route out of Grand Canyon to Colorado

[Seance]

Our family is planning a trip to the grand canyon this summer. We're looking at heading northwest to Grand Junction Colorado via HWY 64, then 89, then 160 and 191 finally to reach interstate 70. Google maps and mapquest show this trek at around 6-7 hours. We'll be in a 31 foot winnebago and then the other vehicle (toyota tundra) pulling a 35 ft TT. How are the roads? Can you really make it in that timeframe? Are there any tunnels or "gotcha's" to inhibit this route? We're trying to avoid back tracking to get to the interstate west of there, only to head east again to get to colorado. Thanks in advance!

[skigramp]

The country that you are travelling through is filled with very interesting sites.

• Antelope Canyon (a magnificent slot canyon near Page, AZ)
• Monument Valley north of Kayentna
• Arches National park just outside of Moab
• CanyonLands National park also just north and west of Moab

I travelled 64, 89, 163, 160, and 191 when I travelled this route (I have been over most of this route twice) ... there is nothing about the road that I would consider to be troublesome.

On the other hand, it took us 4 or 5 days (both trips) for us to get from the Grand Canyon to I-70 ... so it blows my mind to think that you are wanting to make this trip in a few hours.

[LindaH]

I think 6-7 hours is far too optimistic! Google Maps shows the distance at around 440 miles, so in order to make it in 7 hours, you'd have to *average* around 63 MPH...which means you'd actually have to travel faster to compensate for bathroom breaks, stops to eat and to fuel up. Since much of this route is two lane highways, IMO, you will not make it from the Grand Canyon to Grand Junction in 7 hours.

Why not plan on taking in some of the sights along the way (see skigramp's post for some suggestions) and take several days, or maybe a week or more to make the trip?

If you are on a time limit and *have* to make it between the two places in one day, I'd count on at least an 8-10 hour trip.

[skigramp]

Here are some images from the places I mentioned

Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ

Monument Valley & CanyonLands

Arches NP

I hope this helps you to decide to slow down and savor Utah

[vermilye]

A couple more photos from the area:

Upper Antelope Canyon


Mesa Arch, Canyonlands


Monument Valley


And Goblin Valley State Park

[Seance]

Thanks for the tips and especially the great pics! Yes we are trying to hit as much country as we can between home and the grand canyon as we can in the 2 weeks vacation we have. We also have booked time in Estes park, Colorado. The round trip is around 3000 miles but we have decided to stay a few days in Arches park so we can see some of the beautiful scenery. How long of a drive would you say that it would take from Grand Canyon to Arches?

[vermilye]

It is a little under 300 miles from the South Rim to Arches. All secondary roads, and beautiful scenery, so it is going to take a minimum of 5-6 hours, more if you stop (and you will!). It is difficult to get a site in the campground in Arches - very busy, but there are many campgrounds in near by Moab. I stayed at Arch View - OK, but not wonderful. There is a photo of my site on the Moab Page of my last trip to the southwest.

Have a great trip.

[Stumblefoot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seance How long of a drive would you say that it would take from Grand Canyon to Arches?

We did they drive last spring in under 5 hours. But, we weren't in a MH or towing a TT. I'd think it'll take you around 7 hours.

Knowing that your time is short, if you've never been to Arches before, you can easily see all of the highlights in one day. But, it's also a special place to spend more time if you can. Personally, we can't wait to go back some day.