US 89A Bitter Springs to Kanab

Colorado Plateau

Distance (miles)

Bitter Springs Elevation (feet)

Kanab Elevation (feet)

The original route of 89 was across the Kaibab Plateau from Bitter Springs to Kanab. With the construction of a bridge over the Colorado River at the Glen Canyon Dam, this section was designated as an alternative route. From Bitter Springs, 89A goes north to Navajo Bridge at Lee’s Ferry in Marble Canyon. Completed in 1929, Navajo Bridge opened up travel between Utah and Arizona. It was the only crossing for 600 miles in either direction. In 1995, a new Navajo Bridge was completed alongside the original, open to pedestrians who wish to stroll out on it to stand 470 feet above the Colorado River. From Marble Canyon, US Route 89A follows the Vermilion Cliffs through House Rock Valley, then climbs 2,500 feet onto the Kaibab Plateau. Access to the north rim of the Grand Canyon is along Arizona Route 67, which intersects with 89A at Jacob Lake. This road is closed by snow from late October until sometime in May. Continuing from Jacob Lake, the road descends the west side of the plateau to an isolated area known as the Arizona Strip. In Kanab, 89A rejoins 89.

Special Attractions

Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch

Navajo Bridge, Lee's Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch

Arizona

From 1872 until the completion of the Navajo Bridge in 1929, Lee’s Ferry was the only way across the Colorado River for 600 miles. Today, Lee’s Ferry is the launching point for raft trips through the Grand Canyon and for trout fishing upstream to Glen Canyon Dam. The Lonely Dell Ranch was home to the families that operated the ferry and is open for self-guided walking tours.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Arizona

Highway 89A follows the red sandstone Vermilion Cliffs across the House Rock Valley to the edge of the Kaibab Plateau. The 280,000-acre Monument is a geologic treasure, containing a variety of diverse landscapes from the Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, and Paria Canyon. A California Condor viewing area is located three miles north on House Rock Road at the west end of the valley.
Grand Canyon National Park-North Rim

Grand Canyon National Park-North Rim

Arizona

The north rim of the Grand Canyon is forty-five miles south of Jacob Lake via Arizona Route 67. Views of the canyon from the north rim are quite different from the south rim. Because the north rim is higher and erosion has occurred from north to south, the rim is some ten miles from the Colorado River. Thus the view is down long, deep canyons surrounded by towering buttes. Note: the road to the north rim is only open to vehicles from May to October, depending on snow conditions.

View photo galleries of special attractions along US Route 89A between Bitter Springs and Kanab…

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Towns, Cities and Reservations

Bitter Springs
Mable Canyon
House Rock
Jacob Lake
Ferdonia
Kaibab-Paiute Indian Reservation
Kanab

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Public Lands and Historic Places

Navajo Bridge
Lee’s Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
Dominguez-Escalante Historic Site
Kaibab National Forest
Grand Canyon National Park-North Rim

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Landmarks

Echo Cliffs
Colorado River
Vermilion Cliffs
House Rock Valley
Kaibab Plateau
Kanab Plateau

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