Page to Scottsdale Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The 276-mile journey from Page to Scottsdale on US-89 and I-17 passes through the Navajo Nation, crosses the Little Colorado River Gorge, and ends in the Sonoran Desert. Notably, the stretch near The Gap (mile marker 450 on US-89) features a historic trading post established in the 1890s, serving as a crucial stop for early travelers. This route offers a dramatic shift from high desert plateaus to saguaro-studded landscapes.

For those wondering is it worth driving Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ, the answer is a resounding yes. The drive takes about 4.5 to 5 hours without stops, but plan for a full day to explore. How long to drive Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ depends on your stops; with sightseeing, expect 8-10 hours. Our guide covers things to do between Page, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ to maximize your journey.

To discover best stops Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities using our expert tips.

US-89 from Page to Flagstaff is a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 65 mph. After Flagstaff, I-17 is a divided four-lane freeway with a 75 mph limit. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk near Flagstaff.

• Fuel stops: Page (last cheap gas), Cameron (tribal station), Flagstaff (many options), then Cordes Junction or Camp Verde before Scottsdale.
• Tolls: None on this route.
• Weather: Summer monsoons (July-September) can cause flash flooding near washes. Winter snow possible near Flagstaff; check conditions.

How long to drive Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ without stops is about 4.5 hours, but budgeting for fuel, bathroom breaks, and traffic around Phoenix adds time.

Infrastructure safety is high; US-89 and I-17 are well-maintained. However, watch for livestock on US-89 through the Navajo Nation. Family and child suitability: stops like the Cameron Trading Post, Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory, and the Phoenix Zoo (near Scottsdale) are kid-friendly.

Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow pets on leash. In Flagstaff, Buffalo Park offers off-leash areas. Many hotels in Page and Flagstaff are pet-friendly. Plan hydration and shade for pets in summer.

• Rest zones: Page rest area (US-89 near mile 535), Flagstaff visitor center, Cordes Junction rest area (I-17).
• Fatigue management strategies: Stop every 2 hours; use the Flagstaff stop to stretch; evening drives have less heat but more wildlife.

Hidden off-route spots: The Little Colorado River Gorge overlook (mile 447 on US-89), the Wupatki Pueblo ruins near Flagstaff, and the ghost town of Jerome (via US-89A near Cottonwood) are worth the detour. Culinary infrastructure: Grab Navajo tacos at Cameron Trading Post, Thai food in Flagstaff at Salsa Brava, and Sonoran hot dogs in Scottsdale.

For best stops Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ, our guide to finding hidden gems will help you plan.

The route showcases the Painted Desert near Cameron, with its colorful badlands visible from pullouts. South of Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon (US-89A alternate) offers red rock cliffs and pine forest, though it adds 30 minutes. This section is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Grand Canyon area, with viewpoints like the Cameron Trading Post nearby.

• Key attractions: Horseshoe Bend (1.5 mi north of Page), Grand Canyon National Park (detour via US-64), Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (near Flagstaff).
• Local commerce: Cameron Trading Post (Navajo crafts, fry bread), Flagstaff's downtown breweries, and Camp Verde's wineries.

In Scottsdale, the Sonoran Desert's saguaro cacti dominate. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve has trails for hiking. For things to do between Page, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, consider a short detour to Sedona (via US-89A) for vortex sites and upscale galleries.

Climatic conditions vary: Page averages 95°F in summer, Flagstaff 75°F, and Scottsdale 105°F. Spring and fall offer mild weather. Is it worth driving Page, AZ to Scottsdale, AZ in summer? Yes, but start early to avoid heat.