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Trip from Monticello, UT to Sandy, UT

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

5h 26m

Distance

275.4 mi

443 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$44

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 13m ★
6 AM
5h 26m
8 AM
5h 53m
10 AM
5h 36m
12 PM
5h 33m
3 PM
5h 37m
5 PM
5h 52m
8 PM
5h 18m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in and county seat of San Juan County, Utah, United States

Monticello, UT

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Sandy, UT, UT

Sandy, UT

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 275.4-mile journey from Monticello to Sandy, Utah, will take approximately 5 hours and 26 minutes of driving time. Designed as a single-day trip, it covers a manageable distance with a projected fuel cost of around $44. The route primarily follows the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway and Veterans Memorial Highway, offering a taste of local driving with a turn-heavy profile. You'll be traveling within the Mountain West region for the entire duration, so expect consistent scenery. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in how you pace this drive.

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

137.7 miles from Monticello, UT

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 42m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a straightforward interstate cruise. While the highway share is relatively low, you'll experience an uninterrupted stretch of 172.1 miles along the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway. This suggests a significant portion of the drive will be on two-lane roads, possibly with varied speed limits and more frequent opportunities to observe your surroundings. The character of the drive will likely shift as you transition between these main roads, requiring your attention to navigation and speed.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 21 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 85.4 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 11 significant decision points across 275.4 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 85.4 miles (US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 109.3 miles (US 6; US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 236.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

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

6
85.4 mi into trip | ~1h 45m 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
109.3 mi into trip | ~2h 8m 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
236.3 mi into trip | ~4h 42m 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
274 mi into trip | ~5h 23m 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
274.3 mi into trip | ~5h 23m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

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

Salt Lake City

109.3 mi in | ~2h 8m | via US 6; US 191

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway 172.1 mi 3h 18m
South Main Street 56.4 mi 1h 11m
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 Monticello, UT and Sandy, UT.

1

Start on US 191

56 mi · 1 hr 11 min · South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
2

Continue on US 191

29 mi · 34 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
3

Take the exit onto US 191

0.5 mi · 57 sec · US 191
Toward I-70 West
4

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

23 mi · 21 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
5

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
6

Merge onto US 6; US 191

51 mi · 1 hr · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Use the straight lane.
7

Continue on US 6; US 191

1.7 mi · 3 min · Main Street
8

Continue on US 6; US 191

0.5 mi · 49 sec · West Highway Drive
9

Continue on US 6; US 191

35 mi · 42 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
10

Continue on US 6

0.7 mi · 58 sec · State Street
11

Continue on US 6

33 mi · 39 min · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
12

Continue on US 6

3.6 mi · 4 min · East US-6
Use the left lane.
13

Continue on US 6

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
14

Take the exit

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

Merge onto I 15

37 mi · 40 min · Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 295 Toward SR 209: 9000 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork

332 ft · 10 sec
Toward SR 209: Snowbird, Alta, Sandy
18

Turn right onto SR 209

0.4 mi · 54 sec · 9000 South
Use the right lane.
19

Turn left onto US 89

0.3 mi · 31 sec · State Street
Use the left lane.
20

Turn right onto 8800 South

0.4 mi · 1 min · 8800 South
21

Arrive at destination

8800 South

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 26-minute duration, this route is best tackled in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Monticello to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or when you anticipate needing fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch on the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, as services might be less frequent there. This route's turn-heavy nature means staying attentive to your GPS and posted speed limits is key.

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 137.7 miles from Monticello, UT, or about 2h 42m 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 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 137.7 miles or 2h 42m 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 29m

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 Monticello, 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 Monticello, UT

This is one driving day of about 275.4 miles and 5h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Monticello, 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 137.7 mi from Monticello, UT · 2h 42m into the drive

city in Utah County, Utah, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Payson, UT

138 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 137.7 miles from Monticello, 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

$43.64 one way

$87.28 round trip

$4.03/gal 25.4 MPG avg 96 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.22 $45.74 $91.49
premium $4.53 $49.13 $98.25
diesel $5.61 $60.80 $121.61

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$44

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$69–$94

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 96.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $29 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 82.6 1 $28.92 $13.22
Efficient EV 68.9 0 $24.10 $11.02
EV Truck/SUV 110.2 1 $38.56 $17.63

Gas CO2

96 kg

EV CO2

32 kg (67% 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 30 minutes ago

Origin

Monticello, UT

Late night in Monticello on Wednesday

Local time

4:20 AM

MDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Sandy, UT

Late night in Sandy on Wednesday

Local time

4:20 AM

MDT

Current temp

74°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

9 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 26m 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 Monticello, UT to Sandy, UT covers 275.4 miles and takes about 5h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, South Main Street, Veterans Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 137.7 miles from Monticello, UT. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.64 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 11 significant decision points across 275.4 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 85.4 miles (US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 109.3 miles (US 6; US 191): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 236.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Monticello, UT to Sandy, UT, road signs begin pointing toward Salt Lake City along the way.

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