Exploring Scenic Route 89: A Worthwhile Journey?

is 89 a a good road to travel

US Route 89 is a north-south highway with two sections, running from Flagstaff, Arizona, to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and from the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Montana to the Canadian border. The route offers breathtaking scenery, passing through seven national parks, 14 national monuments, and three heritage areas. It has been named the #1 Drivers' Drive in the World by National Geographic. Along the route, tourists can enjoy various recreational activities, such as mountain climbing, river rafting, and relaxing in luxurious spas. The highway also provides access to 150 towns, cities, and reservations, where travellers can learn about the history and culture of various groups, including Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and cowboys. Overall, US Route 89 offers a diverse and captivating road trip experience, making it a great choice for those seeking to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the United States.

Characteristics Values
Length 1,365 km (848 miles) from Flagstaff, Arizona, to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park (southern section); 650 km (404 miles) from the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Montana to the Canadian border (northern section)
Route North-south highway with two sections
Former route Canada-Mexico border-to-border highway
National Parks Seven
National Monuments Fourteen
Heritage Areas Three
States Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Arizona
Cities/Towns/Reservations 150
Scenery Mountainous, lakes, rivers, canyons, deserts
Wildlife California condors, pronghorn antelope, bison
Activities Mountain climbing, river rafting, hiking, fishing, skiing, helicopter tours
Best time to travel July to September; avoid hot summer months

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Route 89 is a scenic road trip

Spanning nearly 2,000 miles from the Canadian border in Montana to Mexico, Route 89 is a slow road that invites you to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. The route passes through seven National Parks, including the iconic Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Each park offers its own unique attractions, from the glacier-carved mountains of Glacier to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone and the majestic peaks of Grand Teton.

In addition to the National Parks, Route 89 also takes you through 14 National Monuments, three Heritage Areas, and numerous state parks and historical sites. The highway passes through 20 national forests and provides access to 22 designated wilderness areas, making it a nature lover's paradise. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop in over 150 towns and cities, including Tucson, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, each with its unique cultural heritage and attractions.

For those seeking adventure, Route 89 offers a range of recreational activities to suit all tastes. From mountain climbing and river rafting to relaxing in luxurious spas, there's something for everyone. The road also provides insight into the history and culture of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, Mormon pioneers, and cowboys. It truly is a journey through time and nature.

When planning a trip on Route 89, it's important to keep in mind that some sections can be remote, with limited amenities and fuel options. It's also best to avoid the hot summer months, particularly in the Western portion of the route, which can reach triple-digit temperatures. Instead, opt for the cooler months of winter, spring, or fall to make the most of your journey.

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It passes through seven National Parks

US Route 89 is a north-south highway that runs from the Canadian border to Mexico, passing through seven National Parks, 14 National Monuments, and three Heritage Areas. The highway runs for 848 miles (1,365 km) from Flagstaff, Arizona, to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The northern section runs for 404 miles (650 km) from the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Montana up to the Canadian border.

The seven National Parks that US Route 89 passes through are:

  • Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  • Zion National Park, Utah
  • Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
  • Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
  • Glacier National Park, Montana
  • Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Each of these parks offers a unique experience and showcases the diverse beauty of the American West. For example, in Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can take in the vast expanse of the canyon from either the North Rim or the South Rim, each offering distinct perspectives. Zion National Park, on the other hand, features a rich assortment of flora and fauna, as well as numerous hiking trails that lead to side canyons with hanging gardens and waterfalls.

US Route 89 is known for its scenic beauty and has been named the "#1 Drivers' Drive in the World" by National Geographic. The highway passes through a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and canyons, providing a diverse and memorable road trip experience.

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There are 14 National Monuments and three Heritage Areas

US Route 89 is a north-south highway with two sections, previously extending from Canada to Mexico. The southern section runs from Flagstaff, Arizona, to the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, while the northern section runs from the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Montana to the Canadian border.

US Route 89 is known as the National Park Highway, linking seven national parks and 14 national monuments and heritage areas. The route passes through Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, showcasing the West's most spectacular scenery.

