With our 2 week road trip through America we decided to take Scenic State Route 89A from Cedar City Utah to Page Arizona. By the time we were on this route, our driving experience had improved and we were enjoying the landscape and long winding roads through the nature, stopping at each viewpoint along the way. This post shares our stops at the Vermillion Cliffs and the Navajo Bridge before heading to Horseshoe Bend and ending in Page, Arizona.
Our planning was to stay the night at Cedar City, wake up early and go hiking in Zion National Park. However we woke up at 12:00am exactly to the loudest lightning and thunderstorms we have ever heard. By morning it was still raining and expected to rain (including more thunderstorms) all day. So while eating our free breakfast at the Knights Inn Motel we decided that we would drive straight to our next motel in Page Arizona, and then come back to Zion the next day as weather would be sunny, dry and better for hiking.
Cedar City was a good stop off in between Salt Lake City and Page due to the amount of driving it took. Cedar City is big enough to be able to stock up on snacks and drinks at Walmart and fill up on gas before we left. There seemed to be plenty of things to do in the city and around the area, which was just not in our planning. But if we were ever in the area again, we would definitely consider a few more nights here.
Scenic State Route 89A
Vermilion Cliffs
Taking the Scenic State Route 89A road south of Fredonia was an amazing road to drive on. First we drove through the storms south of the Zion mountains towards the Vermillion Cliffs. These cliffs were so impressive to see, driving around a blind corner and arriving at a view point with now perfect blue skies and distances you cant even imagine seeing. You could spend ages there enjoying the view and chatting with other road trippers like we did. We tried to see where the road went below us and along the cliffs but we couldn’t spot a single car!
There are multiple viewing stopping points along this road, with memorials and information regarding animals and the plants. We stopped at a few for more photos and enjoyed the drive along the endless straight road. Be aware if you take this route as there wasn’t any petrol stations for fuel or food for a good distance.
Following the road through the Kaibab National Forest we arrived back with views of orange rock and took the turning to Lees Ferry. We thought about doing one of the smaller hikes here but in the end took a break with some snacks and watched the Colorado River water rush past. Plus we didn’t want to hike too much with the next day plans of going back to Zion.
Navajo Bridge
Before the drive further to Page we stopped at the original Navajo Bridge, where the sun managed to shine through the thunderstorms, showing off the very muddy river below. We walked from one side to the other and back to stretch our legs from the car journey and visited the little visitor centre. There is parking on both sides that you can stop at so don’t worry about missing the turning.
Built in 1972 the original bridge (on the left) was used for only pedestrians and horses. Parallel to it is the newer road bridge, that was built in 1995 in the same style making it identical, which you drive over on the scenic state route 89A. For the full history see here.
Before arriving at our motel we stopped at Horseshoe Bend before sunset, which you can read all about here! This is on the main road from the scenic state route 89A into Page, Arizona.
Ending the night in the Motel 6 Page was a good choice, there was plenty of parking, and we had booked a room with private toilet and shower. Never had time to try the swimming pool facilities as we were knackered already from the drive. We did have a decent night’s sleep here though, ready for our trip the next day back to Zion National Park.
*This route was part of our 2 Week US Road Trip!
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Have you also driven on these roads and visited these places? Share with us your stories and tips in the comments!
20 Comments
Mirela
24th February 2018 at 9:23 amThis is scenic, the Navajo bridge is just unbelievable. Great road trip!
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:51 pmIt sure was cool to see in person!
thatanxioustraveller
24th February 2018 at 11:16 amStunning photos! I was meant to be travelling there a few years ago, but anxiety got the better of me, and I backed out – I’ll definitely have to put that right sometime soon!
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:52 pmWhat a shame, take your time and maybe plan again in the future! 🙂 It was a lovely route to drive.
mayuri
24th February 2018 at 12:29 pmAmazing pictures as always, with lots of detailed information! Thanks for sharing
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:52 pmThanks for commenting! We wished we had more time there.
Mina
24th February 2018 at 12:47 pmWow! I’m dreaming about road-tripping around the States, so this route definitely goes directly to my bucket list.
Thank you for the share 🙂
P.S. You photos are stunning
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:53 pmThank you Mina. This part is most definitely recommended! Loved it so much! See my full itinerary for our 2 week trip for more inspiration 😉
Michelle Joy (@harborsnhavens)
24th February 2018 at 4:49 pmSuch a gorgeous part of the country! Glad you got to enjoy it. Your photos are amazing!
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:54 pmThank you for commenting! We were glad the thunderstorms stopped to be able to enjoy this route 🙂
Sarah
24th February 2018 at 4:32 pmWow your pics of this part of the country are just stunning. Can’t wait to read about the next leg of your journey!
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:53 pmThank you Sarah 🙂 Can’t wait to share!
Travelletters
24th February 2018 at 5:15 pmI love road trips – and would love to go on one in the States. Your photos are great and so inspiring 😍 I am decided pinning it!
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:54 pmThank you for commenting! We’d totally recommend this route as part of a US road trip, completely different experience to other sections we had done 🙂
Lenise Calleja Photography
24th February 2018 at 5:19 pmOooo how much I love the freedom of road trips. I always try to include a road trip in at least part of the trip! Haven’t been to the US before and this sounds awesome. Thanks 🙂
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:56 pmThanks for commenting Lenise! Would most definitely recommend this section if you ever make it to the US for a road trip!
megcale
24th February 2018 at 6:35 pmWhat an awesome road trip. I really need to recreate this one day.
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:56 pmIt was one of our best days of the road trip, even with the thunderstorms catching us up! hehe
Mona Corona
25th February 2018 at 5:24 amLoved the photos and interesting history bits. I really want to try this road trip this summer!
Zoe | Together In Transit
28th February 2018 at 12:57 pmThanks for commenting Mona! We’d definitely recommend this section for your road trip, we had enough time to see all but would do it again if we are ever in the area!