Cody to Kanab Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

This 565-mile route from Cody, WY to Kanab, UT traces a geological timeline from the Absaroka volcanic field to the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The road crosses the Continental Divide at 9,658 feet (Togwotee Pass) and drops 7,000 feet in elevation before reaching the Vermilion Cliffs.

A little-known fact: US-89 between Panguitch and Kanab follows the trace of the Sevier Fault, where the Colorado Plateau meets the Basin and Range. This subtle transition creates the dramatic cliffs that define southern Utah's landscape.

Road quality is excellent on interstates but variable on US-89 north of Kanab (narrow shoulders, occasional rockfall). Winter requires snow tires; summer monsoons cause flash floods in slot canyons. Is it worth driving this route? Absolutely—the variety of landscapes and low traffic outside peak seasons make it a top choice.

Family-friendly stops: Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Jackson's snow tubing hill, and the dino trackways at St. George (short detour). Pet-friendly: Most national park lodges allow dogs on trails but not indoors; Kanab is famously pet-friendly with multiple dog parks.

• Rest zones: Every 1-2 hours: Cody (0 hr), Jackson (2.5 hr), Rock Springs (4.5 hr), Green River (5 hr), Panguitch (7.5 hr), Kanab (9 hr).
• Fatigue management: Use rest areas near Evanston and Heber City; avoid driving at dusk in deer-heavy areas.

The drive crosses three distinct ecoregions: the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Wyoming Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Key attractions include Grand Teton National Park (US-191), Dinosaur National Monument (near Vernal), and Bryce Canyon National Park (off US-89). The route also passes near two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone (north of Cody) and the Grand Canyon (south of Kanab).

Local commerce highlights include cowboy art galleries in Cody, fly-fishing outfitters in Jackson, and Paiute basket-weaving cooperatives near Kanab. Don't miss the fossil shops in Kemmerer, WY (famous for 50-million-year-old fish fossils).

• Best stops: Grand Teton scenic pullouts, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Bryce Canyon viewpoint at Rainbow Point.
• Things to do between Cody and Kanab: hike a slot canyon (e.g., Willis Creek near Cannonville), visit an observatory (Ebert's Observatory at Bryce).

The primary arteries are US-14, US-191, I-80, US-189, US-89, and UT-14. Driving time is approximately 9 hours without stops. Plan for a two-day journey to appreciate the sights. The route is entirely paved with no unpaved sections required for the main route.

• Fuel: Gas stations are clustered in towns; fill up in Cody, Jackson, Rock Springs, and Kanab. Expect 50-80 mile gaps, especially between Rock Springs and Kanab via US-89.
• Cell service: Sporadic in Wyoming mountains and Utah canyons. Download offline maps.
• Towing: RV-friendly with gradual grades, except Togwotee Pass (6% grade).

For detailed advice on scenic detours and hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route offers ample opportunities for spontaneous exploration, from fossil quarries to ghost towns.