Zion to Grand Canyon Village to Petrified Forest

[morninghill]

Driving a 29' gasser (Trek), planning to take 9 to 89 to Page, continue South on 89 to 64 to Grand Canyon Village, then 180 to Flagstaff, I40 East to Petrified Forest.

Should I take 98 out of Page, then 160 South to rejoin 89 and avoid the long downgrade South of Page? Any problems with 64 to Grand Canyon Village or 180 South from Grand Canyon Village?

DW and I both have a fear of heights so this is a bigger deal than slow going on grades. Still have bad dreams of hwy 706 coming down off the West slope of Mt. Ranier.

[Ding-a-ling]

Yes, as I remember, there is a long downgrade going south on 89 out of Page. After that, the rest of your trip to Grand Canyon Village will be pretty much non-eventful. 160 to Flagstaff is also a nice ride, as is I-40 eastbound.

You alone must make the decision to add many miles to your trip in order to avoid the 89 grade from Page south.

[skigramp]

During Spring of 2009 we travelled 98 from Page, AZ to US 160 (then we went East to Kayenta)

98 is a scenic drive ... some mild grades ... and interesting outcroppings ... but nothing scary ...

[porscheracer]

I'd be more worried about UT9 from Zion to Mt. Carmel Junction (at 89). The last time I was through there (about 10 years ago, but I doubt if much has changed in the geography) it involved a long climb out of the valley, a long wait at the tunnel, and a long drive along a "hogback" road with long drops and no guardrails. And cows on the road, and snow in mid-September.