Kanab to Orderville Road Trip: Utah's Scenic Corridor

Driving from Kanab, UT to Orderville, UT along US-89 and UT-89A covers a mere 20 miles, yet this stretch packs a punch. The road traces the eastern edge of the Kaibab Plateau, where the Vermilion Cliffs meet the sagebrush plains.

Kanab sits at an elevation of 4,970 feet, while Orderville lies slightly lower at 4,720 feet. The drive takes about 25 minutes without stops. But is it worth driving Kanab to Orderville? Absolutely — this corridor is a gateway to some of Utah's most dramatic scenery and history.

For a deeper dive into finding stops between cities, consult our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route is US-89 from Kanab north to Mount Carmel Junction, then UT-89A west into Orderville. The roads are well-maintained two-lane highways with a speed limit of 65 mph. Traffic is generally light, but watch for livestock and slow-moving recreational vehicles.

• Fuel: Kanab has several gas stations (Chevron, Sinclair, Maverik). Orderville has a single station at the General Store. Best to fill up in Kanab.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are available at Kanab visitor center and at the Mount Carmel Junction lodge.
• Cell Service: Verizon and T-Mobile have spotty coverage; AT&T is slightly better. Download offline maps before departing.

Road quality is excellent. The asphalt is smooth, with clear lane markings. However, after winter storms, patches of ice can form on shaded curves. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) plows promptly.

For electric vehicles, there are no public EV chargers between Kanab and Orderville. Plan accordingly.

The Kanab-Orderville route offers red rock mesas, juniper forests, and the distant profile of the Navajo Mountain. This is the heart of the Colorado Plateau, where geology is on full display.

• Best stops Kanab to Orderville: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (12 miles west of Kanab), the Moqui Cave (a unique museum), and the historic Mount Carmel Mercantile.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While not directly on the route, both Zion National Park (30 miles west) and Grand Canyon National Park (80 miles south) are within day-trip distance. The route itself is within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area.

Local commerce is rustic. Orderville's General Store sells handmade Navajo rugs, local honey, and pinyon pine nuts. The town also has a small grocery store and a few antique shops.

Culinary infrastructure: Kanab offers sit-down restaurants (Rocking V Cafe, Escobar's Mexican Food). Orderville has a pizza place and a gas station deli. Don't expect fine dining; pack snacks for the road.

Safety is generally high, but wildlife (deer, javelina) and occasional free-range cattle pose risks. Drive defensively at dawn and dusk. The road is well-lit only near the towns. Many stretches have no streetlights.

• Family and child suitability: Kids will enjoy the Coral Pink Sand Dunes (sledding), the Moqui Cave (ancient artifacts), and feeding javelinas at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (in Kanab).
• Pet-friendly framework: Most outdoor stops allow leashed pets. The Kanab visitor center has a pet relief area. Orderville's parks are pet-friendly.

Fatigue management: With such a short drive, fatigue is unlikely, but rest zones are available at the Kanab Welcome Center (benches, shade) and the Mount Carmel Junction rest area (picnic tables, no water). Hidden off-route spots include the Johnson Canyon Road, which leads to the ghost town of Johnson (4WD recommended), and the Skutumpah Ranch Road, a scenic back way to the Grand Staircase.

Climatic conditions: Summer temps exceed 100°F; winters are mild with occasional snow. Spring winds can be strong. The best times to drive are early morning or late afternoon, when the low sun paints the cliffs.