If you plan to head to Moab, Utah, by way of I-70, instead of taking the more obvious U.S. Highway 191 from the interstate to Moab, I recommend using the Cisco exit further to the east so that you can follow the Colorado River. The entire stretch of the drive between Moab and the Cisco ghost town is pretty, but the stretch where Utah Highway 128 follows the Colorado River is prettiest.

For much of that stretch, both the river and the road are passing through canyons and valleys. Several campgrounds dot the riverside, and local companies offer rafting trips.

The most scenic stretch of that road is in Professor Valley, which features chocolate brown cliffs and desert greenery,with the Colorado River on one side and the La Sal Mountains in the distance on the other side.

At the northeast end of Professor Valley is the picnicking and hiking area Fisher Towers. At the southwest end is Castleton Road, which passes through Castle Valley and then climbs up to the alpine meadows of the La Sal Mountains. The road, which becomes the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, puts people at U.S. Highway 191 south of Moab.

There are limited water and restroom facilities along Utah Highway 128 between Moab and I-70, but the road is paved and is relatively easy driving.

Mark Wasson, http://www.markwasson.com > Trips has detailed summaries of my trips