Moab History: Highway 191

Highway 191, a route deeply woven into Moab’s history, reflects a century of transformation. In 1912, a 620-foot-long, triple-span steel bridge was built over the Colorado River at a cost of $43,000, just a short distance from today’s modern bridge. Prior to the bridge a variety of ferry services brought people and goods from one side of the Colorado to the other. 

Over the years, Highway 191 has expanded and shifted to accommodate changing needs, shaping both local life and visitor experiences. Originally, the highway followed what is now the path of the Sidewinder mountain bike trail and continued north past iconic sites like the Three Penguins rock formation near Arches National Park. 

The Moab Museum is dedicated to sharing stories of the natural and human history of the Moab area. To explore more of Moab’s stories and artifacts, find out about upcoming programs, and become a Member, visit www.moabmuseum.org.