Montrose to Moab, Utah: Easy Airport Access to Arches National Park
Flying into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the closest and easiest way to get to Moab and Arches National Park if you are arriving by air. MTJ offers a stress-free start to your adventure — with short lines, easy navigation, and quick access from Montrose to Moab, all within a drive of under three hours. Due to its popularity and proximity to Telluride, the airport is often referred to as the Montrose/Telluride airport, which opens up some scenic detour options before you hit the road to Moab.
Our takeaway: To maximize your time exploring Arches and to minimize airport stress, MTJ is the best choice. You can even make a quick stop at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, as we did, or detour to Telluride for a scenic chairlift ride and mountain town charm.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like tour links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%.
Why Montrose (Telluride, CO) Works for Moab Travelers
Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) is small, compact, and easy to navigate. If you get lost, that’s on you, because you really can’t get lost — it’s that small. There aren’t the big-airport long lines, crowded terminals, or confusing signage. Yes, this statement is primarily comparing Montrose/Telluride Airport (MTJ) to the larger Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which you may be considering.
Rental car pickup at MTJ is fast (at least it was for us), which is perfect if you’re traveling with kids or if you want to see some sights in Telluride or Gunnison before making your way from Montrose to Moab for the night. From MTJ, Moab is less than three hours away — the drive is scenic, easy, and a great way to start your adventure.
Montrose to Moab: The Shortest Route by Air to Arches
Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) is the closest major airport to Arches National Park and Moab. The less-than-three-hour route follows U.S. Highway 50 and UT-191 through scenic desert and canyon country, offering a smooth, low-traffic drive compared to larger routes from Denver or Salt Lake City. You’ll pass cities like Grand Junction, which are great for food or grocery stops along the way. It’s the easiest choice if you want to start exploring Arches National Park the same day you land.
MTJ is the Closest Airport to Arches National Park / Moab
From Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), it’s just under 2 hours and 45 minutes (about 130 miles) to downtown Moab and Arches National Park’s entrance. That makes MTJ the closest commercial airport with regular service to the Moab area. For comparison:
- Salt Lake City (SLC): ~4 hours
- Denver (DEN): 5.5–6 hours
- Colorado Springs (COS): ~6 hours
With MTJ, you’ll spend less time in the car and more time exploring Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab itself.
Visit the Black Canyon of Gunnison After Landing in Montrose
If you have the time, a stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must. The south rim entrance is only about 30 minutes from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), making it an easy add-on before you continue toward Moab. Even if you only drive the South Rim Road and step out at a few overlooks, the stop transforms your travel day into part of the adventure.
What makes this detour special is how different it feels from Moab. Instead of wide desert views and red sandstone arches, you’ll find yourself staring down into one of the steepest, most dramatic canyons in North America. The Gunnison River cuts through sheer, dark walls that plunge more than 2,000 feet — a completely different kind of landscape than the open red rock desert you’ll explore later in Arches and Canyonlands.
The overlooks are short walks from your car and give you a true sense of the canyon’s depth. Favorites include Gunnison Point (near the Visitor Center), Painted Wall (the tallest cliff in Colorado), and Pulpit Rock for dramatic views straight down into the gorge. These stops make it easy to experience the park without committing to a long hike.
Time-wise, it’s very manageable. Adding the Black Canyon stop only tacks on about an extra hour of driving to your total MTJ-to-Moab route, plus however much time you choose to spend exploring. Whether you do a quick loop of overlooks or fit in a short trail, it feels like you’ve squeezed two vacations into one. It’s the perfect way to break up the drive, stretch your legs, and see a side of Colorado that most Moab travelers miss.
Consider a Telluride Visit after Flying Into MTJ
Because MTJ also serves Telluride, you can add a short detour to this charming mountain town. The Telluride goldola runs even in the offseason, offering panoramic views of the San Miguel Mountains and the town below — a perfect stretch to get out, breathe, and snap some photos before the longer drive to Moab. For families, it’s an easy and memorable way to kick off the trip without adding much travel stress.
