Cedar City to Scottsdale Road Trip Guide

The drive from Cedar City, Utah to Scottsdale, Arizona spans about 450 miles along Interstate 15 and US Highway 89, crossing the Colorado River at the historic Navajo Bridge near Lee's Ferry. This route traverses the transition from the Great Basin to the Sonoran Desert, with an elevation drop from 5,800 feet to 1,200 feet. One curious fact: the stretch through Utah's Dixie region sees sudden crosswinds that can gust over 50 mph near the Virgin River Gorge. Planning your journey with how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities can turn this drive into a memorable adventure.

The best stops Cedar City, UT to Scottsdale, AZ include Zion National Park, Grand Canyon's North Rim, and Sedona's red rocks. How long to drive Cedar City, UT to Scottsdale, AZ? Straight through without major stops takes about 7-8 hours, but with sightseeing, plan for 2-3 days. Is it worth driving Cedar City, UT to Scottsdale, AZ? Absolutely, for the diverse landscapes. Things to do between Cedar City, UT and Scottsdale, AZ range from hiking to wine tasting in the Verde Valley.

This drive showcases the Colorado Plateau's layered geology. From Cedar City's red cliffs to the white Navajo Sandstone of the Vermilion Cliffs, each mile reveals a new palette. The Grand Canyon's North Rim (closed mid-Oct to May) offers dramatic views at 8,000 feet. Further south, the Ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff give way to saguaro-studded deserts as you approach Scottsdale.

Local commerce thrives in small towns. In Kanab, known as 'Little Hollywood,' you'll find art galleries and the historic Parry Lodge. Page offers boat tours of Lake Powell. In Sedona (a detour via US-89A and AZ-179), over 60 art galleries and vortex sites attract spiritual seekers.

• Natural attractions: Zion National Park, Grand Canyon (North Rim), Antelope Canyon, Montezuma Castle National Monument.
• Local markets: Kanab Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-Oct), Flagstaff's Historic Downtown and Railyard.
• Handicrafts: Navajo rugs and Kachina dolls at Cameron Trading Post.

Drive defensively: wildlife (mule deer, elk) active at dawn/dusk, especially near Jacob Lake. Winter storms can close US-89 between Bitter Springs and Cameron. Summer monsoon rains cause flash floods in washes. Safety: carry water, a spare tire, and a paper map as cell coverage is spotty from Kanab to Flagstaff.

For families: stop at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site (complete with tracks), or the Grand Canyon's North Rim Visitor Center (junior ranger program). In Page, do a smooth-water float on the Colorado River. For pets: many hikes in Kaibab National Forest are pet-friendly. In Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has several pet-friendly trails. Rest stops: milepost 15 on I-15 (Utah rest area), Jacob Lake Inn, and Flagstaff Welcome Center (1800 S Milton Rd).

• Fatigue stops: every 2 hours or at scenic pullouts. Recommended: view of the Vermilion Cliffs at milepost 550 on US-89, or the Painted Desert overlook at I-40 exit 257.
• Hidden off-route spots: Wire Pass Trail at the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness (permit needed) offers slot canyons; less crowded than Antelope Canyon. Also, the ghost town of Courthouse, AZ near milepost 480 on US-89.

The route primarily follows I-15 south to US-89 west, then south through Page, Arizona, and finally I-17 south into Scottsdale. Watch for the 12-mile stretch of US-89A through the Navajo Nation, which offers stunning views but has narrow shoulders and occasional livestock crossings. Gas stations are sparse between Kanab, UT and Flagstaff, AZ—fill up by mile marker 1 on US-89.

• Fuel economy: expect 20-25 mpg; total fuel cost ~$60-80 (gas at $4/gal).
• Major towns: St. George (UT), Kanab (UT), Page (AZ), Flagstaff (AZ).
• Road quality: I-15 excellent; US-89 mostly good but winding near Vermilion Cliffs.
• Construction zones: expect delays near Cameron, AZ (US-89) in summer.