Kanab to Groveland Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

Departing from Kanab, UT, you immediately enter the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a geological marvel of layered cliffs that span 1.9 million acres. This road trip covers approximately 770 miles along US-89, I-15, CA-99, and CA-120, with a driving time of about 12.5 hours without stops.

The altitude drops from 4,970 feet in Kanab to 3,000 feet in Groveland, crossing three time zones (Mountain, Pacific) and passing through the Mojave Desert, Sierra Nevada foothills, and Yosemite's western gateway.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

From Kanab's vermilion cliffs to the Sierra Nevada's granite domes, the route showcases seven distinct eco-regions. Detour to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for lesser-known viewpoints.

• Zion National Park (exit at Mt. Carmel Junction): 15-mile scenic drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
• Valley of Fire State Park (NV): 40-minute detour off I-15 near Moapa; ancient petroglyphs and red sandstone
• Red Rock Canyon (NV): 13-mile scenic loop just west of Las Vegas
• Mojave National Preserve: Kelso Dunes, 650-foot sand dunes (best at sunset)
• Sequoia National Forest (via CA-178 exit): Giant sequoia groves 2 hours south of Bakersfield

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Three UNESCO sites lie within 20 miles of the route. Allow extra time for each.

• Grand Canyon National Park (2 hours south of Kanab via US-89A, not on direct route)
• Yosemite National Park (CA-120 ends at the park's west entrance; Tioga Pass closes winter)
• Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point (not on route, but similar mound sites exist near Las Vegas)

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Weather varies drastically: Kanab averages 75°F summer, 35°F winter. Las Vegas summer temps exceed 105°F, while Groveland sees 90°F summer with afternoon thunderstorms. Best season: April-May or September-October for mild temps and wildflowers.

• Spring: Wildflowers in Mojave (March-April)
• Summer: Monsoon rains in Nevada and Utah (July-August)
• Fall: Aspen colors in Sierra Nevada (October)
• Winter: Snow possible on CA-120; tire chains may be required

Culinary Infrastructure

From Navajo tacos in Kanab to Basque cuisine in Bakersfield, the route offers diverse food. Recommended stops:

• Kanab: Kanab Creek Bakery (breakfast burritos)
• St. George: Viva Chicken (Peruvian rotisserie)
• Las Vegas: Lotus of Siam (Thai; 5th best in US)
• Bakersfield: Wool Growers (Basque lamb chops)
• Groveland: The Groveland Hotel (cowboy ribeye)

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices vary significantly; fill up in St. George, UT (typically $0.20/gal cheaper than California) and again in Mojave, CA. Average cost for the trip: $120-$150 for a sedan.

• Cheapest gas: St. George, UT and Primm, NV on I-15
• Most expensive: Inside Yosemite National Park or Groveland, CA
• EV charging: Superchargers in St. George, Las Vegas, and Bakersfield; plan for 1-2 charging stops

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

I-15 is well-maintained with frequent rest areas. CA-120 east of Groveland has narrow, winding sections with limited shoulders. Check Caltrans for chain controls in winter.

• Best road surface: I-15 through Nevada
• Most challenging: CA-120 from Manteca to Groveland (two-lane, steep grades)
• Construction zones: Expect delays near Barstow, CA (I-15) and through Modesto (CA-99)

Family and Child Suitability

Great for families with stops every 1-2 hours. Rest areas with clean bathrooms and playgrounds exist at Baker (NV) and Wheeler Ridge (CA).

• Kid-friendly: St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site (fossil tracks)
• Las Vegas: Discovery Children's Museum (interactive exhibits)
• Bakersfield: California Living Museum (zoo and reptile center)

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most national parks restrict dogs to paved areas. Alternative pet stops: Valley of Fire permits dogs on leash; Mojave National Preserve allows pets on all trails.

• Pet relief: Rest areas along I-15 have designated pet areas
• Veterinary: Las Vegas and Bakersfield have 24-hour emergency clinics

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Driving through desert monotony (especially I-15 between Barstow and Baker) causes fatigue. Use rest areas every 2 hours.

• Rest stops: Littlefield (AZ), Mesquite (NV), Primm (NV), Baker (CA) – all open 24/7
• Scenic breaks: Climb the Kelso Dunes or walk the Seven Magic Mountains installation near Las Vegas
• Sleep: Consider overnight in St. George or Bakersfield to split drive

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Venture off the main highways for solitude.

• Paria Ghost Town (5 miles east of Kanab on US-89): Abandoned movie set
• Rhyolite Ghost Town (near Beatty, NV, off I-15): Gold rush ruins
• Scodie Mountain (via CA-178): Wildflower viewing in spring
• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (north of Groveland, CA-120): Yosemite without crowds