Scottsdale to Orderville: Desert to Red Rock Road Trip Guide

The journey from Scottsdale, Arizona to Orderville, Utah spans roughly 420 miles (676 km) via US-89 and I-17, crossing the Mogollon Rim and the Great Basin. This drive transitions from saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert to the juniper-dotted high desert of the Colorado Plateau, finally reaching the red-rock canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante region.

One of the most striking features is the abrupt climate shift: Scottsdale averages 75°F (24°C) in winter, while Orderville sits at 5,500 feet elevation and receives up to 15 inches of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall. This is a scenic route, but it requires careful planning.

The route passes through Sedona's famous red rock country and near the north rim of the Grand Canyon, offering views of both desert and forested plateaus. It's a route that rewards those who take time to stop.

Sandy or dusty conditions can reduce visibility in areas like the Little Colorado River Gorge, so slow down and use headlights. Wildlife such as elk and deer are common on the Kaibab Plateau, especially at dawn and dusk.

For families, the route offers numerous child-friendly stops: the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, and the airplane museum at Page Municipal Airport. Most have picnic areas and restrooms.

Pets are welcome at most outdoor stops, but note that dogs are not allowed on Grand Canyon trails below the rim. Always carry water and a leash.

Plan your driving to avoid fatigue: schedule breaks every two hours at designated rest areas, including one at a scenic overlook near the Mormon Lake exit (milepost 278 on I-17) and another at the Glen Canyon Dam overlook. Use a driver fatigue app or take a 15-minute nap at a rest stop.

Hidden off-route spots include the Wupatki National Monument north of Flagstaff, with ancient pueblos, and the Toadstool Hoodoos at Alstrom Point near Page, a short hike from a dirt road. Locals often suggest the family-run Orderville Sundae Shoppe for homemade ice cream.

This route showcases the dramatic transition from the Sonoran Desert's saguaro cacti to the red cliffs of Sedona, through the ponderosa pine forests around Flagstaff, then to the stark beauty of the Painted Desert near Page and the green oasis of the Virgin River valley into Utah.

The area is rich with Indigenous and pioneer history. The Navajo Nation surrounds Page, and the town of Fredonia sits at the entrance to the Kaibab Paiute Reservation. Local commerce thrives on tourism, with shops selling Navajo rugs, turquoise jewelry, and local honey.

A must-see is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grand Canyon National Park, accessible via a detour from Flagstaff (180 miles round trip). Also nearby is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes Lake Powell, though it is not a UNESCO site.

The landscape directly influences the food scene: Scottsdale offers upscale Southwestern cuisine, while Flagstaff is known for its casual brew pubs and Navajo tacos. As you approach Utah, small diners and cafes in Kanab and Orderville serve hearty American fare.

The main arteries are I-17 north from Scottsdale to Flagstaff, then US-89 north through Page and Fredonia, finally UT-9 east to Orderville. The entire route is paved and well-maintained, but the section between Bitter Springs and Page is remote with minimal services.

• Fuel stations cluster in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Camp Verde, Flagstaff, Page, and Orderville; the longest gap is about 90 miles between Page and Kanab.
• Cell service is spotty north of Flagstaff; download offline maps.
• Gas prices in Arizona average $3.50/gal, while Utah averages $3.70/gal (as of 2024).

The road quality is high, with smooth asphalt and clear signage. Winter months may bring snow and ice, especially around Flagstaff and the Kaibab Plateau, so check weather forecasts and carry chains if traveling November through March.

Travel time is typically 7 to 8 hours without stops. However, a suggested intermediate stop at Flagstaff allows for refueling and a meal at local favorites like the Beaver Street Brewery.