Where Copper Ore Meets the Snake River Plain
Jerome, Arizona, clings to Cleopatra Hill at an elevation of 5,200 feet — a former copper boomtown that now doubles as a ghost-turned-artist enclave. Your journey ends in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where the Snake River flows through a city powered by nuclear research. This 850-mile route traverses three states, crosses the Grand Canyon's north rim corridor, and pierces the Great Basin Desert before ascending the Colorado Plateau.
| Segment | Distance | Time |
| Jerome to Page, AZ | 200 mi | 3.5 hrs |
| Page to Kanab, UT | 80 mi | 1.5 hrs |
| Kanab to Salt Lake City, UT | 310 mi | 5 hrs |
| SLC to Idaho Falls, ID | 220 mi | 3.5 hrs |
The drive on US-89A from Marble Canyon to Kanab features the legendary 'Moki Dugway' — a 20% grade gravel switchback that ascends 1,200 feet in 3 miles. This road is not recommended for RVs or trailers. Instead, consider the longer but paved route via US-160.
For finding unexpected treasures, refer to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. It's a resource that helped me uncover a fossil shop in Orderville, Utah.
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
The route is well-maintained overall, but sections of US-89 between Kanab and Panguitch have narrow shoulders and occasional rockfall. Drive during daylight. Winter conditions can hit as early as October above 5,000 feet in Utah — carry chains.
- Fatigue management: Stop at the Rest Area near Beaver, UT (mile 112 on I-15) which has paved paths and a dog park.
- Pet-friendly: Best Western in Kanab allows pets; the dog park at Kanab City Park is large.
- Child-friendly: The Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, UT (detour 45 min) has life-sized skeletons.
- Infrastructure: Cell service is spotty from Page to Kanab. Download offline maps.
Hidden off-route spot: The Paria Ghost Town (near Big Water, UT) is an abandoned movie set from the 1960s. Accessible via a rough dirt road — high-clearance vehicle recommended. It's utterly silent and eery at sunset.
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
From Jerome's red-tinted mining buildings to the vermilion cliffs of southern Utah, this route is a geology textbook. The Paria Plateau near the Utah-Arizona border contains the Wave, a Jurassic sandstone formation accessible only by lottery permit.
- Best stops: Horseshoe Bend near Page (viewpoint, no facilities). Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (offers ATV rentals).
- Local shops: In Kanab, visit the Moqui Cave museum — it's not a cave but a collection of fluorescent minerals.
- UNESCO sites: Grand Canyon National Park (south rim detour 1 hour), and the 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale (not on route but nearby).
Things to do between Jerome, AZ and Idaho Falls, ID include hiking in Bryce Canyon (2-hour detour) or visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats (1-hour detour west of I-15). The salt flats are free and offer surreal photo ops but are blinding in midday sun.
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
Fuel stops are abundant but spaced — the longest gap without services is from Page, AZ to Kanab, UT (80 miles). Fill up in both towns. Prices vary: Flagstaff, AZ averages $3.50/gallon, while Idaho Falls sits at $3.10. Carry cash for remote stations.
- Jerome to Page: Take AZ-89A north via Flagstaff. Watch for elk near the San Francisco Peaks.
- Page to Kanab: US-89 west. Stop at the Glen Canyon Dam overlook.
- Kanab to Salt Lake City: US-89 then I-15 north. Detour via UT-12 through Bryce Canyon adds 2 hours but is scenic.
- Salt Lake City to Idaho Falls: I-15 north. Easy interstate driving, with rest stops every 30 miles.
| Segment | Fuel Cost (est.) | Tolls |
| Jerome-Page | $35 | $0 |
| Page-SLC | $60 | $0 |
| SLC-Idaho Falls | $35 | $0 |
Continue Your Adventure
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Jerome, AZ to Idaho Falls, ID?
The drive covers 850 miles and takes around 13-14 hours of pure driving time. With stops for meals, sightseeing, and overnight stays, plan for 2-3 days.
Is it worth driving from Jerome, AZ to Idaho Falls, ID?
Absolutely. The route offers diverse landscapes — from Arizona's red rock canyons to Utah's national parks and Idaho's river plains. It's a road trip through the heart of the American West.
What are the best stops between Jerome, AZ and Idaho Falls, ID?
Top stops include Horseshoe Bend (Page, AZ), Coral Pink Sand Dunes (Kanab, UT), Bryce Canyon National Park (detour), and the Bonneville Salt Flats (detour). Small towns like Kanab offer unique shops and dining.
Are there pet-friendly accommodations along the route?
Yes, many hotels in Kanab, Cedar City, and Provo are pet-friendly. Chain motels like La Quinta and Best Western often allow pets with a fee. State parks are also pet-friendly on leashes.
What is the road quality like on this route?
Most of the route is well-paved. US-89 from Kanab to Panguitch has narrow shoulders but good asphalt. I-15 is excellent. The Moki Dugway (gravel) is challenging and not recommended for large vehicles.
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