Scottsdale to Midway Road Trip Guide: Deserts to Mountains

The 800-mile drive from Scottsdale, AZ to Midway, UT takes you from saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert to alpine meadows in under 14 hours. Along the way, you'll cross the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment where ponderosa pines replace cacti, then ascend the Kaibab Plateau before descending into Utah's canyon country.

The route's highest point is the 9,200-foot summit of the Kaibab Plateau, which receives winter snow. In contrast, Phoenix averages 111°F in July, making late spring or early autumn ideal for comfortable hiking at both ends.

For ideas beyond the main highways, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Start on Loop 101 North to I-17 North past Flagstaff, then continue on US-89 North through Page, AZ and into Utah on US-89 East toward Kanab, then US-89 North to I-70 East. From I-70, take US-40 East to Heber City, and finally UT-113 East into Midway. The entire route is well-paved, but winter storms can close the Kaibab Plateau temporarily.

Fuel stops are plentiful every 30–50 miles along I-17 and US-89, but between Kanab and Page there is a 100-mile stretch with limited services—fill up in Kanab or Page. Gas prices average $3.20/gallon in Arizona and $3.40 in Utah, so budget $120–150 for the round trip.

Road quality is excellent on interstate sections, but US-89 in Utah has some winding, narrow segments. The total driving time, excluding stops, is 13.5 hours, but plan for 15–16 hours with meals and breaks.

• Major highways: I-17, US-89, I-70, US-40, UT-113
• Essential rest stops: Flagstaff, Page, Kanab, Richfield
• No tolls on this route

The drive offers three distinct ecosystems: Sonoran Desert (Scottsdale to Flagstaff), Colorado Plateau (Flagstaff to Kanab), and Rocky Mountain foothills (Heber Valley). Each region has its own geology; look for the red rock cliffs of Sedona, the volcanic craters near Sunset Crater, and the white Navajo Sandstone formations near Kanab.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites en route include Grand Canyon National Park (just 50 miles north of Flagstaff) and Mesa Verde National Park (a detour of 90 miles east of Cortez, CO). Both require separate entry fees; Grand Canyon is $35 per vehicle, Mesa Verde is $30.

Local commerce thrives in historic downtowns like Flagstaff's Route 66 shops, Kanab's art galleries, and Heber City's farmers market (summer Wednesdays). For authentic food, try a Navajo taco in Page or a pastrami burger in Midway—both are regional specialties.

Safety is paramount on this route. Carry chains for winter, especially through the Kaibab Plateau, and always have water in summer—temperatures exceed 100°F in the desert sections. The route has good cell coverage except between Page and Kanab, where AT&T and Verizon drop out.

For families, child-friendly stops include the Grand Canyon's visitor center (junior ranger badges), Kodachrome Basin State Park with its short nature trails, and the Heber Valley Historic Railroad's dinosaur-themed rides. Many state parks have interpretive centers that entertain kids for hours.

Pet-friendly framework: Most motels in Flagstaff and Kanab accept pets with a fee; national parks allow leashed pets on paved trails and campgrounds. There are few off-leash areas, so plan for leash walks at rest stops.

Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours at designated rest areas or scenic overlooks. Major rest stops are at Sunset Crater, Kaibab Lake, and Beaver, UT. For hidden off-route spots, consider the Winslow meteor crater (detour 35 miles east) or the ghost town of Mammoth, AZ, with its well-preserved mining camp.