Scottsdale to Kanarraville: Desert Drive Guide

The route from Scottsdale, AZ to Kanarraville, UT spans 499 miles via I-17, I-40, and I-15. It crosses the transition from the Sonoran Desert to the Colorado Plateau, passing through the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world near Flagstaff. The drive takes about 7 hours and 45 minutes without stops, but plan for 9-10 hours to explore.

One of the most striking landmarks along the way is the Navajo Bridge over the Colorado River near Page, AZ. It’s one of the few vehicle crossings of the Marble Canyon section of the Grand Canyon. The original 1929 bridge is now a pedestrian path, offering a unique geology view.

The best way to split the drive is to stop in Page, AZ (at the 2/3 mark) or Kanab, UT (just 30 miles before your destination). Fuel prices rise as you leave the Phoenix metro, with the cheapest gas in Flagstaff and most expensive in Kanarraville.

• Cheapest gas: Flagstaff, AZ, typically $0.15-0.25 less per gallon than Scottsdale.
• Most expensive gas: Kanarraville, UT, often $0.10 more than the national average.
• Estimated fuel cost for a sedan averaging 30 mpg: $65-80 total.

Road quality is excellent on I-17 and I-40, with rest stops every 30-50 miles. However, I-15 near the Arizona/Utah border is winding and steep, and requires careful speed control. There are no tolls between Scottsdale and Kanarraville.

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie within a 50-mile detour from the route: Grand Canyon National Park (descent from the south rim) and the Grand Canyon itself. A shorter but equally striking stop is Horseshoe Bend near Page, where a 1.5-mile round-trip hike leads to the famous overlook over the Colorado River.

• Grand Canyon South Rim: 35 miles off I-40 via Highway 64, entrance fee $35 per vehicle.
• Horseshoe Bend: 5 miles off Hwy 89, $10 parking fee.
• Kanarraville Falls: a hidden gem with slot canyons and waterfalls, $40 per person permit.

For local commerce, the historic downtown of Flagstaff offers Route 66 charm, with diners like Mike & Ronda’s (for all-day breakfast). Page has a mix of Navajo-owned shops selling authentic crafts. In Kanarraville, a tiny town of 300 residents, the general store is a hub for local honey and salsa.

Driving in the summer, temperatures exceed 110°F in the desert, but Arizona mandates rest areas with shaded picnic tables and water fountains. The stretch between Kingman and the Utah border is particularly remote, with no gas for 90 miles, so top off in Kingman.

• Recommended rest break: Yavapai County’s Sunset Point rest area at mile 248 on I-17, with clean restrooms and vending machines.
• Pet-friendly stops: Oak Creek Canyon (east of Sedona) and East Zion (near Kanarraville) both have off-leash areas at nearby BLM land.
• Fatigue management: The afternoon winds on I-40 east of Flagstaff can be strong; schedule a break at the flagstaff’s Visitors Center to stretch.

For families, attractions like the Bearizona Wildlife Park near Williams, AZ, offer drive-through encounters, and the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is a 20-minute detour from the interstate. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.