From the Grand Canyon travel east on Route 64 for 85 miles to Route 89. Turn left (north) and follow for 94 miles to Page, Arizona, located just south of the Utah state line. This two-lane stretch of road zips through the Painted Desert and passes the Echo Cliffs before reaching Page. Formed in 1957, this desert town is home to the Glen Canyon Dam and serves as a main access point to Lake Powell.

From Page follow Route 89 into Utah. Here the road bends into the southern reaches of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, home to a maze of slot canyons, perfect for hiking and backpacking.

Prior to Mount Carmel Junction, just off of Route 89, you can take a side trip to Coral Pink Sand State Park, a geological freak show full of rippling sand dunes.

At Mount Carmel Junction turn left on Route 9 and follow for 12 miles into Zion National Park.