Trip from Blanding, UT to Sandy, UT

Drive Time

5h 53m

Distance

296.2 mi

477 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$47

one way

Downtown Blanding, UT, UT

Blanding, UT

Ankit Bisht

Downtown Sandy, UT, UT

Sandy, UT

Jan Kopřiva

Trip Overview

Stretching 296.2 miles across the Mountain West, this trip from Blanding to Sandy takes approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes of drive time. Because the route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited for a single day of travel if you are comfortable with steady navigation. You should budget roughly $47 for fuel to cover the distance between these two Utah points. While the journey is manageable in one go, the winding nature of the roads means you should plan for a focused day behind the wheel. It is a straightforward transit within the state, perfect for those looking to connect the southeastern region to the more populated area near the capital.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

148.1 miles from Blanding, UT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a dynamic experience behind the wheel, as this route is far from a simple interstate cruise. Only 28% of the trip is comprised of traditional highways, meaning you will spend the vast majority of your time navigating local roads. The longest uninterrupted segment is a 172.1-mile stretch along the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Transitioning through the North Grayson Parkway and the Veterans Memorial Highway, the route maintains a technical feel that requires your full attention. Prepare for a road that rewards drivers who prefer active steering over the monotony of long, straight highway miles.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 172.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 106.1 miles in near US 191.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 296.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 106.1 miles (US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 130 miles (US 6; US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
106.1 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | US 191

Take the exit onto US 191 toward I-70 West

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

Toward I-70 West
6
130 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in | US 6; US 191

Take the exit onto US 6; US 191 toward US 6 West, US 191 North: Price, Salt Lake City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 157 Toward US 6 West, US 191 North: Price, Salt Lak...
7
257 mi into trip | ~5h 9m in

Take the exit toward I 15 North: Salt Lake City

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 15 North: Salt Lake City
7
294.7 mi into trip | ~5h 49m in

Take the exit toward SR 209: 9000 South

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 295 Toward SR 209: 9000 South
7
295 mi into trip | ~5h 50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward SR 209: Snowbird, Alta, Sandy

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward SR 209: Snowbird, Alta, Sandy

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Blanding, UT to Sandy, UT, road signs begin pointing toward Salt Lake City along the way.

Salt Lake City

130 mi in | ~2h 35m | via US 6; US 191

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway 172.1 mi 3h 18m
North Grayson Parkway 76.8 mi 1h 36m
Veterans Memorial Highway 37.4 mi 40m
East US-6 3.6 mi 4m
Main Street 1.7 mi 3m
State Street 1 mi 1m
US 6 0.8 mi 1m
West Highway Drive 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway — 172.1 mi, about 3h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Blanding, UT and Sandy, UT.

1

Start on South 100 West

389 ft · 19 sec · South 100 West
2

Turn right onto West Center Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · West Center Street
3

Turn straight onto US 191

77 mi · 1 hr 36 min · North Grayson Parkway
Use the none lane.
4

Continue on US 191

29 mi · 34 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the none lane.
5

Take the exit onto US 191

0.5 mi · 57 sec · US 191
Toward I-70 West
6

Merge onto I 70; US 6; US 50; US 191

23 mi · 21 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
7

Take the exit onto US 6; US 191

0.8 mi · 1 min · US 6; US 191
Exit 157 Toward US 6 West, US 191 North: Price, Salt Lake City
8

Merge onto US 6; US 191

51 mi · 1 hr · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the none lane.
9

Continue on US 6; US 191

1.7 mi · 3 min · Main Street
Use the none lane.
10

Continue on US 6; US 191

0.5 mi · 49 sec · West Highway Drive
Use the none lane.
11

Continue on US 6; US 191

35 mi · 42 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the none lane.
12

Continue on US 6

0.7 mi · 58 sec · State Street
13

Continue on US 6

33 mi · 39 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the none lane.
14

Continue on US 6

3.6 mi · 4 min · East US-6
Use the none lane.
15

Continue on US 6

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 18 sec
Toward I 15 North: Salt Lake City Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto I 15

37 mi · 40 min · Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 295 Toward SR 209: 9000 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork

332 ft · 10 sec
Toward SR 209: Snowbird, Alta, Sandy
20

Turn right onto SR 209

0.4 mi · 54 sec · 9000 South
Use the right lane.
21

Turn left onto US 89

0.3 mi · 31 sec · State Street
Use the left lane.
22

Turn right onto 8800 South

0.4 mi · 1 min · 8800 South
23

Arrive at destination

8800 South

Trip Plan

Given the turn-heavy nature of this 296.2-mile drive, aim to depart early in the morning to ensure you reach Sandy before dusk. With only one recommended stop planned, you have the flexibility to pull over when fatigue sets in rather than adhering to a rigid schedule. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $47 estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local station prices. Since the majority of your time is spent off major interstates, prioritize checking your tire pressure and fluid levels before leaving Blanding. This preparation will help you handle the technical sections of the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway with much greater confidence.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 148.1 miles from Blanding, UT, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 172.1 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 41m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 148.1 miles or 2h 56m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sandy, UT than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Blanding, UT so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Blanding, UT

This is one driving day of about 296.2 miles and 5h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Blanding, UT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway for about 172.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 148.1 mi from Blanding, UT · 2h 56m into the drive

Downtown Payson, UT, UT

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Payson, UT

148 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Moab, UT

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Moab, UT

Meal break

The midpoint is around 148.1 miles from Blanding, UT, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 172.1 miles.

Arriving in Sandy, UT

The final approach into Sandy, UT usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Sandy, UT.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$46.94 one way

$93.87 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 104 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.23 $49.34 $98.68
premium $4.53 $52.81 $105.63
diesel $5.64 $65.81 $131.61

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$47

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$72–$97

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 103.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $31 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 88.9 1 $31.10 $14.22
Efficient EV 74.1 0 $25.92 $11.85
EV Truck/SUV 118.5 1 $41.47 $18.96

Gas CO2

104 kg

EV CO2

35 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Blanding, UT

Afternoon in Blanding on Sunday

Local time

1:44 PM

MDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sandy, UT

Afternoon in Sandy on Sunday

Local time

1:44 PM

MDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

2 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 53m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Blanding, UT to Sandy, UT covers 296.2 miles and takes about 5h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, North Grayson Parkway, Veterans Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 148.1 miles from Blanding, UT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $46.94 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 296.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 106.1 miles (US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 130 miles (US 6; US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 257 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Blanding, UT to Sandy, UT, road signs begin pointing toward Salt Lake City along the way.

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Return Trip

Sandy, UT to Blanding, UT

Plan the drive back the other way.

296.4 mi 5h 53m

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