The reaction we get when we show people a map of US Route 89 is usually, “Oh, I’ve been on that road but I didn’t realize that it went all the way from Canada to Mexico.”
Folks remember road trips to the national parks or to one of the many towns and cities on highway 89. They may not recall the route number but they always remember the places they visited along the road. With this website, we hope to bring recognition to the West’s most scenic highway.
What makes US 89 so unique is that for most of its nearly 2,000 miles, it is a two-lane road. That means it is a “slow road” which keeps you close to the scenery providing ample opportunities to stop and experience the best America has to offer. In fact, it’s so much fun to drive that National Geographic named it the #1 Drivers’ Drive in the world.
And the scenery! How can you top seven of our most spectacular national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon and Saguaro? You will also find fourteen national monuments, historical parks, and recreation areas if that isn’t enough. In addition, highway 89 passes through twenty national forests with access to twenty-two designated wilderness areas. Then there are the numerous state parks and historical sites. All of these provide recreational opportunities for all ages and inclinations.
If culture and history are what you travel for, you’ll find plenty of it along US Route 89. There are three heritage areas: Santa Cruz Valley in southern Arizona, Mormon Pioneer in Utah and Bear River in northern Utah and Idaho. Geotourism has also taken root along 89 from Crown of the Continent in Montana and Wyoming to Sonoran Desert in Arizona. There are three major cities—Tucson, Phoenix and Salt Lake City—each with unique cultural heritage and institutions. In between the towns and parks are over 150 smaller cities and towns. You will find a wide variety of history museums, art centers and regional architecture.
There is much to do and explore on US 89. We have driven over 25,000 miles to compile our Road Trip Guides. Use them to find information and to plan your driving vacation. Subscribe to our email newsletter, Along 89, to learn about unique places and to hear about our adventures. If you find as much enjoyment in your road trips as we have in ours, then join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society.
We look forward to meeting you along the road someday.
Vicky Derksen
Vicky’s love affair with American highways began early – 16 states by age 15, all by road. When Arizona became home, Highway 89 became her compass, particularly the stretch from Flagstaff to Yellowstone that she knew by heart.
As a dark sky preservation advocate and founder of NightSkyTourist.com, she saw the historic route with new eyes. Multiple border-to-border journeys later, she’s documented the highway’s best stargazing spots in her upcoming book.
When Jim Cowlin, USRoute89.com’s creator, sought a successor, Vicky was the natural choice to carry forward his legacy.
USRoute89.com was created by James Cowlin and Barbara Kemp Cowlin after their many road trips up and down this highway. Jim’s photography graces the pages of much of this website, allowing his 20-year legacy with Highway 89 to continue. Visit Jim’s photography website at jamescowlin.com.
A rule of the blue road: Be careful going in search of adventure — it’s ridiculously easy to find.
~William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highways