My husband and I are returning to southern Utah & northern Arizona after ten years, and we are so excited to see the sites again. The last time we traveled to Page, AZ from the south (gorgeous views of Marble Canyon). The portion I need to know about this time is Springdale, UT to Page, AZ. Should we go the northern part of Route 89, or the southern part of Route 89? What is the difference time-wise and scenic-wise? Also, on our way to Moab-- in addition to Canyonlands, Arches, and Dead Horse Point, do you recommend the Needles Overlook, and Anticline Overlook which we didn't see the last time? Am I correct that those are separate roads from Canyonlands? Thanks so much in advance!

I've done the northern route of 89, and it was nice enough, but I can't compare to the southern route.

However, I'm going to make a rather radical suggestion instead. Given that you're going to go by Moab anyway, why not change your itinerary entirely and head north on Highway 12 through Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante, and Capitol Reef and then over to Moab? You can then head south to Page from there. Sure, it'll probably add at least one night to your trip, which I would recommend you spend near Capitol Reef, but it'll be as scenic as you can get.

Last September, I travelled Route 89A out of Kanab thru the alpine area of Jacob Lake then along the brilliant colors of the Vermillion Cliffs leading to Marble Canyon. At Marble Canyon, pull over to walk out on the pedestrian bridge above the Colorado River.

I agree with lifelist about adjusting your plans to experience this as a clockwise itinerary.

lifelist and bobwait - Appreciate your replies. That sounds pretty much like the route we took the last time we visited, as far as what you suggest regarding Hwy 12. This time we fly into Salt Lake and drive down. Our first stop is Capital Reef, then down to Bryce/Zion area, then on to Page, winding our way up to all the sites on eastern side of Utah.

As bobwalt said, Alt 89 is more mountains, forest, meadows and some curves then you end up with the Vermillion Cliffs. This route will be 160 miles and will take at least an hour longer.

Hwy 89 though Kanab, UT is more of your southwest sandstone scenery. You do drive though some of the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument. You will see some of the Vermillion Cliffs from Page. This route is 116 miles and will take about an hour.

The Needles section of Canyonlands you need to take Hwy 211 from Highway 191 and is all paved. It's a 34 mile drive from Hwy 191 into the Needles section. Make sure to stop at Newspaper Rock. This is a scenic drive and the Needles section is very different than the Island in the Sky District.

Anticline Overlook is 16 miles down a graded dirt road which depending it's current condition and how fast you want to drive can take a while. I wouldn't try the road if it has recently rained, looks like rain or is raining. If you are renting a vehicle, check to make sure you can drive on dirt roads! The drive itself was a little disappointing to me(your on the mesa top) and if time is short, I'd skip it just for the view at the overlook.


Utahtea