Page, AZ to Hermosa Beach, CA: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 625-mile route from Page, Arizona to Hermosa Beach, California traverses the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert, and Los Angeles Basin. The drive typically takes 9.5–10 hours without stops, but the natural and cultural riches demand at least two days. The route follows US-89, I-15, and I-10, with the final stretch on the Pacific Coast Highway. A quirky fact: Page was founded in 1957 as a housing camp for dam workers, while Hermosa Beach's Strand promenade was once a railroad line. Understanding this contrast sets the tone for a journey from high desert solitude to beachside bustle.

The route primarily uses well-maintained highways: US-89 from Page to Kanab, then UT-9 to Hurricane, and I-15 through St. George, Las Vegas, and Barstow. From Barstow, I-15 continues to I-10 and I-405 to Hermosa Beach. Fuel stops are plentiful every 30–50 miles except between Page and Kanab (80 miles) and near the Nevada-California border. Gas prices rise steadily from Page (cheaper) to coastal California (premium). Tolls: none, except optional express lanes near Los Angeles. For EV drivers, Superchargers exist in Kanab, St. George, Las Vegas, and Barstow. Road conditions are generally excellent, but winter storms can cause delays near the Virgin River Gorge (I-15).

• Best fuel stop: St. George, UT – consistent prices and amenities.
• Worst stretch: I-15 through the Mojave – long desert gaps with little shade.
• Alternative route: US-93 to Wickenburg for a more scenic but slower drive (adds 1 hour).

Safety: High speeds on I-15, especially through Virgin River Gorge (steep grades, winding). Watch for wind gusts near Barstow. Fatigue management is critical: plan stops every 2 hours. Ideal rest zones: Kanab (heritage park), St. George (Pioneer Park), and Baker, CA (world's tallest thermometer). For families, the Discovery Museum in St. George or the Las Vegas Natural History Museum are excellent. Pet-friendly stops: Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (St. George) has dog-friendly trails. All major chain hotels in St. George, Barstow, and Hermosa Beach accept pets.

• Kid-friendly: Alien Fresh Jerky in Baker – quirky roadside stop.
• Fatigue buster: audio tour of Mojave history via the BLM app.
• Hidden gem: Mojave Riverwalk in Barstow – a peaceful nature trail.

Depart Page via US-89 south, briefly entering the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The vermilion cliffs and ochre mesas of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument flank the road. At Kanab, turn west on UT-9 into Zion National Park (a one-hour detour). The Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel (1.1 miles) is a highlight for geology. Continue through the Mojave Desert, where Joshua trees and creosote bushes dominate. Near Barstow, the Calico Ghost Town offers a preserved silver mining camp with shops. The final coastal approach through San Bernardino County transitions to suburban sprawl before the Pacific at Hermosa Beach.

• Glen Canyon Dam Overlook: quick photo stop 2 miles south of Page on US-89.
• Mojave Desert rest area (milepost 50): information kiosk on desert ecology.
• Local commerce staple: In-N-Out Burger in Barstow (a cultural touchstone).