Forum Discussion

roy67ss's avatar
roy67ss
Explorer
Mar 22, 2014

Flagstaff to Salina, Utah

Hi all,

We are planning our getaway from Apache Jct in a few days and I am looking for options to go basically north towards Salt Lake City. We will go to Sedona for sure but after that is a little up in the air yet. I have looked at maps and I am considering heading up to Flagstaff, then to Page. We would like to visit the Zion NP for a day or two. I am considering staying to the east of the I15 interstate until north of Salina, Utah.

Do any of you travel this way at this time of year and have any recommendations for us?

Thanks,
  • Follow TucsonJim's route for sure.

    Have been to both Zion and Bryce a few times; Bryce more than Zion. The best part of Zion is the drive in on Hwy 9. Check tunnel restrictions. I have driven the Hwy 9 with the tow vehicle and have gone thru the tunnel with that. I did not want the hassle of the rv restrictions. If you are over 50 feet they will turn you around and not let you thru.

    Years ago johnna told me about the 89A and 389/ 59 route out of Fredonia and I highly recommend that.

    Zion you drive the canyon and look up - other than the drive in and out. Pretty but hard on the neck. Some hiking.

    Bryce you are up high and look down and it is spectacular - and great hiking if you can / have time. We like Bryce far more that Zion. But it will be cooler.

    We are full hookup people so recommend :

    Kanab - RV Corral

    Lake Powell - Wahweap Campground

    Springdale (for Zion) - Zion Canyon (avoid Zion River or whatever in Virgin - very pretty but ethics issues, high priced and attitude)

    Bryce - Ruby's Inn

    Provo - Lakeside

    Kaysville (north Salt Lake City) - Cherry Hill

    Be safe.


    Lauren
  • I failed to mention in my previous post that there is a detour on HWY 89 before you get to Page due to a landslide that was experienced about a year ago. The detour is actually a better route than the original route, and might add 5-10 minutes to your drive.
  • I travel from Tucson to Salt Lake several times a year to see our son. Our preferred route is to take I-17 to I-40, then take exit 201 to HWY 89 North. You'll go through Page AZ, Kanab UT and several other small towns along the way. The scenery is beautiful. Follow HWY 89 until you get to UT-20. Turn left on UT-20 for approximately 20 miles and then head north to Salt Lake on I-15.

    I've driven this route during Christmas for the last 12 years, and we've only encountered icy conditions once during that time. The chance of bad weather closing the route is getting more and more unlikely as we move farther into Spring. The road crews in Utah are quick to plow and salt if needed. However, if a late Winter storm hits, the best route is through Las Vegas.
  • We are heading for Sedona today. Then the weather may dictate directions. We saw the Grand Canyon 2 years ago. What's at Bryce?
  • Weather is always a factor in the mountains - just have to keep an eye on it.

    Certainly you are also going to stop at Grand Canyon and Bryce?!