Quick and Easy Links
- Flights & Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com
- Tours: Get Your Guide
- Vacation Rentals: VRBO
- See our Travel Insider Resources Page for tools to make travel day easier
Airlines Flying into Montrose (MTJ)
Several carriers serve Montrose/Telluride seasonally and year-round:
- American Airlines: Dallas (DFW), Phoenix (PHX)
- United Airlines: Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD)
- Delta: Salt Lake City (SLC), Atlanta (ATL)
- Southwest: Denver (DEN, seasonal)
Because MTJ is smaller, flights can fill up quickly, especially during spring break and summer. Booking early is key if you want to avoid last-minute headaches with seat availability or higher prices. We always love Google Flights for exploring flight options, and Booking.com now offers flights.
Visit our travel insider resources if you want easy and effortless travel overall.
Other Airports Providing Access to Moab, Utah
While Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) is our ideal for a low-stress start for a trip to Moab/Arches National Park, other airports may work as well, depending on your plans:
Denver (DEN) to Moab
Flying into Denver (DEN) gives you more flight options and potentially lower fares, but it comes with a longer drive — roughly 6 hours to Moab. Traffic, rental lines, and navigating a larger airport can add stress. That said, if you do choose Denver, you can turn it into a mini-road trip with stops at Rocky Mountain National Park or a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Colorado Springs (COS) to Moab
COS is a great compromise — it’s a smooth, well-run airport with the feel of a larger airport but easier to navigate. The drive to Moab is about 5.5 hours. If you have time, stop in Colorado Springs at Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak for stunning views before heading west. It’s a great way to add a memorable mini-destination without much extra stress.
Related: Visiting the Garden of the Gods in Winter
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Moab
SLC is larger and has plenty of flights, which can be helpful for certain schedules. The drive to Moab is slightly shorter than Denver (~4.5 hours), but traffic, crowds, and city driving are factors. If you have a few extra days, you can continue your trip south to explore Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon, making SLC a good choice for a multi-week Utah adventure.
Map: Airports Near Moab, Utah
Let’s make it even easier — below is a quick map for the visual folks. The closest airports to Arches National Park / Moab, Utah, are Salt Lake City (SLC), Denver (DEN), Colorado Springs (COS), and Montrose/Telluride (MTJ). MTJ is by far the closest airport, although the smallest flight operation of the four.
Taking an early morning flight? See our early morning flight tips.
Q&A: Where to Stay in Moab
Top stay: Red Cliffs Lodge. We stayed here with our family when we traveled from Montrose to Moab. It’s good geographically, coming from Montrose, as you will arrive at the lodge before getting to Moab. We enjoyed the size of our room (2 queen beds and a pullout couch), mini kitchen, and a balcony leading out to a field with horses grazing. Yes, idyllic. There is also a restaurant on site, which was helpful since the town is about 20 minutes away.
Best stay near Arches: Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab. Beautiful stay and the best pool we saw in our Moab hotel search.
Unique stay for families: Hyatt Place Moab. Explore the Casita floor plan for a unique stay, worthy of Moab’s breathtaking beauty. Kitchenette, King bed, 2 Queen beds, and a pullout couch. Plus an amazing patio.
Summary: Why We Recommend Traveling from Montrose to Moab
For travelers searching for the easiest airport near Moab, Utah, and the closest airport to Arches National Park, Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) offers the best balance of convenience and nearby scenery. The drive from Montrose to Moab is under three hours, with light traffic, easy navigation, and the bonus of scenic stops like Black Canyon of the Gunnison or Telluride along the way.
While Denver, Colorado Springs, and Salt Lake City are solid alternatives—especially if direct flights into MTJ aren’t available—Montrose stands out for its small, stress-free airport experience and smooth start to your Colorado and Utah adventure. For families, first-time visitors, or anyone craving a laid-back travel day, MTJ is our top pick for reaching Moab and Arches National Park.
Happy, Breezy travels!
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