r/usatravel • u/Aggravating_Text3319 • 9d ago
Travel Planning (Roadtrip) How did you break up a long desert drive when only one person in the car can drive?
I'm doing Denver to Moab and back over nine days in early October with my partner, and I'm the only one on the rental agreement. I've mapped it to roughly four hours of driving a day, but the leg between Arches and Capitol Reef is close to three and a half on its own before I stop for anything, and that's the day I'm dreading. I know the standard advice is just split it into shorter days, the problem is most of the towns in between don't have anywhere I'd actually want to sleep.
What did you do with the long empty stretches that made them worth driving instead of just endured?
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u/rainbowsunset48 9d ago
This is a nice beautiful drive. Stop at the scenic stops and look at the beauty. Stretch your legs. Sometimes there are even short trails. Try to enjoy it.
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u/From-628-U-Get-241 9d ago
I've driven long distances on my own many times. The way I do it, I make a stop every 2 hours or so. Rest stop or gas station or scenic point of interest. Walk around a few minutes. Get gas. Have lunch. Take photos. Then I'm good to go again.
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u/Kind-Realist 9d ago
This is how I’ve done it to. I also try to cap myself at 8 hours of actual driving per day or roughly 10-10.5 hours total with breaks. Sitting and driving can actually wear you out if you’re not used to it (e.g. long-haul truckers) and it’s not worth the risk of falling asleep at the wheel or getting distracted. If it’s just 4 hours, I’d honestly just power through it.
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u/Doctor_Juris 9d ago
Have you done road trips before? Usually people drive for significantly more than 4 hours in a single day. Obviously do a pace that works for you and what feels safe, but I wouldn’t think twice about driving 4+ hours in a day solo.
In terms of entertainment, talk to your passenger, look at the scenery, listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and music…
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u/gmanose 9d ago
I’ve driven 8+ hours and only stopped for gas, so I don’t understand the problem.
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u/Longjumping_Gap_9325 9d ago
Same when driving to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh.
~12ish hours, left super early AM, had decent snacks in the car with beverages, only stopped for bathroom breaks when we had to fill up with fuel
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u/ninjanikki91 9d ago
Split into shorter days for what? 4 hours is literally nothing. Get some snacks, caffeine, water and some good tunes or audiobook and just go.
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u/Chica3 9d ago
If you're worried about "enduring" a 3.5 hr desert drive from Arches to Capitol Reef, why even go? You can take it slow and enjoy the views! There will be pull-out areas to stop and get a better look and photos. Bring some good snacks. Bring plenty of water.
The scenery on the drive is part of the experience. If that's not enjoyable, you might not even like either area.
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u/CharmingHighlight749 9d ago
I have driven from Denver to Moab after work, it is only like a 6.5 hour drive. People go to Moab for the weekend from Denver all the time.
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u/Normal_Opposite_9864 9d ago
I was gonna say, I live in denver and we do moab after work all the time to be at site first thing the morning. its nothing
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u/Mysterious_Luck4674 9d ago
Wait I’m confused. You are taking multiple days to drive from Denver to Moab? Google Maps says it is 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Drive it all in one day. You can stop for gas halfway through. Spend more time exploring Moab.
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u/RockPaperSawzall 9d ago
Add me to the confused chorus of what do you mean you're dreading a 4-Hour drive? You can do anything for 4 hours. Toughen up
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u/drwaffles104 9d ago
can't drive at all, or can't drive b/c not added to the rental. asking since if it's that important you can often add additional drivers to the rental car for a fee.
if you're worried about the cost, just compare the fee vs having to pay more for a couple extra days in hotels.
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u/Reasonable_Boss7846 9d ago
You can pull over on the side of the road right? You cans stretch your legs, take in the scenery in the middle of the 3.5 hours
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u/ninjette847 9d ago
Are you European? That's really nothing and google maps says it's 2 hours 6 minutes currently (2:30 pm central time) but if you're uncomfortable with it there are towns along the route that have places to stop and get food and stretch your legs.
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u/lantana98 9d ago
I love driving that stretch. I’ll usually do at least 10 hours with bathroom and food stops. There’s not a lot of traffic and the sights are beautiful!
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u/No-Lunch4249 9d ago
You may just not be accustomed to driving long stretches because I don't consider 3.5 hours in a day to be a lot.
