US Route 89 Appreciation Society

11/02/2025

Whether by sunrise, sunset, or under a thick blanket of bright stars, Cedar Break National Monument will take our breath away. From the summertime wildlife festival to stargazing events on the weekends, Cedar Breaks connects you to a unique natural world of ancient geology and constellations. Check out our newest article about Cedar Breaks here:
https://usroute89.com/cedar-breaks/

10/02/2025

Never miss a moment of Route 89 magic – sign up for our newsletter to unlock the secrets of America's most spectacular highway, from Glacier to the Sonoran Desert. Get exclusive tips on when and where to experience hidden gems, geological wonders, and tucked-away local treasures that most travelers zip right past. Join our community of road trip enthusiasts who get first access to new travel guides, local insights, and seasonal recommendations that will transform your Route 89 adventure from a simple drive into an epic exploration of the American West.

Visit the website today where you can sign up right on the Home Page. Click here:
https://usroute89.com

06/02/2025

In Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, you have the option of taking US-89 or US-89A. Which one should you take? There is no easy answer, but we've got some details on our website here:
https://usroute89.com/project/bitter-springs-to-kanab/

Want a brief synopsis here?

US-89
Between Kanab, Utah, and Bitter Springs, Arizona, this route will take you along the southern edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with a couple of access points along the way. You can learn about the discovery of dinosaur footprints and skeletons in the area at the Big Water Visitor Center. Cross the bridge over Glen Canyon Dam, enjoy some water recreation at Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, explore the town of Page, Arizona, take a short hike to look over the edge at Horseshoe Bend, tour Antelope Canyon, and stay the night at the Shash Diné Eco Retreat for a unique Navajo glamping experience.

US-89A
This was the original route between Kanab and Bitter Springs. Visit the Red Pueblo Museum in Fredonia, and learn about the convergence of the Indigenous peoples, the US government, and Mormon settlers at Pipe Spring National Monument inside of the Kaibab-Paiute Nation. Gain some elevation to the pine-topped Jacob Lake area and continue to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where some claim it showcases the canyon's best view. Drive down the edge of the Vermillion Cliffs National Monuments and watch for soaring condors. Visit the toadstool rocks and the Russell House tucked into them. Walk across the historical Navajo Bridge and watch kayakers floating along the Colorado River far below.

If you want to do a loop, I recommend going South on US-89 and North on US-89A, a counter-clockwise loop.

Have you driven either of these routes? What would you recommend to someone trying to decide which route to take?

04/02/2025

Tuzigoot National Monument: Ancient Architecture, Riparian Preserve, and Dark Sky Oasis

Tuzigoot National Monument () is small but packs a mighty punch for your next road trip. Located along AZ Route 89A, this ancient site is a showcase of the community-building techniques of the ancient Southern Sinagua. It overlooks a riparian corridor in the Verde Valley where birdwatchers can glimpse some of the 245 bird species in the Tavasci Marsh. Its proximity to Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome means you’ll have plenty to do and eat while you’re in the area.

Learn more here before you plan your next road trip to this area.
https://usroute89.com/tuzigoot/

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04/02/2025

Tuzigoot National Monument: Ancient Architecture, Riparian Preserve, and Dark Sky Oasis

Tuzigoot National Monument is small but packs a mighty punch for your next road trip. Located along AZ Route 89A, this ancient site is a showcase of the community-building techniques of the ancient Southern Sinagua. It overlooks a riparian corridor in the Verde Valley where birdwatchers can glimpse some of the 245 bird species in the Tavasci Marsh. Its proximity to Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome means you’ll have plenty to do and eat while you’re in the area.

Learn more here before you plan your next road trip to this area.

This national monument on AZ Route 89A features a multi-level stone community a thousand years old overlooking the riparian corridor of the Verde Valley.

03/02/2025

Get the best insider information for planning your next road trip on Highway 89 with the US Route 89 Road Trip Map Book. We break the route down into bite-sized maps to let you zoom in on smaller sections along these 1,600 miles. You'll find recommendations for attractions along with historical and geographical information for the three main regions of this route.

Let our years of experience along every mile of Highway 89 help you plan your next adventure. Get your US Route 89 Road Trip Map Book today at:
https://usroute89.com/road-trip-map-book/

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29/01/2025

Are you making plans for a road trip on Highway 89 this summer? Let us help you with some unique, behind-the-scenes information from border to border so you can get the most out of your adventures on America's Most Scenic Road Trip. Pick up our Road Trip Map Book today here:
https://usroute89.com/road-trip-map-book/

23/01/2025

Sunset and twilight at Antelope Island State Park in Utah is nothing short of magic. The colors. The murmurations of starlings. The reflections.

