Kanab to Blanding Road Trip: Utah's Scenic Byway Guide

The drive from Kanab, UT to Blanding, UT covers 170 miles along US-89 and US-163, a route that traces ancient Puebloan trade paths. This stretch of highway passes through the heart of the Colorado Plateau, where sandstone cliffs rise like cathedrals and the air smells of sage and juniper.

One little-known fact: the highway between Kanab and Blanding follows a section of the Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century mule pack route connecting Santa Fe to Los Angeles. Today, it's a paved corridor through some of America's most dramatic landscapes, offering views of vermilion cliffs, white domes, and deep canyons.

Best stops Kanab, UT to Blanding, UT include the Glen Canyon Dam overlook near Page, where the Colorado River meets the dam's concrete wall. Just north, the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument offers unexpected bursts of red and orange against the blue sky. In Monument Valley, the iconic mittens and buttes are visible from the highway—no need to pay the park fee for a quick photo.

• Natural attractions: Paria Canyon, Navajo Bridge, Goosenecks State Park (near Mexican Hat).
• Local commerce: Navajo vendors at Monument Valley sell silver jewelry and fry bread. In Blanding, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum displays ancient Puebloan artifacts.
• UNESCO connection: The route borders the recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site of the Pueblo de los Muertos cultural landscape, though access requires a permit from the Navajo Nation.

Things to do between Kanab, UT and Blanding, UT vary by season. Spring wildflowers and fall colors enhance the desert palette. The climate is high desert: summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, while winter brings snow to the higher elevations near Blanding. The aesthetics shift from the red rocks of Kanab to the sagebrush plains near Mexican Hat, then to the pine forests around Blanding.

US-89 from Kanab to Page is a well-maintained two-lane highway with passing lanes at intervals. From Page, continue on US-89 to US-163 north through Monument Valley. The road quality is excellent, with recent asphalt overlays in many sections. However, services are sparse—fuel up in Kanab or Page, as the stretch between Page and Mexican Hat has no gas stations.

• Fuel stops: Kanab (multiple), Page (multiple), Mexican Hat (one station), Blanding (multiple).
• Rest areas: No official rest areas on this route, but roadside pullouts are abundant for short breaks.
• Cell service: Spotty between Page and Mexican Hat; download offline maps in advance.

Plan your driving time with the knowledge that speed limits vary: 65 mph on US-89, 55 mph in scenic zones. The total drive without stops is about 3.5 hours, but how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities can turn this into a full-day adventure.

Infrastructure safety is high: the roads are well-marked with reflectors and guardrails on curves. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk—deer and elk frequent the stretches near Blanding. Fatigue management is key: stop at the scenic overlooks every hour to stretch your legs and take photos.

• Family suitability: Best for kids aged 6 and up who can appreciate the landscapes. The Navajo Village at Monument Valley offers cultural demonstrations suitable for all ages.
• Pet-friendly: Most pullouts and overlooks allow dogs on leash, but keep them out of the heat and provide water. The only pet-restricted area is the Glen Canyon Dam visitor center.
• Hidden off-route spots: Just off US-89, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (west of Kanab) offers dune sledding. Near Blanding, the Recapture Pocket is a little-visited area with hoodoos and arches accessible via a rough dirt road (high clearance recommended).

Culinary infrastructure is basic but charming. In Page, the Dam Bar & Grill serves Navajo tacos. In Mexican Hat, the San Juan Grill offers burgers and shakes. Blanding's supermarket deli is reliable for sandwiches. For a real treat, stop at a roadside fruit stand near Bluff (south of Blanding) for fresh peaches in summer.