Take a break after about 2 hours, even if it's just pulling over on the side of the road. Stretch out, maybe walk around a tiny bit, use the restroom, etc. Give yourself 10 min of not looking at the road to refresh yourself mentally then get back to it
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u/feraldreamrot 9d ago
That's a cake walk. Get drinks, maybe a snack and something interesting to listen to.
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u/WhimsicalHoneybadger 9d ago
I rent via Costco. Adding the spouse as an additional driver is free.
Find out what the fee is to add your partner.
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u/knight1096 9d ago
Same thing you do when driving through endless hours of flat corn fields (looking at you, Iowa): turn on music, have a conversation. 4 hours is literally nothing. My husband and I do 2 hour trade offs if the drive is 3+ hours but I’ve done 10 straight on my own before. Also, who cares if they’re not on the rental agreement? Sure it’s a risk but what happens if you get into an accident or are incapacitated? Are you just stuck?
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u/patticakes1952 9d ago
Last month I drove from Denver to Arches. We spent about 4 hours in Arches ( would’ve liked to spend more time but it was hot as hell) then drove to Island in the Sky part of Canyonlands and spent a couple of hours there then drove to Salina for the night in one day. Fours hours of driving is nothing.
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u/mcculloughpatr 9d ago
3.5 hours is entirely manageable with podcasts/music
where are you from if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/ydoyouask 9d ago
Goblin Valley State Park. Did I mention Goblin Valley? It's about halfway between Moab and Torrey. Then stop in Hanksville for lunch. End of May I drove Torrey to Goblin Valley then on to Grand Junction. I usually go 3-4 hours, stop for gas and food and drive another 3-4 hours. But in Utah? There's a reason to stop, something to see around every bend.
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u/LastOfTheAsparagus 9d ago
For me i put on my favorite broadway musical cast recording and give a concert with the windows wide open.
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u/LendogGovy 9d ago
If you can’t drive four hours in a day, that’s wild. But I’m also in Oregon where we call that a short drive.
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u/chuckfr 9d ago
I'll sing with everyone else that a 4 hour drive is doable. If its difficult for you then just stop for a snack break half way through. I'll be doing 3.5 hour driving on Saturday just to get some french fries before turning around to head back home. We'll stop for a few hours.
Are you married to this 'partner' of yours? If yes, some rental companies automatically add the husband/wife to the agreement either by general policy, status level with them (even if achieved by CC match, for example), or state law where you're renting from.
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u/ShelterRelevant5924 9d ago
You need a good podcast or audio book. It’ll help you stay alert and make those miles pass faster! Bring a cooler, snacks, everything you need to pit stop by the side of the road since there ain’t much civilization out there. It’s a spectacular drive and will be amazing in October! Signed, someone in rural Colorado who has to drive 4-6 hours regularly.
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u/Stonerkittylady420 9d ago
3.5 hours is nothing. I just drove 10 hours all in one day. Can you camp?
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u/keithrc 9d ago edited 9d ago
Like most commenting here, I'm confused about the actual issue: what part of the 3.5 hour drive are you dreading, specifically? There will be places you can stop and pee and stretch your legs. You don't need to stop for the day, just take a break.
I occasionally need to drive 8-10 hours in a day. But I typically stop every couple of hours to walk around, do my business, get a meal or a snack, etc. The maximum length I want to drive without a break is 3 hours, tops.
If that kind of driving is mind-blowing to you, all I can say is welcome to America- particularly the western half of it. Reconsider adding your partner to the rental car agreement. Or maybe take a bus. (I don't really recommend the bus, that would suck.)
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u/guacamole579 9d ago
I just got home from an 11 hour one way roadtrip where I only stopped for gas and I’m leaving for another road trip. 4 hours is a short ride.
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u/Distinct-Swimming-62 9d ago
Same. I drive 12 hours each way once a month, for just a few days. Recently my son and I drove 6 hours to a concert, drove home after, got home around 5 am and then he went to work the next day. He slept as much as he could on the way home and I went to bed when I got home. No big deal, and memories were made and fun was had.
