There are two parts of highway 89 that are designated as alternatives. One is an Arizona State Route and the other is a Federal US Route. To add to the confusion both are in Arizona. I get a lot of questions about driving conditions on these roads especially from recreational vehicle owners and truckers. Here is a little history and what you need to know about driving on the Alternate 89s.
When you mention 89A, most people think of the Arizona State Route. This road connects Prescott and Flagstaff through the Verde Valley in central Arizona. From 1941 to 1992 is was designated as US Route 89A, a scenic alternative to US 89. Both US 89 and 89A were decommissioned as federal highways from Nogales to Flagstaff because interstate highways now cover that distance. There are two distinct parts of Arizona 89A—Prescott to Cottonwood and Cottonwood to Flagstaff.
Arizona State Route 89A descends into the Verde Valley from Mingus Mountain
AZ 89A—Prescott to Cottonwood
The first thing to know about this section is that vehicles over 50 feet in length are prohibited. The road is narrow with many curves and hairpin turns as it traverses the Black Hills mountain range. The elevation change from Prescott to the top of Mingus Mountain is nearly 2,500 feet. Northbound the first two miles are on a 4% grade and then 4½ miles of curvy 6-7% grade to the top. The descent from the top of Mingus Mountain to Jerome is 7 miles of winding through 20 mile per hour curves and a few hairpins. This drive offer spectacular views of the Verde Valley and the red rocks of Sedona. Going through Jerome, AZ 89A includes a very sharp hairpin and a short, steep section. Below Jerome, the road continues on a 6% grade of 3½ miles through Clarkdale and into Old Town Cottonwood.
Arizona State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon between Sedona and Flagstaff
AZ 89A—Cottonwood to Flagstaff
Between Cottonwood and Sedona, AZ 89A crosses the Verde River and enters the Red Rocks on a four-lane divided highway. On the south side of Sedona there are two roundabouts one of which connects AZ 89A with AZ 179. Large trucks and recreational vehicles are advised to take 179 to I-17 to avoid the drive through Oak Creek Canyon. 89A continues through Sedona into Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic drives on all of US 89. The road is narrow and traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season and on weekends. It gradually climbs for eleven miles to the head of Oak Creek Canyon. It then climbs through several switchbacks for three miles to the top of the Mogollon Rim and onto the Colorado Plateau. A view point here provides a spectacular view of Oak Creek Canyon. AZ 89A continues on to Flagstaff through a ponderosa pine forest.
See the AZ 89A Road Trip Guide for a map, list of special attractions and photo galleries.
US Route 89A crosses the House Rock Valley below the Vermilion Cliffs in northern Arizona
US 89A—Bitter Springs to Kanab
Until 1960 the road now designated as US 89A was the main road connecting Arizona and Utah. With the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in Page on the Arizona/Utah border, US 89 was routed north and then across southern Utah to Kanab. From Bitter Spring to Kanab the original road is now Alternative 89.
From the intersection with US 89 at Bitter Springs, 89A goes north as it parallels the Colorado River in Marble Canyon. The road turns west and crosses the Colorado River on Navajo Bridge at Lee’s Ferry. It then runs along the base of the Vermilion Cliffs across the House Rock Valley to the eastern edge of the Kaibab Plateau. When traveling east from Kanab, US 89A goes through Fredonia and across a broad valley to the western edge of the Kaibab Plateau.
The high point of the Kaibab Plateau is the small settlement of Jacob Lake in a pine forest at 8,000 feet. Between Jacob Lake and Kanab there are 6 miles of gentle curves dropping 2,000 feet. This drive is the best place to view the “Grand Staircase” of the cliffs of the Colorado Plateau. The descent to the east toward the Colorado River is ten miles of curves with a couple of hairpins dropping 2,500 feet. Near the bottom there is a pull-out with a panoramic view of House Rock Valley and the Vermilion Cliffs.
During the winter travelers are likely to encounter snow and hazardous driving conditions. Before taking US 89A be sure to check on driving conditions. US Route 89 between Page and Kanab may be a better choice during inclement weather.
See the US 89A Road Trip Guide for a map, list of special attractions and photo galleries.
I hope this clears up some of the confusion that the similar route numbers creates for the two Alternative 89’s. Both are among the most scenic drives on highway 89 and should should not be missed on your next road trip.
