Grand canyon to Zion
 

Hi Everybody
I am taking printouts of directions from grand canyon and zion.

According to mapquest, it comes to about 5:40 min drive using US-89.
When I look at the map, there seems to be an alternate way... "US-89 ALT"

Which is a better option, US-89 or US-89 ALT.
We want to reach zion within 7-8 hours(includes all stoppages).
I was planning to stop near Lake powell for few snaps.

Just wanted to know from experts whether US-89 ALt would be more scenic and faster
than US-89.

But then if I do take US-89Alt, I wont be able to do Lake Powell.
So all I want to know is whether taking US-89 ALT is so much more scenic than US-89, that I can afford to skip Lake powell.

Thanks!!

If you want to see Lake Powell, stick with your plan. Both routes are scenic.

However, I think 6-1/2 to 7 hrs. is more accurate. It is very very slow going in some parts.

The area that will slow you down (esp. if you end up behind a camper -- very probable!) is Kanab to Mt. Carmel Junction to Zion. Scenic with twisting & winding up to the summit, lots of slow tight curves.

Mapblast.com says 5 hrs 47 mins using 89-Alt.

Mapquest.com says 5 hrs. 4 mins. to Mt. Carmel Junction using US-89, PLUS 1 hr. 14 mins. from Mt. Carmel Junction to Zion NP. = 6-1/2 hrs.

rv.com says 5-1/2 hrs using 89-Alt.

Just FYI, I always add an hour to mapquest's times which ends up far more accurate.

Hwy 89 by Lake Powell is 255 miles and will take approx. 5 1/2 hours. This road is more desert, sandstone and IMHO a beautiful drive and always my first choice. You will see some of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and drive thought the southern part of Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument.

Hwy Alt 89 via Jacob Lake is 250 miles but will take approx. 6 hours. This route takes you by the Vermillion Cliffs and then you go up into the mountains. The mountain driving is windier and a little slower.

If you were to drive to Lake Powell and then double back to do Alt 89 then it would be 310 miles and approx. 7 1/2 hours of driving time.

Just keep in mind as you exit the Grand Canyon towards Hwy 89, there are several GREAT scenic overlooks to stop at.

Utahtea

Thanks both!

I think I have finally finished my planning for a 7 day vacation to Vegas-Grandcanyon-Zion-Bryce.

Utahtea, my planning would have been incomplete if you had not replied to several posts of mine. You are awesome.

If all goes well, I will post a trip report, after returning.
Thanks a lot!!

njs,

I'm counting on that trip report. We just got back from a vacation in Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef less than two weeks ago and I need another "FIX" badly!!!!

Utahtea