We are flying into Las Vegas and will be traveling through Southwest Utah, ending up at the North Rim. Going back, it seems shorter to take 389 from Fredonia to 59 and then to 15, rather than going back through Zion Canyon over to 15. Anyone have any thoughts on this route? Any comments on traveling through the Kaibab Indian Reservation? Thanks!

This is a scenic route if you don't want to have to drive though Zion again. On this route you pass right by Pipe Springs National Monument which is about the Morman Pioneers.

Not sure what comments you are looking for about the Kaibab Indian Reservations. I won't worry about getting scalped!

I can give comments on Colorado City, AZ and Hildale, Utah. There is a sec of Mormans here that broke from the church and still pratice polygamy (plural marriages). If you see any people you will notice that they all wear long sleeve shirts and the woman all wear long dresses and there are a lot of children!

About 10 miles after you cross the Utah - Arizona border keep looking to the left (north) and you will get a glimps of Zion and Smithsonian Butte just before you reach a Texaco Station and a community called Apple Valley.

All in all a very nice route.

Utahtea

agree with utahtee, the only difference is if you are concerned about facilities, which of course there are less on the route you propose.

I always prefer a circuit that gives me a new look at something rather than going back over the same road. and the distance isn't so great that you have to worry about gas and the like...

If you are worried about services, there is gas in Fredonia and also just 6 miles out of your way in Kanab. There is gas on Hwy 59 at Apple Valley and then again in Hurricane. This road is well traveled so if you were to break down...someone would be by very soon.

Utahtea

Thanks so much for your comments! Do you think the route via 389 is shorter than going back thru Zion? It sounds like it would be very interesting rather than the same way back.

Taking Hwy 389 and 59 is actually 20 miles shorter than going back though Zion and will save you about 20 minutes and you won't have to spend the time entering and exiting the park.

Utahtea

Thanks Utahtea!!

jjbtravers:
Can't comment on your question however, just interested in knowing what there is to see and/or do at the North Rim. We'd like to go but know nothing about it. Assuming that we will see the canyon, are there specific things to look for?

We've been to the south rim, but never the north rim. I know fewer tourist visit the north rim, it's remote. We're staying in a cabin there just for one night. We plan to do some hiking, enjoy the scenery and peacefulness.