One of America’s most scenic road trips goes border to border from Mexico to Canada and cuts through some of the country’s most beautiful regions. From Nogales, AZ to Babb, MT and Carway, Canada, there’s no shortage of national monuments, national parks, and endless vistas on Highway 89.
Our road trip on scenic byway Highway 89 will start from Sedona, AZ and head north to Glacier National Park, highlighting a number of great stops along the way. Whether you are looking to catch a few great landmarks on your scuttle across the country or find as much time as you can take in along the route, you’ll surely not be disappointed.
Sedona
Sedona is nestled between the Coconino and Prescott National Forests, and the Verde Valley. If you have the time, they are all wonderful areas to explore when you visit Sedona. But we covered this in way more detail over here.
Its red canyons bring both the spiritual and adventure junkies to this wonderfully strange place in the desert. There is no end to the outdoor activities to participate in from ATVing to mountain biking to vortex hikes.
Sedona is well known for it spiritual nature. Many seek out its red rocks in search of energy vortexes for mediation or spiritual wellness.
Make Sedona a stop or a nice, long starting point to your journey. You won’t be disappointed. On the way out check out Slide Rock State Park or the cute town of Flagstaff on your way to the next grand stop.
Grand Canyon National Park
Unless you’ve been here before, this is an absolute must stop! The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s wonders for a reason. Highway 89 takes you toward the North Rim of Grand Canyon. There are ways to reach the South Rim via the 89 or from Flagstaff.
The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to get in it. If you have it in your schedule, try and spend a day or two hiking in its vastness, or a night backpacking if you dare! Embrace this true wonder of wilderness the right way. Make sure you obtain any required permits. We have enough pictures of it from up top! Here’s one more!
Heading out of the Grand Canyon, you may want to stop along the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ, or Lake Powell or just head toward Kanab to some of the prettiest drives you’ll every experience.
Zion National Park
Mt. Carmel Scenic Drive
The scenic drive from Kanab through Carmel Junction and into Zion National Park is one not to skip! The last 10 miles are filled with switchbacks, trails, and waterfalls to explore. Also, find out what hoodoos are. Be sure to check road conditions in winter though!
Once you get to Zion, pick between a number of adventures that will reward you with some stunning sights.
Zion Adventures
Angel’s Landing is a must see, providing its climbers with a majestic view. You’ll need to get a permit that day before The Narrows are a beautiful feature where the canyon walls come together, in some places just 30 feet apart. Hikers can enjoy a six-mile round trip wade through the the Virgin River. For an easier adventure, take one of the two trails to the Emerald Pools. While there are only two trails leading to the pools, consisting of lower, middle, and upper sections. The climbing difficulty increases as you move up. At the right time of year, you’ll catch come strong waterfalls.
Bryce Canyon
Hiking under the Hoodoos
Bryce Canyon has some of the most beautiful and unique scenery Utah has to offer. You can start the day at Sunset Point to catch the sunrise, and continue down to begin hiking the Queen’s Garden Trail and Navajo Loop from there. Along these hikes, you’ll find some great views of the hoodoos and some natural stone archways to walk through. It’s also great for a sunset, but bring a headlamp for the way back.
Stargazing
At night, stargazing is wonderful in Bryce Canyon and on a dark night, you can see the Milky Way clearly and there is no shortage of lookout points. For a really magical side of Bryce, visit in winter when everything is snow dusted. There are even some cross country skiing trails from Ruby’s to the rim of Bryce.
Grand Tetons & Yellowstone National Parks
The Majestic Grand Tetons
Grand Teton National Park is in Wyoming and is has stunning mountain ranges, including the Teton Mountains. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is also home to the famous Jackson Hole valley, which is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Vibrant Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is home to a diverse array of natural wonders, including the grand Prismatic Spring. It’s the largest hot spring in the United States and a spectacular display of vibrant colors and steam. Additionally, the park features geysers, including Old Faithful and many others. There is an abundance of wildlife such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Visitors can also explore the park’s rugged backcountry through hiking and camping opportunities.
Glacier National Park
Last on our scenic drive before getting to the Canadian border is Glacier National Park, home to over 700 lakes. Highway 89 passes right through Lake Mary, Glacier’s second largest lake. At 10 miles long and surrounded by mountains on three sides, it is truly a wonder not to miss. It is very cold and windy here year road, so you will likely spot a bit of wildlife here too. In summer, the lake draws in a fishing crowd (by permit only). During the winter, the entire lake freezes over and the area draws cross country skiers from all over.
Heading North on Highway 89
Highway 89 is one of the most rewarding drives you can make. The more time you have, the better you can enjoy these destination which are all worth a trip on their own. Passing through seven national parks on one road trip is a dream come true for the die-hard road-tripper or full-time van or RV traveller. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, Highway 89 offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Along the way, you’ll discover unique geological features, historic landmarks, and an array of wildlife. From the stunning vistas of Grand Teton National Park, to the valleys of the Grand Canyon, to the crystal-clear waters of the Virgin River, there is something for everyone to enjoy.