GC South Rim to Zion/Bryce Route

[akadeadeye]

Hello All,

Which is the better route? Coming out of the Canyon Village area on Hwy 64 to Hwy 89 and going north, we seem to have a choice of going through Page, AZ or going through the north end of Kaibab National Forest and Fredonia, AZ. The distances and time seem to be about the same.

The route through the national forest looks like it could be challenging for a big rig pulling a toad, but we have never been through here. Any experienced thoughts are appreciated. We will be traveling with another big rig and two 5th wheels.

Don

[allegrorover@mac.com]

Hi Don, we drove up through Page AZ and it was awesome, the roads we fairly flat and the scenery incredible. If time plan to spend a day or two in Page, you'd never believe the ice blue lake there. You can also take hummer tours in the area, which was highly recommended to us, but alas, not enough time.

[gcat@tabletoptelephone.com]

Hi Don. As Hdrovers said, the Page route on US 89 is the easier of the two routes that you mentioned. It's fairly straight and level with no serious climbs/descents or switchbacks. It is a very scenic route.

The other route using Alt US 89 through Jacob Lake and Fredonia is very challenging in the area 20-25 miles either side of Jacob Lake, especially for a big rig. Jacob Lake is in the Ponderosa pine forests at an elevation of about 7900ft. You start the climb from the high desert elevation of 5300ft. The beginning of the climb is the worst part. The first few miles are very winding and steep. Did I mention the road is a fairly narrow 2 lane? Once past the switchbacks it meanders up into the mountains but it's still a pretty good climb (grade). If traveling during the summer months, a cooling system in proper working condition is imperative. There are no services available within 80 miles or so. Once at Jacob Lake, the route down the mountains toward Fredonia is not as severe. There are a few switchbacks down near the bottom but they are not real tight ones. Overall, this route requires a rig in A1 condition and with lots of power to pull the hills at high altitude. Good brakes are also a must. You will have awesome scenery along this route (Vermilion Cliffs, Juniper forest and alpine forest, etc).

Jacob Lake is only a cross-road stop with a restaurant, gas station, and a campground. It is the jumping off place for visitors to the GC North Rim. If you have the time, the drive to the North Rim is worth it. You will be surprised at how different the canyon appears from that side. You will be about 1500 ft higher than the South Rim.

Remember, that when traveling in a caravan/group, to take into account the driving abilities of the LEAST experienced member. There is NO place to turn around on ALT US 89 once you start up the hill. Your group could split up with some going the easier (Page) route if they choose and you could rendezvous in Kanab, Ut. if the Jacob Lake group doesn't do the North Rim. Both routes are about the same mileage but the Jacob Lake route will take quite a bit longer to navigate.

You can check out both routes on Google Earth. Just type Jacob Lake in the Fly to box and hit enter. Zoom in and you can follow the roads very easily, but remember that aerial view does not show steep hills, only the curves. The worst curves are where the brown desert meets the green forest.

Good luck, and I hope your group has a safe and rewarding journey. The Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion National Parks are some of the most awesome scenery in the Southwest. Enjoy.

Jim

If the women don't find you handsome,

they should at least find you handy.