Jerome to Kanab: A Road Trip Through Arizona's Red Rock Country

Jerome, Arizona, clings to Cleopatra Hill at 5,000 feet, a former copper boomtown now a quirky artists' enclave. The road to Kanab, Utah, runs 160 miles north, passing through dramatic transitions: from the pine-dusted Mingus Mountain to the vermilion cliffs of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. US-89A twists along the Verde River before merging with US-89 at Bitter Springs.

This route is not a straight shot but a series of visual vignettes. The drive typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours without stops, but the allure lies in the detours. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide offers strategies to enrich your journey.

Key landmarks: at mile 12, the ghost town of Clarkdale appears; at mile 40, the red rocks of Sedona loom to the east; at mile 120, the Navajo Bridge spans the Colorado River. The final stretch enters Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante region.

US-89A between Jerome and Page is two-lane, winding, and scenic. Expect narrow shoulders and occasional livestock. Fuel stations are sparse: fill up in Jerome (last gas at altitude) or Cottonwood. The next reliable fuel is at Marble Canyon Lodge (mile 110) or Page. Kanab has multiple stations.

• Jerome: Chevron at 200 Main St, open 7am-9pm
• Cottonwood: Shell at 54 E Main St, 24hr
• Marble Canyon: Marble Canyon Gas & Grocery, 6am-10pm
• Page: multiple stations on US-89 near Lake Powell

Route economics: expect to pay about $5-10 more for fuel compared to urban areas. Use cash to avoid credit surcharges. The route is not tolled.

• Distance: 160 mi total
• Elevation change: drop from 5,000 ft to 3,700 ft at Marble Canyon
• Road condition: generally well-maintained, but watch for gravel near construction zones

The Vermilion Cliffs dominate the latter half of the drive. The Paria Plateau to the east is a maze of slot canyons. The route passes the southern edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: permits for The Wave (lottery), but viewpoints from US-89A are free.
• Navajo Bridge: walk across the historic span (1930s) for views of the Colorado River.
• Lees Ferry: launch point for Grand Canyon rafting, accessible via gravel road.

Local commerce along the route: arts and crafts in Jerome, produce stands near Cottonwood, Native American jewelry at roadside stalls outside Page. In Kanab, outfitters like Dreamland Safari Tours offer guided trips. For meals, Jerome's Haunted Hamburger and Kanab's Rocking V Cafe are local favorites.

Cell service is spotty from mile 30 (after Cottonwood) to mile 90 (near Navajo Bridge). Download offline maps. The highway has no streetlights; drive with headlights on even during the day for visibility.

• Watch for free-ranging cattle on US-89A between Bitter Springs and Page.
• In winter, check for ice on shady curves near Jacobs Lake.
• Summer storms bring flash floods: never cross flowing water on the road.

Family-friendly stops: the Jerome State Historic Park offers a mine tour; in Kanab, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a hit. Pet-friendly: pets on leash allowed at most scenic overlooks; leave no trace. Rest zones: pullouts at mile 75 (wildflower viewpoint) and mile 105 (Navajo Bridge).

• Fatigue busters: stop every 90 minutes. The small town of Fredonia (just before Kanab) has a park with benches.
• Best restrooms: Marble Canyon Lodge (clean, no purchase needed)