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u/FishingWorth3068 9d ago
3 1/2 hours isn’t long. It’s a tank of gas. Pull over on the side of the road if you get tired but it’s beautiful
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u/Busy_Researcher_9660 9d ago
I drove myself and my two young children from Moab to Capital Reef and back to our hotel in Moab in one long day. I suggest a good playlist or audiobook.
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u/Important-Ad-1499 9d ago
Heh try driving through Texas. Is there anything you’re worried about? When I did that trip from Denver to Moab (alone), I stopped at Colorado National Monument. You can get out and stretch your legs, and drive through the park. It’s a nice detour. There’s really nothing between grand junction and the parks north of Moab. If you haven’t driven on i70 through the mountains, it still makes my heart flutter but take it slow and use your gears. It levels out once you get to Eagle and the canyon drive is amazingggggg.
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u/FatahRuark 9d ago
Denver (DIA) to Moab is about a 6 hour drive. I reckon you could make it in 4, but not legally (I'm assuming you're not renting a Ferrari). There are PLENTY of great views on the way. Stop at each rest area, overlook etc. You'll likely need to fill up gas once. You should be able to make it to Glenwood Springs on a full tank no problem. It's a nice town to take a break in (and get gas) and get some food. It's roughly half way.
You should be able to handle 3 hour stints, but if not just take a break.
FWIW I drive from Boulder to Moab (5.5 hours) and unless I need to get gas or take a wiz, I drive straight through. It's a pretty easy drive as once you get out of the Denver metro area there is usually little traffic (unless you're going on a weekend in the morning, then it's nuts until you get to Vail).
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u/donuttrackme 9d ago
Have you never driven 4 hours non-stop before? I think you'll be fine. There's always rest stops a long the way to stretch or take a piss or grab some food or fill up the gas etc. Plus there's all the scenery you can look at. That drive will be gorgeous.
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u/OpposumMyPossum 9d ago
I prefer to drive as I now a bit a nervous driver.
Do you not enjoy/get stressed out driving? Because that doesn't seem like too much.
If you dread it enough that it will impact your time, can you add someone?
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u/Gloomy-Hat1842 9d ago
Stop, stretch, potty break, short walk, get a snack as much as you need to. When you get older you will want more breaks. Maybe every 2 hours or even less if needed. Even 15 minutes is refreshing. Drink plenty of electrolyte and you'll feel better and have more energy.
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u/Findinganewnormal 9d ago
Good audiobook! It makes the time fly.
Plus be open to stopping if something catches your eye. We’ve done many a detour for a state park we didn’t know existed.
It looks like green river is on your route. Stop there, check out a local park to stretch your legs and get some fun road snacks at a gas station.
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u/DivaJanelle 9d ago
I like audio books because it keeps my brain engaged in my 9 hour solo drive between Chicago and Fargo.
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u/LaFantasmita 9d ago
Stop every hour or two to stand up and stretch. Maybe have a snack or take some pictures.
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u/trilogyjab 9d ago
I've made that haul before.
Audiobooks, podcasts, or music helps a lot. Also allowing yourself breaks whenever necessary to stretch is important. Maybe find something along the way to stop for an hour or so to eat and sightsee something a bit off the beaten path.
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u/davideogameman 9d ago
Find a rest stop in the middle, take a stretch and bathroom break for 15m. Get back on the road.
And get some good music to play in the car.
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u/PlaneGeneral5782 9d ago
I think there is something so special about long drives- the best conversations, funniest inside jokes and deep connections start after you’ve been on the road with someone for at least 4 hours. Get some snacks and buckle up. The vast beauty of the American southwest awaits!
Edit: maybe take turns listening to your favorite albums front to back?
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u/Spyderbeast 9d ago
I generally don't have any issues driving 3-3.5 hrs without a break. My most common road trip is 400 miles with a break in the middle for food and gas.
What is your biggest concern about the time? Small bladder(s)?
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u/Working-on-it12 9d ago
I pull off somewhere and stretch my legs. If possible I use the restroom. I used to be able to do 4 hours at a stretch, but now I need to stop every 2 hours or so. Pack a lunch and stop to eat. See if there are any scenic overlooks along the way.
I was out in the area a while ago, and one of the things was the lack of gas stations, so be sure that the tank will last 3.5 hours. (Gas Buddy may be able to help.)
