Price to Scottsdale Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Views

Price, Utah, sits at the base of the Book Cliffs, a geological feature that marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau. This road trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, runs along US-191 and I-17, covering 650 miles through some of the American West's most dramatic terrain.

Drivers typically spend 9-10 hours on the road, but the journey deserves at least two days to absorb the views and the culture. This guide breaks down the route into manageable sections, highlighting what to see, where to stop, and what to expect in terms of climate and amenities.

The trip descends from an elevation of 5,600 feet in Price to just over 1,200 feet in Scottsdale, a change that influences everything from temperatures to vegetation. Plan for spring or fall to avoid extreme heat and winter snow, though summer offers long daylight hours.

Driving this route in a single day is possible but not advisable. Fatigue is a real risk on long, straight stretches. Plan to stop every 2 hours or so; Moab and Flagstaff are natural overnight points.

Construction zones near Flagstaff often have narrow lanes, so slow down. Watch for wildlife, especially deer at dawn and dusk. High winds can affect handling on open desert sections.

For families, Moab is a playground of kid-friendly hikes, like the Windows Arches and the easy Park Avenue trail. The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff has interactive exhibits on geology and native peoples.

Pets are welcome at most outdoor attractions, but national parks have leash rules. Many hotels in Moab and Flagstaff are pet-friendly, though they may charge a fee. Always carry water for your pet, especially in summer, as temperatures can exceed 100°F.

Moab is a highlight, a town built on outdoors tourism. Here, Arches National Park, with over 2,000 sandstone arches, and Canyonlands, a maze of canyons, are both within easy reach. A visit costs $30 per vehicle for Arches, valid for 7 days.

The route also passes near the Navajo Nation, where you can experience Native American culture, from jewelry to fry bread. In Flagstaff, the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930, is a worthwhile detour.

Scottsdale's Old Town offers a contrast, with western heritage and high-end galleries. Along the way, small towns like Holbrook and Winslow have historic Route 66 vibes, but be selective; some are faded.

For unique finds, stop at the Hole 'N the Rock in Moab, a home carved into a sandstone rock, or the Meteor Crater just east of Flagstaff, a 50,000-year-old impact site.

US-191 is the backbone from Price to Moab, then I-70 west, and US-89 south to Flagstaff. From there, I-17 leads directly into Scottsdale. The route is well-maintained year-round, but winter storms can briefly close mountain passes near Flagstaff.

Fuel is available every 60-100 miles, but prices vary. In Moab and Flagstaff, expect 10-15% higher costs than at generic interstate stations. Fill up in Price, where gas is typically cheaper, to stretch your budget.

Cell service is intermittent between Price and Moab, with long dead zones. Download offline maps before departure. Restrooms are limited to developed rest areas and towns, so plan ahead.

• Key fuel points: Price, Green River, Moab, Flagstaff, Camp Verde.
• Most sections have no tolls.
• Road construction can add 30-60 minutes in summer, especially near Flagstaff.