Cedar City to Price: A Utah Road Trip Guide

The drive from Cedar City to Price covers roughly 195 miles via US-89 and I-70, typically taking 3 hours and 15 minutes without stops. This route traverses the transition from the Great Basin to the Colorado Plateau, passing through the historic Scipio Pass where early Mormon settlers crossed in the 1850s. The road offers a diverse cross-section of Utah's geography, from red rock canyons to high desert valleys.

Road Conditions and Overview

For planning your trip, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics

• Cedar City: Several gas stations at exit 57 (I-15), including Chevron and Sinclair. Prices average $3.80/gallon.
• Beaver: Fuel at Beaver Travel Plaza (I-15 exit 112). Often cheaper by $0.10-$0.20 than Cedar City.
• Scipio: Only one gas station at the junction of US-50 and US-89 (Scipio Travel Center). Fill up here before heading east on I-70; next services are 50 miles east at Salina.
• Salina: Multiple stations including Maverik and Sinclair. Good opportunity for cheap gas.
• Price: Many stations near the US-6 junction; prices similar to Salina.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

• Beaver Canyon: Just north of Beaver, US-89 climbs through a scenic canyon with pine forests. Short hiking trails like the Beaver River Trail offer quick leg-stretchers.
• Scipio Pass: The highest point on the route at 6,980 ft. Panoramic views of the Tushar Mountains to the west and the Pavant Range to the east. Often windy; watch for crosswinds.
• San Rafael Swell: Visible from I-70 east of Salina. A massive geological uplift with colorful cliffs and mesas. Consider a detour to the Swell's edge via exit 131 (Temple Mountain Road) for photo ops.
• Price River Canyon: As you approach Price, the road follows the Price River through a narrow canyon with striated rock layers.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, the nearby Fremont Indian State Park (west of Richfield) preserves petroglyphs from the Fremont culture, a candidate for future UNESCO listing. The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry (east of Price) is a National Natural Landmark with the densest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur bones ever found.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Beaver: Historic downtown with 19th-century architecture. The Beaver County Courthouse (built 1882) is a local landmark. Small antique shops and a family-owned bakery (Beaver Bakery) sell homemade pies.
• Salina: Known for the annual Salina City Rodeo (July). The city's Main Street has a few diners and a grocery store.
• Price: A hub for coal mining and the Utah State University Eastern campus. The Price City Museum (art deco building) showcases local history and paleontology. The Helper area (just south) has a vibrant arts scene with galleries and a monthly art walk.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

• Road surfaces: Generally good condition on US-89 and I-70. Watch for gravel trucks on US-89 near Scipio. I-70 has wide shoulders and good signage.
• Weather hazards: Snow and ice from November to April, especially over Scipio Pass. Chain laws may be in effect. Summer thunderstorms can cause washouts.
• Lighting: Most of the route is unlit after dark. Use high beams where safe and watch for wildlife (deer, elk) at dawn/dusk.

Family and Child Suitability

• Best stops for kids: Beaver's city park (playground, restrooms) at 20 N 100 W. The Salina rest area (east of Salina) has picnic tables and interpretive signs about the Mormon Trail. The Price Museum offers hands-on dinosaur exhibits.
• Entertainment: Audio books or car games about dinosaurs can engage children given the route's paleontology theme.
• Stroller-friendly: Rest areas are paved but hiking trails are not. The Price Museum is wheelchair/stroller accessible.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Pet relief areas: Beaver Travel Plaza has a designated pet area. Rest areas on I-70 (especially east of Salina) usually have grassy patches.
• Veterinary services: In Salina, Salina Animal Clinic (open 8-5 weekdays). In Price, Castleview Veterinary Hospital (open 8-6 weekdays).
• Pet-friendly stops: San Rafael Swell scenic turnoffs allow dogs on leash. Avoid leaving pets in cars in summer heat (temperatures can exceed 100°F).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

• Recommended break points: Beaver (30 min from start), Scipio (1.5 hours), and Salina (2.5 hours). Each has gas, restrooms, and food.
• Designated rest areas: I-70 eastbound rest area at milepost 86 (near Salina) with shade tables and informational kiosks. Also a Scenic View rest area at milepost 131 (junction of I-70 and UT-24).
• Caffeine stops: Beaver Coffee Co. in Beaver (organic coffee and pastries). Sinclair Diner in Scipio serves strong coffee.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Meadow Hot Springs: Near Meadow, UT (exit 42 off US-89). A natural hot spring with 90°F water. Access via a short dirt road (passable by most cars). Free, clothing optional.
• Gooseberry Bridge: Near Salina, a natural sandstone arch a short hike off I-70 exit 71. Requires a high-clearance vehicle for the access road but rewarding.
• Price Canyon Dinosaur Track Site: Just north of Price, near the Price River, visible from the road. Look for a signboard explaining the footprints. Easy pull-off for photos.