  • Tumacacori National Monument (now Tumacacori National Historical Park)
  • Saguaro National Monument (now Saguaro National Park)
  • Casa Grande National Monument
  • Hohokam Pima National Monument
  • Walnut Canyon National Monument
  • Wupatki National Monument
  • Sunset Crater National Monument
  • Tuzigoot National Monument
  • Montezuma Castle National Monument
  • Navajo National Monument
  • Pipe Spring National Monument
  • Grand Canyon National Monument
  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument
  • John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway

In addition to the diverse landscapes and natural wonders, US Route 89 offers a wealth of cultural and historical insights. The route passes through 150 towns, cities, and reservations, allowing visitors to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, mountain men, Mormon pioneers, prospectors, and cowboys.

With its breathtaking scenery, abundant recreational opportunities, and cultural significance, US Route 89 truly deserves its title as the "#1 Drivers' Drive in the World" by National Geographic.

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It's a good road to travel for history and culture

US Route 89 is a great road to travel for those interested in history and culture. The route passes through 150 towns, cities, and reservations, where travellers can learn about the history and culture of Native Americans, Spanish explorers, mountain men, Mormon pioneers, prospectors, and cowboys.

The route also passes through seven National Parks, fourteen National Monuments, and three Heritage Areas. One of these is the Grand Canyon National Park, which is considered America's only Natural Wonder of the World. The park is divided into two districts to the east and west of Tucson. Driving through the park at sunset will allow you to see the beauty of the towering saguaros silhouetted against mountains rising above broad valleys.

Another park along the route is the Glacier National Park in Montana, which was established in 1910 and linked to Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park in 1932 to form the world's first International Peace Park. The park is known for its glacier-carved mountains and deep lakes, and it offers a unique community of plants and animals not found anywhere else in North America.

Additionally, US Route 89 passes through the Navajo Nation and offers access to the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. The route also connects to Arizona State Route 67, which provides access to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Along the way, travellers can also visit the historic sites of Tumacacori National Historical Park and Saguaro National Park, as well as the Casa Grande National Monument and the Hohokam Pima National Monument south of Phoenix.

With its abundance of cultural and historical sites, US Route 89 offers a wealth of opportunities for those interested in exploring the history and culture of the American West.

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It's a challenging route in parts

Highway 89 is a diverse and scenic road trip route, offering travelers a range of experiences as it winds through multiple states. However, it's important to recognize that certain sections of this highway present challenges that can make the journey demanding. These challenging portions often arise due to the varying terrain and conditions along the way.

One notable challenge is the steep gradient and winding nature of certain segments. As the highway traverses mountainous regions, drivers can expect sharp curves, steep ascents, and sudden drops. These sections require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles or those towing trailers or RVs. It's crucial to adapt to the speed limits, remain vigilant, and exercise caution when encountering these demanding stretches.

Additionally, the highway passes through remote and sparsely populated areas. While this provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in untouched natural beauty, it also means that services and amenities can be scarce. Travelers should plan their fuel stops carefully and ensure they have adequate supplies, especially food, water, and any necessary medications. Mechanical issues or emergencies in these remote sections can be particularly tricky, so it's advisable to have a reliable roadside assistance plan in place.

The varying weather conditions along Highway 89 also contribute to the challenge. Depending on the season and location, travelers may encounter extreme heat, blizzards, or sudden storms. It's essential to stay updated with weather forecasts and be prepared for rapid changes in conditions. Additionally, certain sections of the highway may be subject to temporary closures due to adverse weather, such as heavy snowfalls or the risk of landslides.

Lastly, the road conditions themselves can vary significantly. While some portions of Highway 89 are well-maintained, other sections may have rougher surfaces, potholes, or ongoing construction work. This can slow down travel times and require extra attention when driving. It's a good idea to check for any roadwork updates or temporary closures before embarking on this journey to avoid unexpected delays.

Despite these challenges, Highway 89 remains a captivating and rewarding route for those seeking an adventurous road trip. With careful planning, a flexible mindset, and a sense of preparedness, travelers can navigate the demanding parts while still enjoying the stunning scenery and unique experiences that this highway has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

Route 89, also known as the National Park Highway, passes through seven National Parks, fourteen National Monuments, and three Heritage Areas. Some of the parks along the route include Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.

Route 89 offers a range of recreational activities to suit different interests. Tourists can go mountain climbing, river rafting, or relax at a spa. There are also several historic sites and museums along the route, such as the C. M. Russell Museum and the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center.

Route 89 passes through remote areas with limited amenities and services, so it is important to come prepared. The route can also be quite hot during the summer months, so it is recommended to avoid travelling during that time of year. Additionally, some sections of the route may not be perfectly paved, so it is important to drive with caution.

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