Phoenix to Hanksville: Desert Road Trip Guide

The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Hanksville, UT covers 520 miles along US-89 and I-70, crossing the Colorado Plateau and the Navajo Nation. This route passes through three climate zones and two national monuments.

The oldest exposed rock along US-89 near Marble Canyon dates to the Permian period, roughly 270 million years ago. This is one of the few routes where you can drive through four distinct geological eras in a single day.

For a deeper dive into discovering hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Many travelers wonder how long to drive Phoenix, AZ to Hanksville, UT—typical time is 9-10 hours without stops, but plan for a full day with breaks.

Summer temperatures exceed 110°F in the desert sections; carry 2 gallons of water per person. Cell service drops between Cameron and Page (approx 30 miles). Download offline maps.

• Rest areas: Flagstaff (I-17 mile 337), Cameron (US-89), Kanab (US-89 mile 74).
• Pet-friendly: many hotels in Flagstaff and Page allow pets; the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab has a dog park.
• Family: the Meteor Crater near Winslow is a 20-minute detour; children under 6 free at Glen Canyon Dam visitor center.

Fatigue management: the monotonous stretch from Flagstaff to Page can induce drowsiness. Plan stops every 2 hours at Cameron Trading Post or the Tuba City McDonald's. For older vehicles, check coolant levels before leaving Phoenix—the climb to Flagstaff gains 5,000 feet.

Local commerce: buy Navajo rugs at the Tuba City Trading Post; haggle politely. The Kanab Heritage Museum has a small admission fee but showcases pioneer life in southern Utah.

Fuel stations are sparse between Flagstaff and Page, with a 110-mile stretch without services. In Page, gas is 15-20 cents cheaper than at Tuba City. The Navajo Nation imposes a 6% sales tax on fuel, but no additional state tax.

• Phoenix to Flagstaff: major stations every 20 miles, high volume, competitive pricing.
• Flagstaff to Cameron: 60-mile gap after Flagstaff; fill up at the Chevron in Cameron.
• Page to Hanksville: limited stations in Kanab and Escalante; fill up in Page.

Road quality is excellent on interstates but variable on US-89 from Page to Kanab (rough shoulders). I-70 eastbound from Salina is newly paved. The route uses 57% interstate, 43% two-lane highway.

The Glen Canyon Dam Bridge on US-89 near Page has a weight limit of 40 tons and clearance of 14 ft 6 in. RV drivers should note the 7% grade east of the dam.

The best stops Phoenix, AZ to Hanksville, UT include the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and the Petrified Forest National Park. The dune-like structures of the Coyote Buttes are accessible only by lottery permit.

• Slot canyons: Upper Antelope Canyon (Page) requires a guided tour; Lower Antelope is more affordable.
• Horseshoe Bend: a 1.5-mile round trip hike from parking area, best at sunrise.
• Moki Dugway: a 3-mile gravel switchback on UT-261 with stunning views of Valley of the Gods.

Page's local economy revolves around tourism and hydroelectric power. The Navajo Nation operates several burger joints selling mutton sandwiches and fry bread. In Kanab, the Kanab Creek Bakery offers pastries and coffee, open from 6 AM.

Is it worth driving Phoenix, AZ to Hanksville, UT? For landscape variety, yes: from saguaros to hoodoos to slickrock. The stretch between Page and Hanksville passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante, a 1.9-million-acre national monument.