Route 89A/389/Utah 59

We have used 89A/389/59 a couple of times in our Class C with no difficulty. After passing the Vermilion Cliffs there is a 6% or so climb up onto the plateau before Jacob Lake then a descent back down on the other side with a similar grade. Route 389/59 is essentially flat. We have never used 89 beyond Page, so can't comment on that road beyond there.

I was going to suggest a stop at the Norht Rim, but that doesn't open until mid-May.

I was on 89A when it was the only way(slide closed 89) to get to Utah from grand Canyon. It is 2 lanes no shoulder no services to speak of and for us no cell service(ATT). If you take make sure you have a full tank. We were in a 36' MH with toad at the time.

Personally I avoid any road that is designated `scenic'. Perhaps Mountain Directory West would be helpful.

You didn't say where you're staying for the Grand Canyon South Rim but if it's in the park you can take the park road 64 east to Hwy 89 and continue north. If you're staying in Williams on I-40 take I-40 east to Flagstaff and then pick up Hwy 89 north.

Hwy 89 north to Bitter Springs is an easy drive. At that point you can take 89A to Fredonia, AZ or 89 to Kanab, UT and then south to Fredonia, AZ.

If taking 89A you'll have a climb about 10 mi with curves 5-6% grade up to Jacob Lake (no lake by the way). From Jacob Lake to Fredonia you'll have a downhill of 6 miles of 6% grade. This route is done often by RVers as the area is a prime summer spot because it's cool.

If taking 89 from Bitter Springs through Page and on to Kanab, UT then Fredonia, AZ you'll have no issues northbound. It's a little different southbound.

Once you're at Fredonia, AZ then take AZ389 which becomes UT59 to Hurricane, UT. This is a beautiful easy drive. Then east on Hwy 9 to Springdale - another easy drive. Staying in Zion at Watchman Campground is the best place. Easy walk to the free shuttle and beautiful scenery.

Again, all of these routes are traveled by RVers.

If you happen to want to go over to Bryce Nat'l Park from Zion, the best way is backtracking on Hwy 9 to I-15 north and taking Hwy 20 east to Hwy 89 south to Hwy 12 east to Bryce. Don't take Hwy 14 off I-15. You won't like it!!

2gypsies - thanks for the info! It was all very helpful. Yes, we do plan on heading onto Bryce after we see Zion so I appreciate that tidbit of info as well.

Someone says they stay off of routes marked as scenic - those are the ones we try to take. We hardly ever take the freeways. Why do boring when you can see the real country!

2gypsies wrote:
If you happen to want to go over to Bryce Nat'l Park from Zion, the best way is backtracking on Hwy 9 to I-15 north and taking Hwy 20 east to Hwy 89 south to Hwy 12 east to Bryce. Don't take Hwy 14 off I-15. You won't like it!!

Just wondering - why stay off of Highway 14? The maps show it being a more major (?) highway than the highway 20. Will heed your advice but was just wondering.

14 climbs higher than 20. Nearby Cedar Breaks is the highest monument in the state, and Brian Head is both a ski resort and high point (12000ft).

In your home area would you drive past Mt Spokane or 49 North?

Hwy 14 - 8% grades, 25 mph curves, 10,000' summit. It's a beautiful drive but not with a big RV. Not many places to pull over.

If you do a lot of scenic drives it might be worthwhile to get the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers'. Even though we drove many of the roads listed in the directory when doing them again at a later date we always referred back to reading about them to refresh our mind as to what's to come. Many scenic roads are just fine to drive.... but some are not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dQ0grO91L4

paulj wrote:
14 climbs higher than 20. Nearby Cedar Breaks is the highest monument in the state, and Brian Head is both a ski resort and high point (12000ft).

In your home area would you drive past Mt Spokane or 49 North?

Sorry, but I'm not quite understanding your question.

Dick_B wrote:
Personally I avoid any road that is designated `scenic'. Perhaps Mountain Directory West would be helpful.

Then why travel at all Dick?

89A has a long climb but is not steep and is good route. To put it in perspective the 4000 foot climb on 89A is over 35 miles, while the 4000 foot climb out of Cedar City on Rt 14 is over 16 miles.