We are planning a trip to the north rim via Flagstaff. We are towing a travel trailer which is 29 ft (including the hitch) and plan to stay at the Kaibab Camper Village on rt 67. We had planned on taking 89A from the east to 67. We are reading some pretty scary info about the road between Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. We’ve looked at taking 89 to Kanab then 89A from the west th Jacob Lake. Can you advize us? Should we even pursue this portion of our trip? We are leaving Phoenix on May 15th and plan to drive this portion on the 18th. From there we are heading to Bryce and Zion.
I’m not sure what is scary about 89A from Bitter Springs to Jacob Lake. The slow part for you towing a trailer is the 2,500-foot climb up the Kaibab Plateau. It is about 10 miles of 5-6% grade with several switchbacks near the start of the climb. Since this is the only way for tourists to get to the North Rim, it is used by all kinds of RVs, trailers, and even 18-wheelers. If you went to Kanab and drove east on 89A, you still have to climb up the Kaibab Plateau to get to Jacob Lake. Take a look at my article, 89 or 89A, That Is The Question for a more complete description.
Hi,
I am looking to go from Zion to the north rim of the Grand Canyon off Rt 64.
We are a 63 foot 5th wheel at about 31,000 lbs. Since we don’t have air brakes and only a 300 hp engine would 89 be a good road for us?
Being from the east coast and never out west past Rapid City I don’t know how comfortable I feel.
Thanks for ant help
You will need to take US 89A from Kanab to Jacob Lake and the junction with Route 64. That will involve a fairly long climb on the west side of the Kaibab Plateau. It is about 6 miles of 6% grade. It is curvy but the curves a not very sharp. Route 64 should not be a problem for you. You don’t say which way you are going after visiting the north rim of the Grand Canyon, but if you are heading east, you will be descending the east side of the Kaibab Plateau. The decent is 10 miles of 5-6% grade with 35 mph curves and some 30 mph switchbacks near the bottom. Be sure to check for weather and driving conditions before you set out. I hope that helps but only you can determine how your vehicle will perform.
Thanks for the reply!
Boy did I mess that up. We are going to the south rim from Zion and then the plan is to head south on 64 to I40.
In that event, take US 89 from Carmel Junction to Kanab and then to Page. From Page, you have two possible routes. You can stay on US 89 to Cameron and the junction with AZ 64. There is one steep descent along the Echo Cliffs. It is four-lane and will probably be no problem for you and there is a runaway truck ramp at the bottom just in case. Your alternative is to take Navajo Route 20 from Page to The Gap which bypasses the Echo Cliffs. Check out the Flagstaff to Page Road Trip Guide for a map and the article about Navajo Route 20. I don’t know if you are aware of the tunnel on Utah Route 9 east of Zion. It is one-way for vehicles of your size. Here is a link to information on the Zion National Park website about the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
James,
Thanks for all the info.
I didn’t know about the tunnel and I am too tall for what it says on the website, so looks like I can’t go east from there.
So now I am looking at taking 9 to 59 to 389 and then taking ALT89 north to 89. then 89 South to 64.
Seems like the long way but doesn’t look like I have much of a choice.
It does look like a big hill coming from 9 to 59.
It has been a while since I did that drive but as I recall you will go down the Hurrican Cliffs on 9 and climb back over them on 59. Both are well-traveled. When you get to Fredonia, you have the choice of taking 89A or going to Kanab and taking 89. Refer to my first comment for my thoughts on US 89A. It is about a 2,500-foot climb to Jacob Lake and a 2,500-foot descent to the House Rock Valley. With your rig you might be better off taking US 89.
Is there a way to get from Phoenix to Jerome without the sharp turns, steep inclines, etc. I am from Happy Valley and 303 area. I appreciate if you can respond.
Arizona Route 89 and 89A between Phoenix and Jerome have several curvy mountain sections with multiple switchbacks and steep inclines. Instead take Interstate 17 north to the Camp Verde/Cottonwood exit. Head west to Cottonwood to the intersection with AZ 89A then go south to Clarkdale and climb the hill to Jerome.
Hi Jim. I’m petrified of steep drop-offs and hairpin switchbacks. Can you suggest the least scary ride from Sedona to Jerome and then onto Prescott. I would skip the trip entirely but I don’t want to keep my companions from taking such a beautiful ride.
