Page, AZ to Ely, NV: Desert Solitude and Mountain Surprises

The route from Page, Arizona to Ely, Nevada spans roughly 400 miles across the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, a journey that climbs from 4,300 feet in Page to over 6,500 feet in Ely. Unlike the well-traveled interstates, this drive follows US-89 and US-93, a path once used by Pony Express riders. The stark transition from red rock canyons to sagebrush steppe is a geological masterclass in slow continental uplift.

Expect at least 7 hours of pure driving time, not counting stops. The road is two-lane for long stretches, with occasional passing lanes. Cell service drops between major towns, so download offline maps. This is a route where preparedness meets reward.

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For a deeper dive on planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Safety: US-93 is two-lane with limited shoulders. Watch for deer and livestock at dawn/dusk. Speed limits are 65-70 mph but adjust in rural areas. Summer temps exceed 100°F; keep water in car.

• Family stops: Kanab's Heritage House Museum, St. George's Dinosaur Discovery Site (detour), Ely's Nevada Northern Railway Museum.
• Child suitability: High; wide-open spaces for breaks. Pet-friendly at most national forest areas.
• Rest zones: Kanab City Park, Cathedral Gorge picnic area, Ely's White Pine Public Museum.

Fatigue management: Make stops every 2 hours. The Great Basin Highway has few distractions, so plan breaks. Use the guide for pinpointing rest areas.

Hidden off-route spots: Wah Wah Valley volcanic field (west of Milford) for obsidian; Geyser Ranch near Baker for unexpected eruptions. Both require high-clearance vehicles.

Monument Valley to Kanab

Leaving Page, US-89 skirts Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. A short detour to Navajo National Monument offers cliff dwellings. Monument Valley is 2 hours south, worth the roundtrip if time allows.

• Geology: Navajo Sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water.
• UNESCO: None directly on route, but nearby Grand Canyon and Zion are World Heritage sites.
• Local stops: Cameron Trading Post (historic Navajo art).

Great Basin Highway: Caliente to Ely

US-93 traverses the Basin and Range province. The terrain changes from juniper forests to vast alkali flats. Kershaw-Ryan State Park near Caliente has a hidden oasis with cottonwood groves.

• Elevation: Peaks near 7,500 ft; cooler temperatures.
• Hiding spots: Cathedral Gorge State Park for slot canyons without crowds.
• Culture: Pioche's historic Silver Cafe and Million Dollar Courthouse.

Local commerce thrives on tourism and ranching. Small shops sell turquoise jewelry and local honey. The Ely Renaissance Festival (August) celebrates mining heritage.

US-89 from Page to Kanab is a scenic highway with limited services. After Kanab, you can detour to St. George for major amenities or continue north on US-89 to I-15 for a faster, busier route. The core route from Kanab to Ely via US-93 (Great Basin Highway) is the loneliest stretch, with fuel stops only in Caliente, NV and Pioche.

• Fuel: Fill at Page or Kanab; next reliable gas is Caliente (130 miles). Carry extra fuel if possible.
• Food: Limited sit-down options; pack snacks and water. Best meals in Kanab (Rocking V Cafe) or Ely (La Fiesta).
• Accommodation: Kanab and Caliente offer motels; book ahead in summer. Ely has historic hotels like the Jailhouse.
• Cellular: Patchy coverage on US-93; AT&T best near towns. Wi-Fi at most lodges.

Tolls: None on this route. Roads are well-maintained but watch for livestock and wildlife. Winter snow can close passes; check weather. The drive is worth it for solitude seekers.