Page, AZ to Jackpot, NV: Epic Road Trip Guide Through the Great Basin

Did you know that the route from Page, AZ to Jackpot, NV crosses the geological boundary between the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin? This 580-mile drive on US-89, I-15, and US-93 offers a dramatic shift from red rock canyons to high desert sagebrush.

Estimated driving time is 9-10 hours without stops. But to truly experience the region, plan for at least two days. The journey passes through parts of three states, with elevation changes from 4,300 ft in Page to over 6,000 ft near Ely, NV.

Key waypoints include Kanab, UT; St. George, UT; and Ely, NV. The final leg into Jackpot is along the remote US-93, often called the 'Great Basin Highway.' This road trip offers a fascinating study in aridity and isolation.

• Total distance: ~580 miles
• Driving time: 9-10 hours pure drive
• Recommended stops: Kanab, St. George, Great Basin National Park, Ely
• Best months: May to October for road conditions and scenery

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

Page is famous for Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell. As you head north, the terrain shifts to sandstone cliffs near Kanab. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes are a quick detour.

• Horseshoe Bend: Iconic meander; 1.5-mile round trip hike
• Grand Staircase-Escalante: Vast, rugged wilderness
• Great Basin National Park: Ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves
• Snake Range: Scenic byway with views of Wheeler Peak

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route passes near several UNESCO sites. Within a short detour, you can visit Grand Canyon National Park (south rim) and the newly designated Great Basin's Lehman Caves (part of a biosphere reserve).

Local Commerce & Culture

St. George offers Utah's 'Dixie' history and growing art scene. Ely features the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and historic downtown. For a unique experience, visit the hidden gems and best stops along this route.

• Kanab: 'Little Hollywood' for film history
• Ely: Railroad history, Basque culture
• Jackpot: Casino border town (Idaho nearby)

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel stations are sparse after Ely, NV (next stop is about 100 miles). Fill up whenever possible. Gas prices in smaller towns like Kanab and Ely are often higher than in St. George.

• Average fuel cost per gallon: $3.50-$4.00 (as of 2025)
• Recommended fill-ups: Page, AZ; Kanab, UT; St. George, UT; Ely, NV; Jackpot, NV
• EV charging: Very limited; only in St. George and Ely (Level 2).

Road Quality and Safety

Most of the route is paved and well-maintained. However, US-89 from Page to Kanab has some winding sections. I-15 is excellent. US-93 between Ely and Jackpot is two-lane with occasional rough patches—watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk.

• Road conditions: Good to excellent, except US-93 from Ely north
• Cell service: Reliable in towns; spotty in rural areas
• Emergency services: Limited; satellite phone recommended for remote stretches

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Observe speed limits, especially on two-lane highways. Rest areas are sparse; plan stops at towns. The stretch between Ely and Jackpot has no services for 100 miles.

• Rest areas: Kanab, St. George, Ely, and a few pull-offs
• Wildlife: Deer, antelope, cattle; be cautious at night
• Weather: Snow possible from October-April; carry chains

Family and Child Suitability

Yes, if you plan fun stops. Great Basin National Park offers easy junior ranger programs. Kanab's Little Hollywood Museum is family-friendly. St. George has a children's museum and water park.

• Kid-friendly stops: St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, Ely's Railroad Museum
• Activities: Hiking, cave tours, star gazing (dark skies in Great Basin)
• Tips: Bring snacks; food options limited between towns

Pet-Friendly Framework

National parks and some attractions allow pets on leashes. Many motels are pet-friendly, especially in Kanab and St. George. Rest areas have designated pet areas.

• Pet-friendly national park trails: Great Basin's lower trails
• Accommodations: La Quinta, Best Western (allow pets)
• Tips: Carry water and a bowl; temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Driver fatigue is a concern on long, monotonous stretches. Take breaks every 2 hours. Coffee and snacks are available in Kanab, St. George, and Ely.

• Recommended stops: Kanab (2 hrs), St. George (4 hrs), Great Basin NP (6 hrs, extended stay)
• Overnight: Ely is the best halfway point; hotels start around $80/night
• Alternative: camp in Great Basin National Park (summer only)

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detour off US-89 to the Wahweap Hoodoos for surreal formations. Near Panaca, NV, explore Cathedral Gorge State Park. Just north of Jackpot, check out the Bruneau Dunes in Idaho.

• Wahweap Hoodoos: 30 min detour near Big Water, UT
• Cathedral Gorge: 15 min off US-93, near Pioche, NV
• Bruneau Dunes: 30 min north of Jackpot (Idaho)