National Parks Trip!

[brinoceros484]

Hi!

My wife, daughter, and I are planning a road trip from Phoenix, AZ to 3 Utah national parks (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef). It looks like the majority of the trip is on highway 89 north (goes all the way from Flagstaff to Zion) and then after Capitol Reef we'd go south on highway 163 and 160 back to PHX (this part crosses a bit through the western part of Navajo nation)

My main question is, is this a fairly safe route? Safe meaning we'll have plenty of gas stations, not too much isolation, bigger highways, etc.? My daughter will be 6 months old or so then so for sure want to make sure its safe.

Thanks!

[glc]

Welcome to RTA!

The routes are all quite safe but some are mountainous and not very heavily populated. I'd recommend you get gas if you have less than 1/2 tank and see a gas station. As I remember, cell coverage is pretty good.

UT-12 from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef is one of the most scenic drives anywhere.

To get from Capitol Reef to US-163 you will need to take UT-24 to I-70 to US-191, taking you past Arches and Canyonlands, completing the "big 5".

I'd recommend you buy an annual National Parks pass ($80) on the way into Zion. It will more than pay for itself because admission to Zion and Bryce is $35 and Capitol Reef is $20 without a pass. If you visit any other parks this year, more the better. If this trip is more than 3 weeks from now, you can order a pass online at https://store.usgs.gov/2025-annual-pass with a $10 processing fee. If you are military or a veteran, you may qualify for a free pass.

[AZBuck]

The only stretch where you might feel isolated is between Flagstaff and Page as US-89 passes through the Navajo Reservation, and even there Cameron offers basic gas/food options. Note that Phoenix to Flag is all Interstate. If you will be returning to Phoenix, then I would heartily recommend that you take a different route back, just for the variety. And you can't get any different than returning via I-15/US-93 through Las Vegas.

AzBuck

[Southwest Dave]

How much time do you have available for this trip? If you are heading to Zion, then Bryce and finally Capitol Reef I would suggest taking UT12 scenic highway and UT24 as suggested earlier. Unless you have time to consider visiting Arches and Canyonlands I would suggest continuing to Hanksville and then head South on US95 through Fry Canyon. It's a lovely drive that then gives you the option of going all the way to US191, or take a more challenging route down the Moki Dugway. (A search will show you what to expect, I found it to be a great experience and perfectly safe and that was in a 30ft RV.) If you had the time this would also give you an option to take a short detour to Goosenecks State park.

Buck mentioned Cameron on US89, the Cameron Trading post has dining, fuel and a cool shopping experience, and is worth a stop in my opinion. (It also has lodging available should it fit with your plans) There is fuel at the Hollow mountain gas station in Hanksville, the small store being built in a hole in the rock. Lodgings in Springdale are the most convenient for Zion with a free shuttle bus taking you into the park from town. Bryce canyon has lodgings near the entrance to the park and Capitol Reef has options, including a nice Best Western.

This thread is in Fall and Winter, if you are travelling more into the winter months be sure to pack warm layered clothing, Bryce in particular can get very cold due to elevation. If you wanted to break the journey home into 2 days there are limited options in Monument valley, or as mentioned earlier, Cameron Trading post and of course, Flagstaff.

[glc]

To get from Capitol Reef to US-163 you will need to take UT-24 to I-70 to US-191, taking you past Arches and Canyonlands, completing the "big 5".

I should have said "may" take I-70 to US-191. I forgot about UT-95 (not US-95) from Hanksville to Blanding.

[DonnaR57]

About 6 years ago, my husband and I did a similar trip to yours. You can find it here. We started in San Diego, but we came right through Phoenix and Flagstaff.

We found that fuel was not at issue. We have a tendency to fuel up when we were in a larger town - Flagstaff, etc.

Cell service was mostly okay, though it was very spotty when we headed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (and pretty much non-existent, there), and in other national parks. There were many times when I was at "3G" service, though, so I saved anything I really needed, for the overnight lodging.

I don't keep up with the Utah parks, but I think Zion may have timed entrance or the requirement to use their shuttle. You might check their website to be sure.


Donna

[Southwest Dave]

In my previous post I mentioned the Moki Dugway and Goosenecks SP, here are a few photo's from our trip to give you a better idea of what to expect.

It's all 2 lane black top Highway until you reach the Moki. First warning sign.


You can pull up at the top and admire the views.


Then head down.




An option to take a short detour to Goosenecks SP with Monument valley in the background.


Dave

[Midwest Michael]

I'll just say that I completely agree with Dave.

I was just at Capitol Reef in March and took 95 south from Hanksville and it is an amazingly scenic drive and only wish I would have had more time to stop and explore.

I was heading to the Needles district of Canyonlands, so I didn't continue down the Moki Dugway this trip, but I have driven it in the past, and I also agree that it is a great drive. The signs make it look intimidating, but I didn't find it to be all that difficult.

[glc]

If you do decide to take the Moki Dugway, I would stop at Natural Bridges and ask the ranger about the road conditions. Rain and/or snow can make it unsafe or impassible. Use low gear all the way down to save your brakes.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I have driven the Moki Dugway twice -- once going in both directions. It is a very cool road.

Have fun.

Mark