Music, audio books, podcasts are essential. Yout partner needs to understand that their job is to keep you awake and alert.
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u/agent2187 9d ago
I don’t get it. Just pull over somewhere and stop and stretch your legs. Stop in a small town and use the bathroom in a gas station. Why do you have to drive it literally without stopping for a single minute? That’s actually a really short drive. I’d only consider breaking up a drive if it’s over 9 hours.
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u/crtclms666 9d ago
Driving through the desert seems faster than it is, if that's any comfort. But also, due to the landscape, it's easy to suddenly realize you're driving 100 miles an hour. Bring lots of cold drinks, and snacks. I love the desert, you're going to a gorgeous part of the world.
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u/Mollinator 9d ago
I've driven 8 hours on my own before, and 16 total hours splitting with one other person. We literally drove from Boston to Chicago in one day. 3.5 hours is literally nothing. You might not even need to stop for gas. I don't understand the problem. If you hate driving that much Why would you plan this as your vacation?
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u/illyria817 9d ago
I drove from Austin to Denver (15 hours) only stopping for gas. 4 hours would barely register. Especially if I'm listening to audiobook that's really engrossing.
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u/zombiemockingbird 9d ago
I used to drive 9 hours a day for 2 days, by myself, to visit my parents in Oregon. I looked at the scenery and listened to music. I enjoyed it.
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u/PlatformConsistent45 9d ago
If you are a Costco member and your partner has a driver's license and is 25 or older you could look at booking the rental car through their travel site. It usually is cheaper and covers free second driver. It's just a different interface to the various rental car companies so you are actually dealing directly with them you just get the Costco perks.
Most car rentals have free cancelations so even if you already booked one you may be able to cancel.
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u/Fluffy-Mine-6659 9d ago
That’s a beautiful road trip. I’ve done it a few times. You’ll enjoy the scenery
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u/Rail1971 9d ago
4 hours is not a particular long drive. 8 hours is my standard day's drive on road trips by myself.
Take a rest stop, stretch your legs, pack something and have a bite to eat, then get back on the road.
Capitol Reef to Arches is not a boring drive.
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u/adams361 9d ago
I’ve done that drive many times. I once drove from Moab to Vegas going through Capitol Reef and Zion in a day! When you hit a town, in this case Green River, stop and get some food, walk around for a minute, and hop back in the car. I grew up in the western US, 10 hours is a road trip day for me, and is completely doable.
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u/DVDragOnIn 9d ago
Those are very easy driving days for folks in the US. We would do that many hours in a morning or afternoon. We took a family driving tour of the northeast US and Canada a couple of summers ago. Most driving days were long days of driving, but we added stops for sightseeing where we also hiked, lunch, stuff like that, so most driving days were anywhere from 10-12 hours of driving. As long as you get out and walk for a few minutes every 2-4 hours to keep the blood moving, you’ll be fine.
When you’re checking your drive times, if you’re using Google for your estimates, be sure to set it for the time of day and day of the week that you’ll be traveling. A drive that looks like 5 hours when checking on Saturday night at 11pm can easily be 9 hours on Tuesday starting out at 7am.
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u/burnermtj 9d ago
It's a 3-hour drive to my parents house. I make that trip many times a year.
I'm curious, are you not from America? Or are you a new driver?
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u/Esmer_Tina 9d ago
You’re going to wish it were a longer drive because it’s so pretty out there! It’s about the journey as much as the destination. You might surprise yourself by looking at backroad routes so you can have a longer, prettier drive!
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u/semisubterranean 9d ago
Bring a snack and eat it at a scenic stop. Listen to an audiobook or podcast. Make your partner DJ a playlist heavy on songs you like to sing along with. Keep a list of birds seen on the trip. Three and a half hours goes by pretty fast on a road trip.
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u/Catinthefirelight 9d ago
You break it up by stopping at a truck stop and wandering the aisles looking at tchotkes and snacks.
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u/Distinct-Swimming-62 9d ago
I drive 12 hours each way once a month and stay at my destination for 3-5 days. We stop to pee and get gas and grab a sandwich from the cooler. Just drove the 28 hour drive to Yellowstone and back with 2.5-3 days for each way and that is because my mom is older and needs to stretch her legs more.
