Scottsdale to Kemmerer: Desert to Rockies Road Trip Guide

The drive from Scottsdale, AZ to Kemmerer, WY spans roughly 1,050 miles, crossing the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains. One distinctive feature: the route crosses the Continental Divide twice—once near Grants, NM, and again in southern Wyoming—making it a true watershed journey.

You'll traverse parts of historic U.S. Route 66 in Arizona, pass through the red rock country of Utah, and end in a town known as the 'Fossil Butte capital' due to the nearby national monument.

Interstate safety is high, but watch for wildlife crossing in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk. In winter, snow and ice can affect mountain passes; check road conditions via state DOT websites.

For families, attractions like the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix (off-route but accessible) and the Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City, AZ are great breaks. Kemmerer's Fossil Butte visitor center offers educational programs.

Pet-friendly stops include the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, where leashed pets are allowed on trails, and rest areas along I-80 in Wyoming with designated pet zones.

To combat fatigue, plan stops every 2–3 hours. Key rest areas: Flagstaff, AZ; Gallup, NM; Albuquerque, NM; Raton, NM; Trinidad, CO; Cheyenne, WY; and Laramie, WY. These have restrooms and vending machines.

Hidden off-route spot: Arches National Park near Moab, UT is a 1-hour detour from I-70 west of Grand Junction, offering stunning sandstone arches.

For a unique lunch, try the Owl Café in Gallup, NM, famous for its green chili cheeseburgers.

The most direct path follows I-17 north from Scottsdale to Flagstaff, then I-40 east through Arizona and New Mexico, connecting to I-25 north in Albuquerque. From there, I-80 west in Cheyenne leads to Kemmerer via US-189.

This route is well-maintained, with ample gas stations and rest areas along the interstates. However, sections through Navajo Nation and rural Utah have sparse services; plan fuel stops strategically.

• Major highways: I-17, I-40, I-25, I-80, US-189
• Road tolls: None
• Best time to drive: Spring or fall to avoid extreme heat and snow
• Weather risk: Summer thunderstorms in Arizona, winter snow in Wyoming

Start in the Sonoran Desert with saguaro cacti, then climb to the pines of Flagstaff on the Mogollon Rim. Four Corners landmarks like Monument Valley appear near the Arizona-Utah border, and the route passes near Grand Canyon National Park, a must-see detour.

In Colorado, the San Juan Mountains offer dramatic alpine scenery, and Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Utah-Colorado line, featuring ancient fossils and petroglyphs.

Kemmerer itself is home to Fossil Butte National Monument, a world-class site for Eocene-era fish fossils. This is also the birthplace of J.C. Penney, with the original store still standing.

Local commerce varies: in Scottsdale, upscale galleries and resorts; in small towns like Gallup, NM, you'll find Navajo jewelry and crafts. The route passes through several state capitals, so you'll encounter a mix of fast-food chains and local diners.

If you're interested in the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consider taking smaller highways for a richer experience.