Zion to Kanab by motorcycle
A shorter day out from Springdale than the run to Bryce. Through the tunnel, down US-89 past the White and Vermilion Cliffs, and into Kanab for lunch. Back the same way, or carry on north up US-89 and finish the day at Bryce.
The route at a glance
- Start: Springdale, at Zion's south entrance
- Roads: UT-9 (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) east to Mount Carmel Junction, then US-89 south to Kanab
- Distance: Mount Carmel Junction is about 12 miles east of Zion and 17 miles north of Kanab (Wikipedia). From Springdale, allow about 40 miles one way (estimate; check your map app).
- Riding time: about 1 hour one way without stops (estimate). A relaxed half day with lunch.
- Park fee: you ride through Zion, so you need a Zion pass. Fees and tunnel rules: Zion by motorcycle.
Mile by mile
Springdale to Mount Carmel Junction. The same climb, tunnel and slickrock as the first hour of Zion to Bryce. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway was dedicated on July 4, 1930 (Wikipedia). The junction is where UT-9 meets US-89 (Wikipedia).
Mount Carmel Junction to the dunes turn-off. Turn south on US-89. This stretch is part of the Mt. Carmel to Long Valley scenic drive. Near the Coral Pink Sand Dunes turn-off you get views back to the White Cliffs and the towers of Zion (Utah.com).
Coral Pink Sand Dunes (side trip). A side road leads off US-89 to the state park (Utah.com). The dunes sit at about 6,000 ft and there is a day-use fee per vehicle; the Utah State Parks annual pass is accepted (Visit Utah). About 90 percent of the dunes are open to off-highway vehicles (Visit Utah), so park the road bike and walk out onto the sand. Check the side road's surface before you turn off.
Into Kanab. US-89 runs down through Three Lakes Canyon below the Vermilion Cliffs, past old western movie locations, into Kanab, which Utah.com calls Utah's "Little Hollywood": over 70 movies have been filmed here (Utah.com). Fuel, food, and the turn-around.
Make it a loop to Bryce
Instead of heading back to Zion, ride US-89 north from Kanab past Mount Carmel Junction, through Mt. Carmel, Orderville and Glendale. North of Glendale the canyon gives way to a forested valley with the Pink Cliffs in view, and the road climbs to Long Valley Junction (Utah.com). Keep north on US-89, turn east on UT-12 through Red Canyon, and you are at Bryce Canyon. The scenic drive from Kanab to Long Valley alone is about 60 miles (Utah.com).
Riding tips
- Fuel in Kanab if you are looping on to Bryce.
- Summer: Kanab is lower and hotter than the dunes. Ride the morning, lunch in town.
- Rules for visiting riders (helmets, eye protection, lane filtering): Riding in Utah.
Keep going
- The classic: Zion to Bryce Canyon.
- The park itself: Zion by motorcycle.
- East from Kanab to Lake Powell, the Toadstools and Glen Canyon Dam: Kanab and Lake Powell.
Rent a bike
Booking opens soon. Until then, use the ride guides to plan your trip.