Sedona to Evanston Road Trip: Red Rocks to Rocky Mountains

Driving from Sedona, Arizona to Evanston, Wyoming covers approximately 830 miles along US-89 and I-80, a route that transitions from the iconic red rock country to the high plains and Rocky Mountain foothills. The journey typically takes 12–14 hours of pure driving time, but with recommended stops, plan for 2–3 days.

The route crosses the Colorado Plateau, passes through the Navajo Nation, skirts the edge of the Grand Staircase-Escalante, and climbs over the Wasatch Range. A little-known fact: just north of Kanab, Utah, you'll cross the Arizona Strip, a remote region separated from the rest of Arizona by the Grand Canyon.

Fuel prices vary significantly along this route. As of 2025, average gas prices: Sedona $4.10/gal, Page $3.90, Kanab $3.80, Richfield $3.60, SLC $3.50, Evanston $3.30. Budget accordingly—a single fill-up costs around $60 for a standard SUV.

Most highways are well-maintained, but sections of US-89 north of Kanab can be two-lane with limited guardrails. I-80 is a divided interstate with 75–80 mph speed limits.

• Best fuel stops: Fill up in Page (AZ) or Kanab (UT) before heading into sparse stretches.
• Rest areas: There are rest stops every 50–70 miles on I-15 and I-80; plan breaks in Beaver and Nephi.
• EV charging: Superchargers exist in Moab, Blanding, and SLC. For non-Tesla, check PlugShare for Level 2 options.

From Sedona’s red rock vortexes to the surreal geology of the Grand Staircase, each segment offers distinct vistas. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and the Paria River area are must-stops for photographers. Further north, Fishlake National Forest and the Sevier River valley provide green respite.

Local commerce thrives on tourism and Native American crafts. In Page, visit the Antelope Canyon boat tours. In Kanab, the historic movie set town and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. For a deep dive into local culture, detour to Moab (off I-70) for mountain biking and dinosaur tracks.

• Near Sedona: Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park
• Page area: Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell
• Kanab region: Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Paria Ghost Town
• Richfield area: Big Rock Candy Mountain, fish hatcheries

For a comprehensive approach to finding stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Safety considerations include animals (deer, elk) on the road at dusk, especially on US-89. In winter, I-80 near Evanston can be icy; carry chains or all-season tires. The remote stretch between Page and Kanab has no cellular service; download offline maps.

Family-friendly stops include: the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium near SLC, and This Is The Place Heritage Park. For kids, the stretch on I-15 has several large play areas at McDonald's in Nephi and Fillmore.

• Pet-friendly tips: Most motels accept pets. Rest stops have designated pet areas. In Zion (detour), pets are restricted on trails.
• Hidden gems: Scenic Byway 12 (if time allows) through Grand Staircase-Escalante. Also, the Kiva Coffee House in Page offers a unique cliffside experience.
• Fatigue management: Drive 2–3 hours between breaks. Best rest stops: the Kanab Visitor Center (with museum) and the Cove Fort rest area (with Dinosaur track prints).