I-70 across the San Rafael Swell
An interstate worth riding for its own sake. East of Salina, I-70 climbs over the Wasatch Plateau and cuts straight through the San Rafael Swell, through canyons and the wall of the San Rafael Reef, before dropping to Green River. It is also the longest stretch of the trip with nowhere to buy fuel.
The route at a glance
- Start: Salina, I-70 exit 56. End: Green River, exit 160 (Wikipedia).
- No services: about 104 to 110 miles between Salina and Green River have no motorist services (Wikipedia). Fill up before you leave either town.
- The Swell: about 50 miles long and 30 miles wide, and I-70 is the only paved road across it (RoadTrip America).
- History: the road through the Swell opened in 1970 and was brought up to full interstate standard in October 1990 (Wikipedia).
The view areas, west to east
Mile markers from Wikipedia. Not every view area can be reached from both directions (RoadTrip America).
| Mile | Stop | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 86 | Ivie Creek rest area | Exit 86, via SR-76 |
| 104.6 | Salt Wash view area | |
| 115.6 | Devil's Canyon view area | Eastbound |
| 116.5 | Eagle Canyon view area | Near exit 116 |
| 122.6 | Ghost Rocks view area | |
| 142.6 | Spotted Wolf Canyon view area | |
| 146.3 | San Rafael Reef view area | Westbound |
Eagle Canyon. The interstate crosses the canyon on two bridges; the second was dedicated in October 1990 (Wikipedia).
Exits on the way
- Exit 91: SR-10 north to Price, SR-72 south to Loa (Wikipedia).
- Exit 149: SR-24 west to Hanksville, the way to Capitol Reef from the east (Wikipedia). See Capitol Reef.
- Exit 157: US-6 west and US-191 north to Price and Salt Lake City (Wikipedia).
- The other exits in the Swell (73, 99, 108, 116, 131) lead to dirt roads, not towns (Wikipedia).
Before you ride
- Fuel: this is the gap that matters. Check your range before exit 56 eastbound or exit 160 westbound.
- Services: RoadTrip America suggests Richfield, west of Salina, for full traveler services (RoadTrip America).
- Time: Salina to Green River, about 1.5 to 2 hours plus stops (estimate; check your map app).
- Rules for visiting riders (helmets, eye protection, lane filtering): Riding in Utah.
Keep going
- East of Green River: Moab, Arches and the La Sal loop.
- South at exit 149: SR-24 to Capitol Reef.
- West of the Swell: Highway 72 south from Fremont Junction to the Fishlake Scenic Byway.
- From the airport instead: Salt Lake City to Moab.
- North on SR-10 from exit 91: through Castle Dale to Huntington, the foot of the Energy Loop over the Wasatch Plateau (Wikipedia SR-31).
- North to the Uintas: from Price, US-191 over Indian Canyon to Duchesne. Indian Canyon guide.
Rent a bike
Booking opens soon. Until then, use the ride guides to plan your trip.