U.S. Route 89: America’s National Parks Highway
The sun rises over the Grand Canyon, casting golden light across its vast cliffs and colorful rock formations in one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
Stretching from the deserts of southern Arizona to the forests near the Canadian border in Montana, U.S. Route 89 is more than just a road – it’s a journey through the soul of the American West, often called “The National Parks Highway”.
U.S. 89 links together some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, historic towns, and legendary national parks. Along its nearly 1,250-mile route, travelers can experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the serenity of Zion, the raw beauty of Yellowstone, and the wild peaks of Glacier.
For road trippers, tour groups, and nature lovers alike, U.S. 89 offers one of the most iconic and rewarding drives in America.
Heading directly toward the jagged Teton Range, often with clouds draped over the peaks, is one of the most iconic views along U.S. 89 between Jackson, WY and Yellowstone. Photo courtesy Rick Meyers on Unsplash.
A Road Born of Beauty and Heritage
U.S. Route 89 was established in 1926 as part of the original U.S. highway system. While portions of it have been rerouted or replaced by interstates, the highway still retains much of its original character.
It winds through remote deserts, bustling Western towns, and soaring mountain passes, offering a living, breathing history of the American frontier. What sets this road apart is not just its length or geography, but the sheer concentration of national parks and monuments along the way – making it a dream corridor for explorers and sightseers.
The scenic Zion–Mount Carmel Highway winds through towering cliffs and colorful red rock formations inside Zion National Park, Utah.
The Journey Begins: Arizona and Utah
U.S. 89 begins in Nogales, Arizona, at the Mexican border, and quickly climbs into the high desert landscapes north of Tucson and through Saguaro country. While the southern portion of the route was decommissioned in favor of Interstate 19, the spirit of the road lives on as you travel north through Tucson, Flagstaff, and Page.
One of the crown jewels along the route is Grand Canyon National Park, easily accessed from U.S. 89 via State Route 64. The South Rim offers jaw-dropping views, hiking trails, and historic lodges that have drawn millions of visitors since the park’s designation in 1919.
Grand Canyon National Park. Photo courtesy National Park Service.
Continuing north, the highway takes travelers through Page, home to Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and the world-famous Antelope Canyon.
Crossing into southern Utah, the scenery turns even more dramatic. Red rock formations, towering mesas, and otherworldly canyons surround the highway. Kanab, a classic Western town often used as a Hollywood filming location, serves as a gateway to several parks. In short order, U.S. 89 provides access to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park – each a geological marvel in its own right.
U.S. 89 also intersects with Scenic Byway 12, considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country. With its winding roads through canyons, slickrock plateaus, and high alpine forests, this detour is highly recommended for travelers with time to spare.
Salt Lake City’s skyline rises against the Wasatch Mountains, viewed from the winding hillside roads that lead into Utah’s capital. Photo courtesy Anh Phan on Unsplash.
Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front
As the road continues north, it merges temporarily with Interstate 15 before re-emerging in the Salt Lake City area. Here, urban energy meets mountain grandeur, with the Wasatch Range providing a striking backdrop to the cityscape. While Salt Lake City is a vibrant urban hub, it’s also a natural stopping point for travelers heading to the northern national parks.
The drive north through Logan Canyon, part of the Bear River Mountains, is particularly stunning, especially in fall when the leaves explode into color. The route hugs Bear Lake, sometimes called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its striking turquoise water, before crossing into Idaho and then Wyoming.
Bear Lake, sometimes called the “Caribbean of the Rockies”. Photo courtesy Zach Kessinger on Unsplash.
Western Wyoming and Yellowstone Country
One of the most iconic stretches of U.S. 89 takes travelers through Jackson, Wyoming, a lively town with Old West charm, art galleries, and access to outdoor adventure. Just north of Jackson lies Grand Teton National Park, where the jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically above alpine lakes and verdant valleys.
A short drive beyond Grand Teton brings you to Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park and a crown jewel of the American wilderness. Yellowstone offers everything from geysers and hot springs to bison herds and grizzly bears, and U.S. 89 serves as one of its main arteries, continuing through the park’s north entrance into Montana.
Big Sky Country: Montana’s Mountain Majesty
From Yellowstone, U.S. 89 runs north through Paradise Valley, one of Montana’s most scenic corridors, flanked by the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges. The town of Livingston offers a blend of cowboy culture and modern arts, and serves as a hub for fishing, hiking, and river adventures.
Continuing north, the highway winds through Choteau, Great Falls, and small agricultural towns before ascending into the rugged terrain of northwestern Montana. This final stretch of U.S. 89 leads to Glacier National Park, often called the “Crown of the Continent”. Here, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world, crossing the Continental Divide amid towering peaks and glacial lakes.
Lake Josephine in Glacier National Park. Photo courtesy David Morris on Unsplash.
Road Trip Tips and Group Travel
For those planning a road trip along U.S. 89, it’s essential to plan for varying weather, road conditions, and altitudes. The route passes through deserts, forests, and high mountain regions, and temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. While parts of the highway are well-traveled, others are remote and without cell service – so preparation is key.
For group tour planners, U.S. 89 is ideal for motorcoach travel, with many towns and parks offering designated bus parking, visitor centers, and group-friendly accommodations. Cities like Flagstaff, Salt Lake City, and Jackson have ample lodging, while smaller towns along the route often offer a more intimate and authentic Western experience.
Glacier National park. Photo courtesy Harrison Steen on Unsplash.
Why U.S. 89 Is More Than a Highway
U.S. Route 89 is not just a road – it’s a ribbon of American history, nature, and culture woven through some of the country’s most unforgettable landscapes. It tells the story of the West, from ancient Native American lands and pioneer trails to national parks that have become symbols of America’s natural heritage.
Whether you’re driving the entire route or exploring a single segment, U.S. 89 offers a journey filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and the kind of road trip magic that travelers dream about.
So pack your bags, fuel up the car, RV or motorcoach and take the road less traveled. On U.S. Route 89, the spirit of America is alive in every curve, canyon, and mountaintop vista.