Kanab to Lone Pine: Complete Road Trip Guide

The drive from Kanab, Utah to Lone Pine, California traverses 340 miles of the American Southwest via US-89, US-89A, US-160, and US-395. Estimated driving time is 5 hours and 45 minutes without stops. A little-known fact: at the town of Fredonia, Arizona, US-89A crosses the 37th parallel north, a line that also runs through the ancient Puebloan site of Wupatki. This route is a journey through the Grand Staircase–Escalante region, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin, each offering distinct geological epochs.

Deciding is it worth driving Kanab, UT to Lone Pine, CA? Absolutely. The route packs a dozen life-list attractions into a single day. From wave-like sandstone formations to bristlecone pine forests, the diversity is staggering. For tips on finding the best stops along any route, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The natural landscapes along this route are world-class. The 45-minute drive from Kanab to Jacob Lake climbs 3,000 feet through the aptly named Grand Staircase. Jacob Lake marks the entrance to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the most remote landscapes in the US. However, the North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May. In summer, the sunrise at Point Imperial is a must-see, with views spanning 70 miles.

Continuing east on US-89A, the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument rises as a 3,000-foot wall of Navajo sandstone. Look for California condors near the cliff edges; they were reintroduced here in 1996. The Lees Ferry area on the Colorado River is the only place where one can drive to the river within the Grand Canyon region. It's a popular launching point for raft trips and has a campground.

Page, Arizona is home to the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. The dam, completed in 1966, creates a 186-mile-long reservoir. Take the dam tour (adults $5) for a perspective on water management. Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon carved by flash floods, is accessible only via guided tour from Page. The Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams, best seen in summer at noon. Lower Antelope Canyon requires climbing ladders.

Local commerce along the route is geared toward tourism but retains authenticity. In Marble Canyon, visit the Navajo-owned Cameron Trading Post, established in 1916. It sells authentic Navajo rugs, silver jewelry, and the famous Navajo fry bread. The restaurant serves green chile stew and Indian tacos. In Flagstaff, the historic downtown has breweries such as Mother Road Brewing and restaurants like Tinderbox Kitchen. In Kingman, the Route 66 legacy lives on at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner with its retro vibe and giant milkshakes.

Safety considerations: Several segments require attention. The stretch between Kanab and Jacob Lake has no shoulder, and deer frequently cross at dawn and dusk. The Marble Canyon area can experience sudden dust storms. On US-395 from Kingman to Lone Pine, the highway is straight and monotonous; speed limit is 65 mph but many drive 80. Use cruise control and take breaks at designated rest areas every 90 minutes.

For families with children, the route offers interactive stops. In Page, the John Wesley Powell Museum has a 3D movie about the Colorado River and a mini raft for kids to climb on. The Moqui Cave in Kanab is a natural sandstone cave with fluorescent minerals and a dinosaur track, perfect for a 30-minute stop. Whitmore Wash on the Colorado River is a hidden gem where you can walk down to the river (4WD required).

Pet-friendly framework: Most National Park areas are restrictive, but there are pet-friendly spots. Dogs are allowed on the Grand Canyon's Rim Trail (North Rim) between Bright Angel Point and the lodge. In the Kaibab National Forest, leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Pet-friendly lodging in Kanab includes Kanab Motel with no extra fee, and in Lone Pine, Dow Villa Motel allows pets for $15/night.

Fatigue management rest zones: The best rest areas are at Jacob Lake (picnic tables, restrooms), Cameron Trading Post (benches, shade), and the Mojave Information Center in Kingman (air conditioning, brochures). I recommend the 10-minute Power Nap at the Jacob Lake campground after driving the winding forest road. Also, the Piute Wash Rest Area on US-395 near the California state line offers desert scenery and a walking path.

Fuel availability is a primary concern. The longest stretch without services is between Jacob Lake, AZ and Page, AZ (60 miles). Gas stations are reliably open in Kanab, Fredonia, Jacob Lake, Page, Marble Canyon, Cameron, Flagstaff, Seligman, Kingman, and Lone Pine. Expect premium gasoline to cost $0.30-0.50 more per gallon than regular. In 2023, regular gas averaged $4.20/gallon in Flagstaff and $4.50 in Lone Pine.

• Kanab, UT: multiple stations at US-89 junction, open 24h.
• Jacob Lake: only one station at the lodge, closes by 8 PM.
• Page, AZ: full service, including a Shell and Chevron.
• Marble Canyon: limited hours, last fill before the plateau.
• Cameron: trading post gas station, open 6 AM to 9 PM.
• Flagstaff: abundant, but avoid the I-40 exit 195 station (pricier).
• Kingman: cheapest in Mojave region, fill up here.
• Lone Pine: two stations on main street, one diesel pump.

Road quality is generally excellent. US-89 is newly repaved through the Kaibab National Forest. US-89A is curvy but smooth. US-160 is flat and straight, prone to crosswinds. US-395 is well-maintained with frequent passing lanes. Cell coverage is sparse: expect no service from Fredonia to Marble Canyon (35 miles), and spotty coverage near the Mojave Desert. Download offline maps and audio content in advance.