Colorado to Moab Road Trip | Snowboarding, Trail Running, and Vanlife in the Desert
This week was a perfect example of how unpredictable and rewarding life on the road can be.
We went from early season snowboarding in Colorado to trail running through the red rock desert of Moab, Utah. Along the way, we dealt with van issues, explored national parks, camped under massive canyon walls, and experienced some of the best scenery the Southwest has to offer.
If you are looking for a road trip that combines mountains, desert, and adventure, this route is hard to beat.
Early Season Snowboarding at Arapahoe Basin
We started the week back in Colorado with a November day at Arapahoe Basin.
Early season riding always has a different feel. Limited terrain, but plenty of excitement to be back on snow. Blue skies, crisp air, and those classic Front Range views made it a perfect way to kick things off.
There is nothing like getting those first turns of the season in.
Hitting the Road Toward Moab
After A Basin, we packed up the van and started heading west toward Utah.
The drive itself is part of the experience. As you leave the mountains behind, the landscape slowly shifts into wide open desert, massive rock formations, and deep canyon views.
We stopped at a rest area for the night before rolling into Moab the next morning, taking in some incredible views along the way and capturing drone footage of the changing terrain.
Hiking to Corona Arch
Before diving into work, we made time for one of our favorite quick hikes in Moab, Corona Arch.
This trail is short but delivers big views. You cross slickrock, follow cables along the rock face, and end up at one of the most impressive arches in the area.
It is an easy addition to any Moab itinerary and one of the best bang for your buck hikes in the region.
Moab Brewery and Vanlife Challenges
After a day of work, we headed into town for a stop at Moab Brewery, which has been a go to spot for us on past trips.
Good food and a relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect place to reset before heading back out to camp.
That is when things got interesting.
On the way back, our van headlights stopped working, which made for a slightly stressful night drive. Still, we managed to find an incredible BLM campsite just north of town, quiet, remote, and surrounded by red rock formations.
Moments like this are part of vanlife. Things break, plans shift, and you figure it out as you go.
Sunrise at Canyonlands National Park
We woke up early the next morning and made our way into Canyonlands National Park.
Watching the sunrise here is something you do not forget. The canyon slowly lights up, shadows stretch across the landscape, and the scale of the place really starts to sink in.
We hiked out to Mesa Arch just in time to catch the first light pouring through the opening. It is one of the most iconic sunrise spots in Utah for a reason.
Exploring Arches National Park
After Canyonlands, we headed over to Arches National Park.
With limited time, we kept it simple and stopped at Balanced Rock, one of the most recognizable formations in the park. It is an easy stop but still feels surreal standing underneath it.
While there, Jamie picked up her race bib and started getting ready for the main event.
Race Day in Moab
The next day was all about the trail half marathon.
Moab is known for its rugged terrain, and this race lived up to that reputation. The course was challenging, technical, and incredibly scenic.
Jamie’s race was not without its challenges.
A fall in the first two miles
Side cramps midway through
Constantly shifting terrain
But that is what made it memorable.
She pushed through it all, ran alongside friends, and crossed the finish line smiling and covered in red dirt. Exactly how a race in Moab should end.
Running Along Potash Road
While the race was going on, Dre headed out for a run along Potash Road.
This route follows the Colorado River and offers massive canyon walls, open desert views, and a completely different perspective of the Moab landscape.
It was the perfect way to stay active and still take in the surroundings.
BLM Camping in Moab
One of the best parts of visiting Moab is the access to free camping.
We stayed on BLM land just outside of town, which offered:
Quiet campsites
Incredible views
Easy access to town and national parks
It is one of the reasons Moab works so well for vanlife. You can stay close to everything without needing a traditional campground.
Heading Back to Colorado
After the race and a few days of exploring, we packed everything up and started making our way back toward Colorado.
It felt like a full reset. New scenery, new experiences, and a reminder of how much variety you can pack into a single week on the road.
Why This Trip Stands Out
This week had a little bit of everything.
Snowboarding in the mountains
Desert hiking and trail running
National park sunrises
Vanlife challenges and fixes
Camping in incredible locations
It is the kind of combination that makes road trips like this so memorable.
Final Thoughts
From Colorado to Moab and back again, this stretch of the trip captured everything we love about life on the road.
You can go from snow to desert, from quiet campsites to busy trailheads, and from early mornings to late night problem solving, all in the same week.
If you are planning a Southwest road trip, this route should be at the top of your list.
Watch the Full Episode
Check out the full Detour Diaries episode to follow along with the entire journey, from early season snowboarding to race day in Moab and everything in between.
