Kanab to Bluff: Utah's Scenic Highway 89 Road Trip Guide

Highway 89 between Kanab, UT and Bluff, UT is a roughly 100-mile stretch that cuts through the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The road passes the Vermilion Cliffs, the Paria River valley, and the edge of Monument Valley. A unique fact: this route crosses the footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloans, with cliff dwellings and petroglyphs visible from the highway. Driving time is about 1 hour 45 minutes without stops, but plan for 3-4 hours to explore.

This guide answers the questions: How long to drive Kanab, UT to Bluff, UT? Is it worth driving Kanab, UT to Bluff, UT? We highlight the best stops Kanab, UT to Bluff, UT and things to do between Kanab, UT and Bluff, UT. For a broader method on discovering stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent, but long stretches without services require preparation. Carry water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Speed limits are 65 mph but reduce in construction zones. Wildlife (deer, cattle) can cross; use high beams when safe. Rest stops are few: the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook near Page, and the Mexican Hat rest area.

• Family and Child Suitability: Kid-friendly stops include Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City (detour), and the Navajo National Monument (junior ranger program). Bluff's Sand Island petroglyphs are easy for kids.
• Pet-Friendly: Most overlooks and trails allow leashed pets. Keep dogs cool; temperatures exceed 100°F in summer. Carry water and shade.
• Fatigue Management: Plan stops every 45 minutes. The best rest zones: Kanab, Page (diner at Dam Plaza), Mexican Hat (San Juan River view), Bluff.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: The Toadstool Hoodoos (near Page), Moki Dugway (scenic dirt road from US-261), and the Goosenecks State Park (photography at sunset).

Highway 89 is a two-lane road with moderate traffic. From Kanab, head east on US-89. At the junction with US-89A, continue straight (US-89) toward Page, AZ. Page sits just across the state line, about 30 miles from Kanab. After Page, the road becomes US-163 at the junction near Kayenta, but the route to Bluff continues on US-163 north. Fill your tank in Kanab or Page; gas stations are sparse between Page and Bluff.

• Fuel stops: Kanab, Page (Arizona), Mexican Hat (US-163), Bluff
• Road quality: Paved, well-maintained, but watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk
• Cell service: Spotty between Page and Bluff; download offline maps
• Restrooms: Limited; use services in Kanab, Page, and at the Navajo National Monument visitor center

The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument dominates the first leg. The Paria River-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness offers hiking and photogenic sandstone formations. The Wire Pass Trailhead leads to The Wave (permit required). Navajo Nation land begins near Page. The Navajo economy includes roadside stands selling jewelry and fry bread. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a short detour from US-163, featuring iconic buttes.

• Natural Landscapes: Vermilion Cliffs, Paria Canyon, Goosenecks State Park, Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley
• UNESCO site: Monument Valley is not a UNESCO World Heritage site, but nearby Mesa Verde (CO) and Chaco Culture NHP (NM) are. The route itself passes through culturally significant Ancestral Puebloan areas.
• Local Commerce: Navajo artisans in Mexican Hat; Bluff's Fort Ruins and Twin Rocks Cafe