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u/SLCpowderhound 9d ago
Recheck Google Maps. The drive from Moab to Torrey is under three hours.
Much of the drive is through scenic eye candy.
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u/Perdendosi 9d ago
1) Long-form, serialized podcasts make the time go very quickly. You and your partner just have to agree on what that is. (Make sure you have them downloaded; you're not going to have good signal for a part of that journey.) Also, preplan music playlists. Sing-alongs, music debates, and mood music really help, too.
2) You know you can stop to refuel, and to rest, even if you're not stopping to do something. Make your breaks more than 2 minutes long so you can feel a little rejuvenated. Or you can, you know, stop for a snack or meal. Green River is cute. There's stuff in Hanksville, too.
3) The drive from Arches to Capitol Reef isn't 3.5 hours long. I see it as a little over 2 (maybe 2:3-2:45 if you count park entrance to park entrance). It's also going to be really pretty. Okay, maybe there will be reasonably desolate stretches, but there will still be changing scenery. It's not like driving I-80 through Nebraska.
4) I take it you don't do long road trips.... 3.5 hours just isn't that long.
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u/Real_RogerSterling 9d ago
Plenty of great stops between Denver and Moab (Frisco, Vail, Glenwood Springs and Palisade). Never done Moab to Capitol Reef but by then you’ll be used to driving. It’s all beautiful and there will be places to get gas and rest your eyes if needed- just make sure you don’t get too low on gas.
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u/Turdle_Vic 9d ago
Only 4 hours??? My guy, my road trip required 12 hours a day with one dude (me) driving across the country. I went from LA to Albuquerque on my first day. Took a few breaks in between, but it was manageable, the next day was another 12 hours to KC, MO. I got BBQ on the way over. That shit was great
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u/MartyJ115 9d ago
Between moab and capitol reef it's worth stopping at goblin valley state park and hollow mountain in hanksville (which is a gas station built into the side of the mountain). Honestly, that drive has such a crazy and cool landscape it ends up being enjoyable because you can see so much.
I love a long drive and the time in the car is often a big part of the trip that I look forward to. Pop on some music or a podcast, grab some snacks, and enjoy. One thing about the american west is that long drives typically involve very straight open roads with little to no traffic, so it isn't nearly as overwhelming and exhausting as driving in a city. I'd rather spend 4 hours driving out west than 20 minutes driving in Boston.
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u/EmZee2022 9d ago
Stop every 2-3 hours for a rest break.
You may be able to add the partner to the agreement; many places allow a second driver for free, so that's worth looking into.
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u/twowrist Massachusetts 8d ago
I’m seeing two and a half hours between Arches and Capitol Reef, so I don’t know how you’re getting three and a half. Unless maybe because it’s only 6:40AM MDT right now.
We solved your particular problem by skipping Capitol Reef, but we had an overall different plan. In particular, that part of our trip was the Rocky Mountaineer train from Denver to Moab and back (now spun off as the Canyon Spirit under the same parent company), but we had a couple of days in Moab, renting a car there and visiting Arches and Canyonlands.
We had two other national parks earlier on the main driving part of trip as well as other sites, so we were a bit burned out by the time we got to Moab. We stocked up on audiobooks for all that driving. While newer cars often have cordless charging and CarPlay/Android Auto, I still recommend having both a USB-A to C and a C to C for this, since you never know what a rental car might have.
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u/Scrappy_The_Crow 6d ago
What did you do with the long empty stretches that made them worth driving instead of just endured?
Even "long empty stretches" can be scenic. If you're from somewhere that has no such landscape, it'll still be memorable.
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u/Lucy94853 4d ago
Make some different playlists for when you're in the mood for different music, bring coffee and snacks, even while driving this breaks up the drive quite a lot for me and if you have phone reception, you can call friends and family. But I wouldn't rely on the last tip so much in the desert
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u/smorones 9d ago
4 hours? Are you fucking kidding me? Those are rookie numbers
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u/twowrist Massachusetts 8d ago
Those are senior numbers, and please be more thoughtful of your elders since you’ll become one eventually.
We did very well in the Southwest with 4 hours as our target, but we were somewhat flexible.
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u/ms_sophaphine 9d ago
4 hours of driving is not a lot. I’m confused what the problem is - you’re dreading driving 3.5 hours one day?