Not sure about heading in from the north. I drove in from Colorado and the scenery was amazing from the interstate. I'm sure your scenery will be similar once you get close. As far as the Moab area is concerned, most every paved road will not disappoint. We headed out from Moab to see some dinosaur tracks and rock art/drawings. Sheer rock faces 5 feet off the road, incredible formations up close and in the distance, even saw some folks base diving off tall cliffs. Arches National Park and Canyonlands NP are both a must see. We took a day to do each, you should defiantly do both... if you don't have time, make it. I PROMISE you will regret not making time to see them both. Check out Shafer trail in Canyonlands for some off pavement scenery.
