Cedar City to Show Low: Scenic Drive Guide

Did you know that the route from Cedar City, UT to Show Low, AZ roughly follows the path of the Old Spanish Trail? This historic trade route connected Santa Fe to Los Angeles in the 19th century, and today's highways traverse a dramatic transition from the Great Basin to the Colorado Plateau and then into the high desert of Arizona. The drive covers 350 miles (560 km) on US-89, US-89A, and AZ-87, taking about 6 hours without stops. But is it worth driving? Absolutely – the scenery changes from red rock canyons to pine forests, making it one of the most diverse road trips in the Southwest.

For more tips on uncovering hidden gems along any route, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-89 is mostly divided highway with at-grade intersections; watch for turning vehicles. US-89A from Fredonia to Marble Canyon is a narrow two-lane road with sharp curves. AZ-87 is well-maintained but has areas with soft shoulders.

All sections have adequate signage. Speed limits are 65–70 mph on open highway, 45–55 mph in towns. Enforcement is moderate.

Family and Child Suitability

This drive is excellent for families. Highlights include:

• Kanab: Frontier Movie Town and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (petting zoo).
• Page: Glen Canyon Dam visitor center with interactive exhibits; boat tours on Lake Powell.
• Flagstaff: Lowell Observatory (kid-friendly telescopes) and Pioneer Museum.
• Show Low: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area – swimming, fishing, playground.

Pack snacks, water, and car activities for the long stretches.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most outdoor attractions allow pets on leashes:

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes: Dogs allowed but avoid sensitive vegetation.
• Horseshoe Bend: No dogs on the trail (hot pavement, steep drop-offs).
• Antelope Canyon: Not pet-friendly.
• Flagstaff area rest stops: Have pet relief areas.
• Pet-friendly lodging: La Quinta in Page and Motel 6 in Flagstaff.

Bring a collapsible bowl and extra water.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Venture off the beaten path for solitude:

• Wire Pass Trailhead: Near page – a lesser-known slot canyon (Buckskin Gulch) great for hiking.
• Lee's Ferry: Historic site on the Colorado River, excellent fishing and river access.
• Walnut Canyon: East of Flagstaff – ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings, less crowded than Montezuma Castle.
• Woodland Lake Park: In Show Low – a quiet reservoir with walking trails.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Take breaks every 2 hours. Excellent rest stops include:

• Kanab Rest Area: Caverns and picnic tables.
• Marble Canyon Rest Stop: Views of the Colorado River bridge.
• Flagstaff City Park: Large green space with gazebos.
• Mogollon Rim Vista Point: (on AZ-87 near milepost 290) – panoramic overlook, benches.

Hydrate frequently; the arid climate can cause fatigue. Use cruise control on straight roads.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are plentiful along the main highways, but some stretches between towns can be 50+ miles without services. Fill up in Cedar City, UT before heading south. The route is mostly two-lane highways with moderate traffic, except near tourist hubs like Page.

• Cedar City to Page: Gas available in Fredonia and Kaibab, but prices can be high.
• Page to Flagstaff: Plentiful stations in Page and Flagstaff; sparse between Tuba City and Flagstaff (60 miles).
• Flagstaff to Show Low: Regular stations in Flagstaff and along AZ-87 (Mormon Lake, Heber).

Road Quality and Safety

US-89 is well-maintained from Cedar City to Page. US-89A through the Kaibab National Forest is winding but scenic. AZ-87 from Flagstaff to Show Low is a smooth two-lane road through ponderosa pine forests. Altitudes range from 5,500 ft in Cedar City to 6,800 ft in Show Low, with peaks near 7,000 ft around Flagstaff. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk at dawn/dusk.

• Winter weather can bring snow and ice; always check forecasts.
• Summer monsoons cause flash flooding in slot canyons near Page.
• Cell service is spotty – download offline maps.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route passes through three distinct ecosystems. From Cedar City, you descend into the Grand Staircase-Escalante region, then cross the Colorado River at Marble Canyon. Beyond Page, you climb onto the Colorado Plateau's high desert, finally reaching the San Francisco Peaks and Mogollon Rim near Show Low.

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes: Just east of Kanab – vibrant pink sand dunes, great for hiking and ATV rentals.
• Marble Canyon: Navajo Bridge offers views of the Colorado River – stop for photos.
• Antelope Canyon: Near Page; requires tour. Stunning slot canyon light beams.
• Horseshoe Bend: Short hike to iconic meander of the Colorado.
• Sunset Crater Volcano: Near Flagstaff; volcanic landscape with lava flows.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While none directly on the route, Grand Canyon National Park (UNESCO) is a 1-hour detour from Flagstaff. Additionally, the route passes near the recently designated Mogollon Rim area, though not a UNESCO site itself. The Glen Canyon Dam near Page is a National Historic Landmark.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Summer temperatures range from 80°F–100°F (27–38°C) at lower elevations (Page) to 70°F–85°F (21–29°C) near Show Low. Winters are cold – Flagstaff can see snowfall. Spring and fall are ideal: clear skies, mild temps, and vibrant foliage near the rim.

The aesthetic evolves from red-rock canyons with pinon-juniper woodlands near Kanab to black volcanic cinder fields near Sunset Crater, then to lush pine forests near the Mogollon Rim.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options are concentrated in Cedar City, Page, Flagstaff, and Show Low. In Cedar City, try the Dutch oven cooking at The Pizza Cart. Page has casual Mexican and Navajo fry bread. Flagstaff offers craft breweries like Lumberyard Brewing Company. Show Low features classic American fare at The House Restaurant.

• Local specialties: Navajo tacos, green chile burgers, and elk steaks (seasonal).
• Best coffee: Firecreek Coffee Company (Flagstaff) and Happy Earth Tea (Show Low).

Local Commerce & Culture

Native American art is prominent – browse Navajo rugs, silver jewelry, and kachina dolls in Page and Flagstaff. Show Low is known for its historic downtown with shops like The Wild West Trading Post.

• Kanab: Known as "Little Hollywood" for its film history – visit Frontier Movie Town.
• Flagstaff: Heritage Square hosts festivals; Lowell Observatory offers night sky programs.
• Show Low: Original town site has a museum and art galleries.