What is the best driving route from SLC, UT to the Grand Canyon?

October 14, 2017 10:05 AM

We're going to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. There are three routes, all pretty similar in mileage. While I would like to make good time, scenery and road trip pit stops are high on my list. I've gone through the country before, so I know there are long stretches without any service. Wondering if anyone had something to recommend on any of these routes.
posted by rabu to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

I would take the one that is highlighted when you open your link, that goes through Page, AZ so you can go to Antelope Canyon.
posted by CoffeeHikeNapWine at 10:29 AM on October 14, 2017

I've taken the center-most route that CoffeeHikeNapWine suggested. Many parts of it are beautiful. The landscape seems to change every hour (from flat desert to huge rock formations and back again). If you choose that path, your eyes won't be disappointed.
posted by mr_bovis at 10:56 AM on October 14, 2017

There is highway 89, that kind of goes down the middle, it is nice too. The North Rim at Bright Angel Point is accessible off 89, Kind of a drop mileagewise, then you go through the pine forest at Jacob Lake, and down to cross the Colorado at Marble Canyon, then it is a more straight shot down to the South Rim. The pine forest at Jacob Lake has always been magical to me. You cross an incredible bridge at Marble Canyon. You can get out there and actually dip your toes in the Colorado, not too far from the Glen Canyon Dam out flow. There are great jewelry stands on the road from Marble Canyon to the South Rim. This is once you pass the 160 that flows down out of the Tuba City area. The whole area is magic, anyway you go. The 89 route gives you the north and the south.
posted by Oyéah at 1:29 PM on October 14, 2017

I'd go through Page.
posted by Nelson at 5:14 PM on October 14, 2017

I've actually taken all three routes! I can speak from experience on this answer!

The Vegas Route is the 'fast and easy' way. That's the way you go if you want cell reception and faster freeway speeds. The view is not great.

The Middle Route is a waste. Don't go that way. There's little to no services, no cell reception, and nothing to look at. I deeply regret the choice to take that trip. Ugh. It was awful.

You want the Page Route. You're not driving as fast as the Vegas Route because it's not freeway the whole way, but it's more of a straight line so it's the same amount of time. When you're taking a trip to visit family in Arizona from SLC this matters, for somebody looking for scenery, not so much. Scenery wise, this is what you want. Grand Staircase/Escalante is gorgeous, Page is gorgeous, you're going to get the best of both.

Get a good book on tape or podcast or something to listen to between Provo and the 89 though, that part of the drive is always mind numbing.
posted by TooFewShoes at 8:49 PM on October 15, 2017

The Moab way is beautiful. It'll take longer, but, if you've got the time do it and gawk along the way. Hit Arches. Enjoy Bluff. I think most of that part of Arizona you're going to want to blaze through. If you don't have a lot of time and just want to get to the Grand Canyon, I'd go through page. Stop in Kanab for dinner. It's a nice little town.
posted by trbrts at 6:54 AM on October 16, 2017