Page AZ to Kanab UT
 

Just applying the finishing touches to my road trip next month. I note that there are two possible routes from Page to Kanab. I can either take Highway 89 via Big Water or Highway 89A via Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. I would appreciate any advice on which is best. Time is not an issue, interested in whichever will give the best landscape photography opportunities.

Thanks

I have only traveled these routes a couple of times in the last 5 years, most recently in October, 2014, so I don't have info on current conditions, and am not an expert the area.

That said my vote would be slightly for 89A, but either one is impressive.

Have you seen this?
http://usroute89.com/89-or-89a-that-is-the-question

Excellent information thank you Nelson. Problem is I now want to travel both!

89A--gorgeous scenery, breathtaking views, Vermillion Cliffs. Stop at the old bridge at Lee's Ferry--the Condors some times rest there. Now if you want to get out and walk, then 89 goes by Buckskin Gulch and that is not to be missed.

Thanks to Stanton Hyde - I will try to include your suggestions.

You might consider taking 89A to House Rock Valley Road. Then take House Rock Valley Road north to 89 and on the Kanab.
If you go to Lees Ferry be sure to vist both the Lees Ferry Historic Site and the Lonely Dell Ranch. Take a short hike past the Lonely Dell ranch to the Paria River.
On House Rock Valley Road you can stop at the Condor viewing area and at the trail head for Wire Pass and North Coyote Buttes. At the trail head take a short hike into Wire Pass.
Check the status of House Rock Valley Road at the Lake Powell Visitor Center. The road is impassable when wet and can get washed out but is normally OK for cars.

Highway 89A has Marble Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, and Lees Ferry. Highway 89 has some senic sandstone mesas and formations. If you can do both ;-).

89A is fantastic. If Nelson thinks it is unimpressive I would basically ignore his advice.

You see the Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry, Vermilion Cliffs, and eat at Cliff Dwellers Restaurant, great food in a completely unexpected location. Be sure to keep an eye out for California Condors, especially around the bridge and along the cliffs.

Photos from 2013

https://picasaweb.google.com/1053023...eat=directlink

<i>If Nelson thinks it is unimpressive I would basically ignore his advice.</i>

True enough! If Nelson had in fact said that, then his lousy advice should be ignored. ;-)

OMG, so sorry Nelson...I read "neither" and you said "either"!!!

I thought that was exactly the case mlgb, no worries. Thanks for the clarification.

All above valid
The only book, to my knowledge, that covers this complete area, including Grand Cayon is linked below. About the price of a Big Mac meal.

Kelsey has a book (of course)) titled Hiking and Exploring the Paria River, but it is primarily a hiking book into back country.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
In paper and e-book

http://www.amazon.com/Vermilion-Clif...rmilion+cliffs

http://www.amazon.com/Vermillion-Cli...E5WACW8HXXCJ29

Forgot to comment on Mike's suggestion

" You might consider taking 89A to House Rock Valley Road. Then take House Rock Valley Road north to 89 and on the Kanab

Caution: This is a gravel/dirt road that is seldom maintained. It has constant washboards. Generally suited for a somewhat high clearance vehicle like a SUV.

IF wet - do NOT drive even with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Vaga

Thanks to everyone for your input. You have given me a problem as I would like to do both but what a great problem to have.