Jerome to Park City: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Jerome, Arizona (elevation 5,000 ft) to Park City, Utah (elevation 6,900 ft) follows a northward climb through the Colorado Plateau. This route spans 620 miles via I-17, US-89, and I-70, offering a fascinating transition from Arizona's high desert to Utah's alpine forests.

One peculiar fact: the segment through the Kaibab National Forest near the Grand Canyon is one of the few places in the US where you can see pronghorn antelope grazing alongside highway signs warning of “extreme fire danger” even in winter. The drive typically takes 9 to 10 hours of pure driving time, but you'll want to budget two full days to explore the attractions between.

For tips on unearthing spontaneous stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route Hugs I-17 north to Flagstaff, then US-89 through Page to Kanab, then US-89 Alt and I-70 east to Moab, and finally US-40/US-189 into Park City. Alternatively, you can take I-15 direct from St. George to Salt Lake City, skipping Moab but missing Utah's canyon country.

• Road quality: All highways are paved and well-maintained. US-89 from Flagstaff to Page has occasional single-lane construction zones.
• Fuel stops: Major refueling towns include Flagstaff, Page, Kanab, Cedar City (if using I-15), Moab, and Heber City. Don't let your tank drop below a quarter tank between Kanab and Moab (160 miles).
• Rest areas: Arizona has rest areas near Flagstaff and Cameron; Utah has rest areas near Scipio and Soldier Summit. All have restrooms and picnic tables.
• Climate considerations: Summer temps exceed 100°F in Arizona and 90°F in Moab; winter brings snow from October to April, especially from Salina to Park City. Check tire chains requirement during winter.

The landscapes along this drive are iconic and diverse. Starting in Jerome, a historic copper mining town perched on Cleopatra Hill, you'll descend into the Verde Valley. North of Flagstaff, you'll traverse the San Francisco Peaks volcanic field, then the Painted Desert near Cameron, followed by the Vermilion Cliffs and the Kaibab Plateau.

As you enter Utah, US-89 hugs the border of Zion National Park (side trip) and continues through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The section from Kanab to Moab is a geological showcase of Navajo sandstone canyons, slot canyons, and ancient petrified dunes.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites only: The route passes near Grand Canyon National Park (side trip from Flagstaff) and Mesa Verde National Park (side trip from Cortez, CO). Neither is directly en route, but both are within day-trip distance.
• Local commerce: In Page, Lake Powell Kayak rentals and Antelope Canyon tours. In Kanab, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a notable stop for animal lovers. Moab offers dozens of jeep tours, bike rentals, and river rafting outfitters.
• Hidden off-route spots: Coral Pink Sand Dunes (near Kanab), The Wave (limited permit required, but you can hike near Cottonwood Cove), and Valley of the Gods (a smaller Monument Valley without the crowds).

Infrastructure safety is high: the highways are well-traveled, with emergency call boxes every 5 miles on I-70 in Utah. Wildlife crossings (deer, elk, and cattle) are common near dusk, especially on US-89 in Arizona and US-189 in Utah.

• Family and child suitability: Many attractions are kid-friendly. The Discovery Museum in Moab, the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, and the Park City Mountain Resort's alpine slide are favorites. The drive between Flagstaff and Page has few kid-focused stops, so pack snacks and entertainment.
• Pet-friendly framework: National parks restrict pets on trails, but they are allowed in developed areas. Many hotels in Page, Moab, and Park City are pet-friendly. Off-leash dogs are prohibited in all national parks and monuments.
• Fatigue management & rest zones: Aim to stop every 2 hours. Key towns for meals and stretching: Flagstaff (craft breweries and hiking), Page (lake views), Kanab (old Western-style diners), Moab (mountain biking culture), and Heber City (historic Main Street).
• Climatic conditions: In summer, heat can cause car overheating; in winter, blizzards can briefly close I-70. Always check weather forecasts for the respective mountain passes: Strawberry Summit (US-40), Guardsman Pass (near Park City, seasonal closure).