Bryce Canyon to Cedar City

[msbhat]

Hi,

Has any of you driven from Bryce Canyon to Cedar city at night. We want to watch sunset at Bryce and then drive to Cedar city and stay there. Is the road safe enough to drive at night or is it too curvy.

Thanks for your help in advance,
Manju

[PNW Judy]

Are you planning on going from Bryce going west on 12, then north on 89 through Panguitch, then west on Hwy 20, then south on I-15?

If so, I have only driven these roads in the daylight. But I don't recall any extreme windiness or other factors that would make them dangerous at night.

Sunset at Bryce should be gorgeous! Enjoy.

[Robert Schaller]

I haven't driven the other road, and neither one at night, but I don't remember SR14 as being "too curvy." It goes over the mountain for sure before dropping down into Cedar City, but I don't remember anything about it that would frighten me at night. Just take it easy (keep your speed under control) and watch for deer and elk.

By the way, SR143 is a narrower and more mountainous road than SR14, so that's why I didn't recommend that one -- although it also is a beautiful drive in daylight.

Bob

[msbhat]

Thanks for all your replies.

Google maps says the distance is 67 miles and drive time is 2hr 11 min. Does it really take that long.

Thanks,
Manju

[PNW Judy]

MS Streets & Trips says 76 miles and 2hr/11min. I usually find their estimates pretty close. You're not driving an interstate, ya know. So, yes, I would plan for 2 hours and consider yourself lucky if you make it safely in less time.

[Robert Schaller]

That's probably a good time -- this is not a super highway by any means. At least parts of Route 14 will be at much slower than highway speeds, especially at night.

...watch for deer and elk.

I'm not joking when I say there could easily be large long-legged animals on the road -- if you hit one at speed, they'll do some major damage, not to mention the possibilities for injury to the occupants of your vehicle. Animals with high centers of gravity and long legs tend to roll up over your hood and into the windshield if you hit them -- and they can end up inside the car with you that way.

US89 isn't bad, as it runs down a valley floor through that area. It's the state routes over the mountains that will slow you down some. You'll be safe as long as you are careful and keep your speed reasonable for the conditions.

[Utahtea]

We want to watch sunset at Bryce and then drive to Cedar city and stay there.

Because Bryce is a canyon that for the most part, faces east, the sunsets early on the canyon and you should have daylight for some time as you head for Cedar City.

Utahtea

[Mark Sedenquist]

Google maps says the distance is 67 miles and drive time is 2hr 11 min. Does it really take that long.

I would like to meet these mystical drivers who can drive that fast without a police escort. The posted speed limit in two sections in the canyon is 35 mph, plus, even driving at night there is plenty to see. I would allow a mininum of 2 hours thirty minutes, the last time I drove it, it took about 3 hours with slow tourist bus traffic, etc.

Mark

[Robert Schaller]

Mark, have you driven SR14 lately? Last time I drove it, there was quite a bit of construction east of Cedar City. I was wondering if that is finished or if it is still torn up. Bob