On the drive on AZ 89A between Sedona and Jerome, you will encounter switchbacks and steep drop=offs on the descent into Oak Creek Canyon as you approach Sedona. Then the road climbs steeply as it switchbacks up the mountain between Clarkdale and Jerome. From Jerome to Prescott, the road climbs over Mingus Mountain and is full of switchbacks and drop-offs. That doesn’t sound like a drive that would be possible for you. Your alternative is to take Interstate 17 south to Arizona Routes 169 and 69 into Prescott.
I recently took a trip from Surprise to Sedona and used the 89. It was terrifying for me with the steep inclines and speeds. If I were to head up to Prescott from Surprise, it sounds as though a safer route would be the 303 to the 17 and then 69? What kind of route can I expect along the 69?
Highway 69 is a four-lane divided highway from I-17 to Prescott with no significant steep grades. The only steep grade you will encounter on this route is on I-17 from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. I think you will find your proposed route much less terrifying.
I’d like to travel from Williams, AZ to Phoenix, AZ avoiding the 40 to Flagstaff. I understand there is an alternate route going west on 40 to the 89. Can you explain how to get to Phoenix via that route? Interestingly, Mapquest does not give me that alternate route.
You can avoid most of I-40 and I-17 by taking AZ Route 89 from Ash Fork to Prescott and then continuing on to Phoenix through Wickenburg. Go to the Prescott to Flagstaff Road Trip Guide for a description of the route.
Is there a road I can take from Phoenix to Sedona that does NOT have any scenic overlooks, hair pin turns or bridges? I rented a car form the airport, but after reading some of the information on this drive, I am very concerned I will not be able to handle the drive, and I want to be safe. Thanks for any help!
I would suggest not taking AZ Route 89 or 89A. Take Interstate 17 to the Sedona exit instead.
I left Prescott Valley using 89 to cottonwood. I am headed to flagstaff in a39 ft mitirhone. Would I be better off to use 17 rather than 89? The elevation change in 30 odd miles concerns me.
89A from Sedona to Flagstaff is not recommended for larger vehicles. At the head of Oak Creek Canyon the road climbs to the Colorado Plateau through many hairpin turns and 7% grades. I-17 is better for your size vehicle.
Hello, I have a question about the route between the 60/71 to the 89 heading towards Prescott. I cannot handle the twists, turns, and drop offs. I literally cannot do it. Once it Prescott, a local told us about the back way through Skull Valley, Kirkland, to avoid them. We did that and I was thrilled we missed it, or so I thought. We came upon a super steep part (where there is a look out) and I was terrified. I noticed the Northbound part was below. Could you tell me what the elevation and drops are below? I’m thinking in the future I could go into Prescott on the 89 up until Kirkland and on the way home to So Cal, I will just have to find another way. Is the 89 North up until Kirkland junction drop-off free?
I think you are referring to the section of AZ 89 in the Weaver Mountains between Congress and Yarnell. The elevation change between the them is approximately 1,735 feet. Both the north and south bound lanes are exposed to drop offs as they traverse the mountain. I don’t think there is any way around that section. Your alternative from Prescott is to take AZ 69 to Interstate 17 and Interstate 10 to southern California.
hey im leaving from tucson to williams az. theres two routes i can take. It seems one goes through prescott and the other goes through flagstaff. Im trying to find out which one is safer in the winter? any info is appreciated! I also dont like roads that are really windy and looks like cliffs!! I hope i dont sound too ridiculous. Thanks again
Given that you want to avoid windy roads, I suggest you take the Interstate highways to Williams—I-10 to Phoenix, I-17 to Flagstaff and I-40 to Williams. Historic US Route 89 (Arizona State Route 89) between Wickenburg and Prescott has two very windy sections. You could consider exiting I-17 at State Route 69 to Presott and then take AZ 89 to Ash Fork and I-40 to Williams. Check out the Prescott to Flagstaff Road Trip Guide for details.
Why do the mile markers on 89A begin at 528 at Bitter Springs and end at 613 in Fredonia? Rather than beginning at 1 or any other particular number. I am curious and would appreciate any explanation you could give me.
Mile markers on Arizona highways are determined by the distance from the border even though the road doesn’t actually go to the border. The border with Mexico is the zero point for north/south (odd number) roads and the California border is the zero point for east/west (even number) roads. You can download an Arizona mile marker map to see the mileage on major highways. Of course the system was designed by engineers and is confusing to the traveling public until you understand how it works.