Jerome to Cedar City: Epic Arizona-Utah Road Trip Guide

Leaving Jerome, Arizona—a historic copper-mining town clinging to Cleopatra Hill—you descend serpentine State Route 89A, passing through the Verde Valley's juniper-dotted hills. This 300-mile journey to Cedar City, Utah, crosses the Colorado Plateau, skirts the Grand Canyon's North Rim, and traverses the high desert of the Arizona Strip.

The drive takes roughly 5 hours without stops, but the corridor demands exploration. Along the way, you'll encounter ancient Puebloan dwellings, volcanic cinder cones, and the red-rock amphitheaters of southern Utah. For tips on uncovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key milestones include the junction with I-17 at Flagstaff, the lonely stretch of US-89A through the Kaibab National Forest, and the final descent into Cedar City's valley. The route's altitude fluctuates from 5,200 feet in Jerome to 7,000 feet near the North Rim, then drops to 5,800 in Cedar City.

Begin on AZ-89A north, a winding two-lane road with steep grades and hairpin turns. After 20 miles, merge onto I-17 northbound at Flagstaff. At mile 333, exit for US-89A north toward the North Rim. From Jacob Lake, continue on UT-14 east into Cedar City.

• Total distance: 305 miles (490 km)
• Driving time: 5–6 hours without stops
• Road surface: Paved throughout; winter conditions possible

Fuel stations cluster in Flagstaff (mile 60), Cameron (mile 100), Marble Canyon (mile 145), Jacob Lake (mile 195), and Orderville (mile 260). Carry extra water and snacks between Jacob Lake and Cedar City—no services for 90 miles.

• Average fuel cost: $4.50/gallon (AZ/UT)
• Recommended fuel stops: Flagstaff (cheaper), then Fredonia (last AZ stop)

After Jerome, the Verde Valley unfolds with red-rock buttes and cottonwood-lined creeks. Near Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks rise to 12,637 feet—Arizona's highest point. US-89A then skirts the Painted Desert's badlands before reaching the Grand Canyon's North Rim.

• North Rim overlooks: Point Imperial (8,803 ft) and Cape Royal (7,865 ft)
• South Rim views: Desert View Watchtower, 25 miles detour at Cameron

The Arizona Strip—a sparsely populated high desert—stretches from the Colorado River to the Utah border. Watch for pronghorn antelope and wild mustangs. At the state line, the landscape shifts to red-rock cliffs, marking the entrance to Utah's Color Country.

• UNESCO Sites: Grand Canyon National Park (World Heritage Site)
• Nearby: Zion National Park (30 miles east of Cedar City)

Local commerce along the route includes Native American jewelry at Cameron Trading Post (mile 100) and Navajo tacos. In Marble Canyon, stop at the Navajo Bridge to see cliff divers and the Colorado River's emerald waters. Jacob Lake Inn (mile 195) offers fresh-baked cookies and local crafts.

• Culinary highlights: fry bread in Cameron, pie at Jacob Lake
• Souvenirs: Navajo rugs, kachina dolls, silver turquoise jewelry

The route includes steep descents (Jerome to Cottonwood: 8% grade), mountain passes (Kaibab Plateau: 9,000 ft), and desert heat (summer temps over 100°F). Carry emergency water, blankets, and a spare tire. Winter requires snow tires or chains from November to April.

• Road quality: Excellent on interstates; variable on US-89A (narrow shoulders)
• Cell service: Spotty between Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake

Family-friendly stops include the Grand Canyon North Rim (picnic areas, ranger programs, junior ranger) and the historic Moqui Cave (mile 280) with dinosaur tracks. For kids, the Cameron Trading Post has a petting zoo and mini golf.

• Rest areas: Flagstaff (I-17), Cameron (US-89), Jacob Lake (US-89A)
• Pet-friendly: Most national forest lands allow dogs on leash; North Rim has kennels

Fatigue management: take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Safe rest spots include the Canyon Overlook pullout (mile 140) and the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center (mile 180). Consider an overnight at Jacob Lake Inn or the North Rim Lodge (open May 15–Oct 15).

• Hidden off-route spot: Pipe Spring National Monument (10 miles east of Fredonia) – a Mormon fort with spring-fed oasis
• Hidden gem: Wire Pass Trailhead (45-mile detour) for the Wave permit lotto