos, NM to Salt Lake City, UT
The 455-mile drive from Taos, New Mexico to Salt Lake City, Utah takes approximately 9h 6m 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.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from New Mexico into Utah, connecting Taos and Salt Lake City. Covering 455 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- 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 Taos to Salt Lake City
For medium-distance drives like this 455-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 455-mile drive from Taos to Salt Lake City takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Taos to Salt Lake City?
The drive is approximately 455 miles and takes about 9h 6m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Monday, Nov 16 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Taos to Salt Lake City today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Taos to Salt Lake City route?
Yes, there are 29 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses US-160 West, US-491, US-191, US-6, I-15 North. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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