Introduction: The Cedar City–Orderville Corridor
The 75-mile drive from Cedar City to Orderville along State Route 14 and US-89 winds through the heart of the Markagunt Plateau. This route passes the headwaters of the Virgin River, where a single mile of elevation drops reveals over 2,000 feet of layered Jurassic and Cretaceous strata. In 1861, Mormon settlers named this stretch the "Dixie Trail" for its mild winters, but today it is known as a gateway to Zion National Park's less crowded east entrance.
Driving time is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes without stops, but the temptation to pull over for panoramas extends that to a half-day adventure. The road itself is an education in geological time: Cedar City sits at 5,860 feet, and Orderville at 5,400, but the middle section climbs to over 9,000 feet at Navajo Lake before plunging into the desert. This vertical seesaw creates a unique mix of alpine forests and red rock canyons in a single journey.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Distance | 75 miles (121 km) |
| Driving Time (non-stop) | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Elevation Range | 5,400 ft – 9,000 ft |
| Primary Highways | SR-14, US-89 |
| Fuel Stops on Route | Long Valley Junction, Orderville |
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
The route passes through three distinct ecosystems: the Great Basin sagebrush steppe, the mixed conifer forests of the Dixie National Forest, and the pinyon-juniper woodlands of the Colorado Plateau. Navajo Lake, a natural alpine lake at 9,100 feet, is a collapsed lava tube filled with trout. The overlook at the lake's north shore offers a clear view of the pink and white Navajo Sandstone cliffs that dominate the horizon.
Local commerce along the way is minimal but authentic. At Long Valley Junction, a small trading post sells handmade turquoise jewelry and Ute pottery. Orderville's main street has a few family-owned restaurants serving Utah-style fry sauce burgers and homemade pies.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
While not directly on the route, Zion National Park (35 miles east of Orderville) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive itself offers a preview of the park's geology: the same Navajo Sandstone that forms Zion's steep cliffs is exposed in road cuts along SR-14. Stop at mile marker 16 (Cedar Mountain Overlook) to see a panorama of the Kolob Canyons section of Zion.
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
State Route 14 is a two-lane highway that ascends sharply from Cedar City. The road is well-paved but narrow, with occasional turnouts for sightseeing. US-89 from Long Valley Junction to Orderville is wider and straighter, with a speed limit of 65 mph. Cell service is spotty between mile markers 12 and 30 on SR-14, so download offline maps before departure.
Fuel is available in Cedar City and at Long Valley Junction (a gas station with convenience store). Orderville has a single 24-hour fuel station. There are no charging stations for electric vehicles between the start and end, so plan accordingly.
- Best fuel economy mindset: Fill up in Cedar City; prices at Long Valley Junction are 10-15% higher.
- Road condition alerts: Check UDOT for SR-14 winter closure from November to April — snow tires or chains may be required.
- Public restrooms: Found at Navajo Lake Lodge (summer only), Long Valley Junction, and Orderville town park.
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
Safety on SR-14 demands focus. The road has no guardrails in many sections, and winter ice can linger in shaded curves until midday. Use low beams in fog, which forms frequently at higher elevations. For families, the Navajo Lake Campground has a short interpretive trail with signs about the area's volcanic history — a great 15-minute leg-stretcher.
Pet-friendly stops include the Duck Creek Trailhead (mile 18), which has a flat 1-mile loop accessible to dogs. Orderville hosts a small dog park near the city center. Fatigue management is critical: pull over at the Cedar Mountain Summit overlook (elevation 9,000 ft) for a 10-minute break with oxygen-rich pine air.
Hidden Off-Route Gems
- Left Hand Fork of North Creek: A 4WD trail off SR-14 at mile 10, leading to a natural arch and slot canyon.
- Virgin River Headwaters: A mile-long hike from the Lava Point Trailhead (mile 22) to see the spring where the Virgin River begins.
- Old Highway 91: A gravel alternate route from Cedar City to Kanarraville, with pioneer handcart ruins.
For a deeper dive into finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to drive from Cedar City to Orderville?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and full access to all pull-offs. Winter driving may require chains and limited daylight.
Are there any must-see stops along the way?
Yes: Navajo Lake, the Cedar Mountain Overlook, and the Long Valley Junction trading post. For a short hike, the Bristlecone Pine Trail at mile 17 is a half-mile loop with ancient trees.
Is the route suitable for large RVs?
SR-14 has tight curves and no shoulders; RVs longer than 30 feet should use caution. US-89 is RV-friendly. The entire route is passable for standard passenger vehicles.
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