Gallup NM to Zion National Park through Navajo land?

[AKC]

I am trying to map out my route from Gallup NM to Zion National Park. It looks like the most direct way it to take Hwy 191 to 160 to 89. None of these are interstates. Are they decent enough roads? I was really hoping to stay on interstates this whole trip, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

If I took an extra half hour, I could take I-40 to Flagstaff, then north on 89 and follow that to Zion. Would this be better? I'm not planning on stopping aside from getting gas, so I don't need any scenic points of interest. I just want good roads.

Also, looking on the internet, some people are saying you can't stop inside the Navajo land for gas? Does anyone know if that is true? My gas tank is 34 gallons and I get 10 MPG towing, so I guess if I fill up beforehand I should probably be OK there. Probably...

ETA: I think ideally I'd take a route that didn't have a lot of changes of elevation. I know I'm going through a high elevation area, but the less up and down, the better. This is my first cross-country trip, I'm driving by myself, and I don't have a lot of experience with hills when driving the trailer.

Thank you!

 

[CHICKDOE]

we've been on all those roads and to be honest, none of them are in pristine condition!

you will have no problem with gas! even if you take the us 160 route you sill go through kayenta which has multiple gas stations open to all that travel through. there is also gas at tuba city. once you get to page, az gas is available. just fill up when possible and you'll be just fine.

if you use i-40 to flagstaff there is gas all along it and in flagstaff. there is gas on us 89 in cameron and then again at page.

this is just a personal comment as you say this is you first time in the area. using i040 and us 89 will have you driving on major routes. this may help ease your comfort level. but there is nothing wrong taking the us 160 route. either way, expect to see lots of miles of wide open land.

 

[ppine]

I had a contract on the Navajo Res for 6 years. None of those roads are tough. Some of the pavement is uneven. Avoid traveling at night. There are lots of horses and other livestock on the road. They are attracted by the warm pavement. No fences to keep them off.

Keep your fuel gauge above half all the time.

 

[AKC]

I had a contract on the Navajo Res for 6 years. None of those roads are tough. Some of the pavement is uneven. Avoid traveling at night. There are lots of horses and other livestock on the road. They are attracted by the warm pavement. No fences to keep them off.

Keep your fuel gauge above half all the time.

Thank you that is super helpful. Now that you mention it, I remember this in Alaska, only it was moose there. I almost hit one. But I was just driving a car, not a truck and trailer. I'd hate to encounter an animal in the road at night driving my trailer. So, noted -- stay off the roads at night.

Do people drive aggressively and get mad at someone who is driving the posted speed limit or even a little below? I see that these seem to be two-lane highways, but I'd think that passing wouldn't be too hard since there is mostly lots of visibility. I just ask because I'm from Texas, and here any driver who isn't going at least five miles an hour above the speed limit will get tailgated and then passed aggressively and cut off. People lose their minds over having to be behind a slow driver for more than two minutes. That's another thing I don't like about driving a trailer on small highways. But then on the main highways, you have lots of traffic and that can be not great also.

I'm still trying to work it out, but I'm leaning toward the smaller highways.

Thank you!

 

[Reverse_snowbird]

I'd probably take the interstate.

We've driven through Indian reservations out west and the cows grazing right next to the highway with no fences made me nervous. Only happened once, but we had to wait for a group of cattle to wander across the road. Since we didn't have a time schedule, it wasn't a problem.
You can stop for gas, but it was pricey.
Passing other vehicles wasn't a problem because there were no other vehicles.

 

[TeachTexas]

We drove 160 out of Kayenta to where 89 intersects just outside Tuba City this past September. It was an easy drive and little traffic. We had come south on 191 from Arches and Monument Valley.

 

[NMWildcat]

Nothing wrong with any of the proposed routes. Like any roadway, there are sections that are rough, and sections that are great. I would not have a problem on any of them.

As far as the 2 lane roads on the reservation, they are like any other road. Some folks will pass you, others may well be going slower than you. We have never had problems with animals on the road, but you always need to be aware.

The only thing I advise while driving on the reservation is DO NOT SPEED and follow the speed limit signs that are extremely slow in some populated areas. You do not want to be stopped by the tribal police. It can mean you getting to follow them back to their station.

 

[ppine]

AKC,
The roads you are talking about are remote. There is little traffic. People are not likely to "get mad at you." Be on the alert for pedestrians in what seem like the middle of nowhere.

 

[Thomas ho]

there is a best western motel outside of zion it has r.v. spots on the river. i was going to stay there but covid struck and snow and ruined my trip.

 

[ppine]

I have been driving around Indian Reservations for over 50 years. You just have to be respectful and don't be in a hurry. When you meet Natives, be polite and avoid eye contact. That puts them more at ease.

If you engage in conversation talk about the present not the past. When ever you can find a Trading Post, stop in and look around. The same goes for vendors anywhere like overlooks.

Obey speed limits and other laws for sure. I have been stopped by the Tribal Police at a road block coming back to the Res from Page. I thought I was talking to Jimmy Chee.