Road Conditions, North AZ to South UT

[Joe Hagan]

David:

Overall, US 89 is a good road. After leaving Flag, it is four lanes and
eventually goes to two lanes approx 10 miles north of Flag. Speed limit
is 65 MPH, well marked pavement with passing lanes on grades. Steepest
climb is after passing Bitter Springs (US 89 and US 89A split at this
point - stay to the right to remain on US 89. The climb is approximately
3 miles - 6% with curves. Page is about 25 miles north of this junction.

You can get fuel at Page at a Shell truck stop on the right as you enter
the 45 MPH speed zone about a mile past Highway 98. Watch the 25 MPH
zone crossing Glen Canyon Dam bridge - they mean it. You'll find the
Utah portion of 89 not as well marked although fairly smooth. About 40
miles west of Page you'll come across a posted Deer Warning area - it's
for real. I assume you will not be going through Zion national Park -
with that assumption, you would then turn left (south) at Kanab, UT and
continue to Fredonia, AZ. At that point, turn west on AZ 389. It becomes
UT 59 at the border at Colorado City/Hillsdale. Be cautious on the
downgrade into Hurricane, UT. It is well-posted - it's 6-8% and many
curves. Jake brake well suited for this grade.

Although I have not been on this road since October, I feel confident
that it is free of any snow/ice - temperatures have been moderating.
Flagstaff is 7000' elevation, Page approximately 4800' and Kanab 4600'
(average). Can't help you on good info regarding RV parks except that
you might check on the Lake Powell (Wahweap) RV Park just north of Glen
Canyon Dam. Also, in St. George, there is Temple View which is within a
mile of I-15 exit 6.

I full-timed in 1998 and 1999. I drive a tour bus about 7 months each
year and have driven this route many times over. With a '02 Lxi, you
should not be challenged with regard to grades or narrow roads. If I
have not answered all of your concerns, let me know.

Regards,

Joe (Pappy) Hagan, St. George, UT

Wannabe

In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, David Brady wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> Can anyone advise on highway 89 road conditions
> from Flagstaff AZ to Page AZ and into southern Utah
> intersecting with Interstate 15? Am I likely to see road
> closures due to snow? Are there excessive ascents or descents?
> I'll be heading north out of Sedona AZ and into Utah.
> I'd also be happy to hear about any campground experiences.
>
> TIA,
> David Brady
> '02 Bluebird LXi, Smokey
> Va
>