The best and most scenic route into or out of Moab if you’re coming from Colorado or Highway 70 heading westward is the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway 128. If you’re leaving Moab it follows the green wide Colorado River just south of Arches National Park through deep red walled canyons and past the La Sal Mountains. The road sports plenty of turnoffs, camping spots (lots of camping spots), many hikes including Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley with its La Sal Mountain Loop State Scenic Backway turnoff. I count at least 9 campgrounds with many spots at each campground and many of them are right up against the river. There are also quite a few spots to put a watercraft in to float the mighty silty red river. You can pull off the Highway and travel through Castle Valley and its many hikes or Onion Creek Road that takes you through the Narrows. There are also countless Jeep trails and mountain bike paths throughout, including the famous Kokopeli Trail. Just off the road but very near it and I-70 is the cool nearly ghost town of Cisco where they filmed some scenes from Thelma and Louise. It’s 100% worth the few minutes more it adds to your commute.