Hanksville to Winslow: Route 163 Relics & Canyonlands Drive

Hanksville, Utah (elevation 4,300 ft), was born of the uranium boom in the 1950s, and its dusty main street still echoes with that atomic-age history. Winslow, Arizona, made famous by the Eagles' lyric “standing on a corner,” sits 190 miles south at 4,850 ft. This drive traces the Colorado Plateau's edge, crossing the Navajo Nation and offering a slice of both Utah's canyon country and Arizona's high desert.

How long to drive Hanksville, UT to Winslow, AZ? Without stops, it’s about 3.5 hours, but plan for at least 6–7 hours with meals and photo stops. Is it worth driving Hanksville, UT to Winslow, AZ? Absolutely—you’re hitting some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West.

For families, consider the “Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park” ($20 per vehicle, kids under 10 free) with its easy self-drive loop. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook near Page is another quick stop. At Winslow's “Standin’ on the Corner Park,” you can recreate the Eagles album cover, and the nearby Old Trails Museum (free) shares Route 66 history.

Pet-friendly? Yes, but keep dogs on leashes in national parks and Navajo lands. There are numerous pull-offs—just be mindful of restricted areas. Speaking of hidden gems, just south of Hanksville, the Mars Desert Research Station (mile 25) is a research outpost that simulates Mars—you can see its geodesic domes from the highway (though visits are limited).

For safety, note that the road is primarily two-lane with speed limits of 65 mph, but construction zones and wildlife like cows and deer can appear. Restrooms are scarce—only at national park visitor centers and Kayenta's fast-food spots. Use a paper map because cell service is spotty. For fatigue management, plan stops at Mexican Hat, Kayenta, and maybe Tuba City to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. For local flavor, try the hog stew at Kayenta's “Navajo Taco” stand (cash only), or in Winslow, the “Route 66 Deli” offers classic sandwiches.

For more tips on discovering hidden spots, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The most direct path is to take UT-95 south from Hanksville, then US-163 through Mexican Hat and into Arizona, briefly joining US-160 near Kayenta, then US-89 to Flagstaff, and finally I-40 east to Winslow. This is the quickest route, but consider US-89 all the way through Page and Bitter Springs for a more scenic alternative—adds about 30 minutes but offers views of Lake Powell.

Fuel up in Hanksville—it's the last reliable gas for 110 miles. Expect prices 15–20% higher than national average in remote areas; budget $50–70 for a full tank. The next stations are at Mexican Hat (mile 90), Kayenta (mile 130, has a McDonald's), and Tuba City (mile 155). Winslow has standard gas stations. **Note:** These are general price ranges; actual costs vary with gas prices.

• Mile 0: Hanksville, UT
• Mile 90: Mexican Hat, UT
• Mile 130: Kayenta, AZ
• Mile 155: Tuba City, AZ
• Mile 190: Winslow, AZ

This route is a geological jackpot. Starting in Hanksville, you’re flanked by the Henry Mountains and the San Rafael Swell. As you head south, UT-95 enters Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where the orange cliffs of the Colorado Plateau drop into the blue waters of Lake Powell. A short detour to the Hite Overlook (mile 70) offers a panoramic view of the lake and the distant Navajo Mountain.

At Mexican Hat, stop at the roadside overlook for the iconic balancing rock that resembles a sombrero. Then US-163 takes you straight into Monument Valley, where the iconic mittens rise 1,000 feet—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site (the only one on this route) and a cultural center for the Navajo people. Continuing on, the route skirts the Painted Desert near Tuba City, where the badlands shimmer in pastel hues.

The region is steeped in Native American history. The Navajo Nation spans over 27,000 square miles, and you'll see roadside vendors selling jewelry and pottery. For a deep dive, visit the Navajo code talkers exhibit in Kayenta (free at the tribal visitors center).