Car Rental Moab, UT

FAQs

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to visit the national parks around Moab? No, you can reach all the main sights in Arches and Canyonlands (Island in the Sky district) on paved roads. Most people will be fine with a standard car or SUV. However, you will need a 4x4 for backcountry roads like White Rim, Shafer Trail or Elephant Hill.

Can I take a standard rental car on dirt roads? Most major rental companies in the United States don't allow you to drive on unpaved roads. They usually won't cover damage that happens on any dirt or gravel surface. While some agencies might let you drive on well-kept county roads, you could have to pay for any damage or towing. If you plan to drive on dirt roads like the smoother parts of Potash Road or the La Sal Mountain Loop, you should get written permission from the rental desk first.

Where's the best place to rent a car for visiting Moab? For a standard car, you can often find a better selection and lower prices at the Salt Lake City Airport, even though it's a 4-hour drive (235 miles / 378 km). If you want a specialty 4x4 that you're allowed to take off-road, your best bet is to rent from local Moab companies like Farabee Jeep Rentals or Canyonlands Jeep Adventures.

How far in advance should I book a car for Moab? For the busy season (March–October), you should book 2–3 months ahead of your trip. If you want a specialty 4x4 rental during popular events like Easter Jeep Safari (April), try to book 3–6 months ahead. In the winter months, you can often find cars available at the last minute.

Are there any special permits needed for driving in Moab? You don't need a special permit for general driving on paved roads and most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roads. However, you do need a day-use or overnight permit for backcountry routes inside the parks, like White Rim Road (Canyonlands), Elephant Hill (Needles district) and the Shafer Trail. These permits often sell out months ahead of time. Note that Fiery Furnace in Arches is a hiking area that also requires a permit, but you don't drive there. From April through October, Arches National Park also requires you to reserve a time slot to enter the park between 7 AM and 4 PM. You must book this reservation in advance.

What should I do if my rental car breaks down in a remote area? First, you should call your rental company's roadside assistance. You won't get much cell service in backcountry areas, so you might want to rent a satellite communicator for remote travel. For a real emergency in a national park, you can contact park rangers or call 911 if you have service.

Can I return my rental to a different location than where I picked it up? Yes, you can do a one-way rental. For example, you can pick up a car in Salt Lake City and drop it off in Moab. However, companies usually charge a one-way fee for this, which can be anywhere from $50 to $250 depending on the company and locations.

Is it worth getting a Jeep or specialty 4x4 rental? Yes, if you plan to explore beyond the paved roads and main attractions. You can see spectacular scenery and find solitude in the backcountry that you can't reach in a standard car. However, if you are mostly visiting the main highlights and viewpoints in the national parks, a standard SUV is all you need and is much cheaper.

What's the America the Beautiful Pass, and should I get one? The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 and gets you into all national parks for one year. Since Arches and Canyonlands each charge $30 for a car to enter, the pass pays for itself if you visit both parks and any others during your trip or within the year.

Is winter a good time to rent a car and visit Moab? In the winter, you will find lower rental prices and fewer crowds. Most park roads stay open, though you might find snow in higher areas. The weather is cold but usually manageable for sightseeing (highs of 30–50 °F). Some backcountry roads might be impossible to drive on, but you can still reach the main attractions.