But don't forget about the brine flies. There is no escaping them. The good news is that they don't bite and they don't really land on you. They're a vital part of the ecosystem on the shores of this island in the Great Salt Lake.

This is also an International Dark Sky Park, so there are dozens of things to enjoy day and night here. Plan to camp on the island to experience it all.

Learn more about the park here: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/

Get your US Route 89 Map Book to help you plan your next adventure of America's Most Scenic Road Trip.

21/01/2025

The Cedar Breaks National Monument experience begins on the drive that leads to it. A drive that takes roadtrippers on a geological journey and leaves them on top of the world. Or at least on top of the Grand Staircase.

What is a “break”? When is the wildflower season? Why is the stargazing so exceptional?

Find out in this brand new article on the website:

Cedar Breaks National Monument crowns the top of the Grand Staircase in Utah. Visit for the artistic views, wildflowers, snow shoeing, and stargazing.

20/01/2025

Big things are happening with the USroute89.com website this year, but first, an introduction is in order.

My name is Vicky Derksen, and I'm the new owner of the USroute89.com website. I'm excited to connect with you over our shared interest in America's Most Scenic Highway.

When I moved to Arizona in 1995, Highway 89 became my road home to Idaho. In 2016, while teaching naked-eye astronomy, I was driving near Panguitch, Utah, when I rounded a corner and saw Orion surrounded by more stars than I'd ever seen. That night changed my relationship with Highway 89 forever. I realized this road crossed hundreds of miles of the country's best night skies, igniting my passion for this highway.

I am the founder of Night Sky Tourist, which includes a website, blog, podcast, and stargazing business. I'm also finalizing my first book about night sky experiences on Highway 89.

During my border-to-border trips in 2022 and 2024, I met incredible people, discovered hidden treasures, learned about history and indigenous cultures, indulged in local cuisine (especially huckleberries), and fell in love with dinosaurs. Most importantly, I spent countless nights under extraordinary dark skies where the Milky Way felt within reach.

I live in Fountain Hills, Arizona, serving on the boards of Fountain Hills Dark Sky Preservation and the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, and I'm an Advocate with DarkSky International.
Highway 89 is more than starry nights. The national parks, monuments, state parks, roadside attractions, and communities have captured my heart. Every bit of it, day and night, is extraordinary.

I look forward to continuing Jim Cowlin's legacy of sharing this road's beauty through photography. If you haven't visited the website recently, I invite you to explore it and consider purchasing a map book for planning your own adventure.

Let's see where else this road can take us together.

If you haven't been to the website in a while, check it out at: https://usroute89.com

17/01/2025

I'm already getting sweet messages like this one from "K.N.", and they make me so happy to hear of the experiences others have had on this gorgeous highway.

Do you have a story? I'd love to hear it!

If you haven't been to the website, drop by and browse around at: https://usroute89.com

16/01/2025

There is some really big news about usroute89.com, and it's all on this podcast episode. Night Sky Tourist's Vicky Derksen shares some big announcements and interviews Jim Cowlin, founder of the website. The super fun band Stay Wild makes an appearance, too. Whatever you do, don't miss this exciting podcast episode.

Listen to it on your favorite podcast platform, or here:
https://nightskytourist.com/114/

Two big announcements lead to Vicky naming Highway 89 "America's Starlight Highway". Get ready to plan your own road trip on this route.

16/01/2025

With seven National Parks, and a bunch of National Monuments, Historical Sites, Wildlife Refuges, and more, Highway 89 is a National Park Service paradise. You can visit one for FREE next week. Do you have one in mind? Where do you plan to go?

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12/12/2024

2025 US Route 89 Calendar - https://mailchi.mp/dc87ecd931f9/dreaming-of-a-road-trip-12828450 Our 2025 calendar features photographs by James Cowlin from his 20 years of traveling along US Route 89.

21/06/2024

Night Sky Tourist 89 Road Trip—https://mailchi.mp/40c4b8b03538/dreaming-of-a-road-trip-12809109 Vicky Derksen, the Night Sky Tourist, has begun a 17-day road trip on US 89 to document night sky experiences and enhance your next road trip.

30/05/2024

Night Sky Experiences Near Flagstaff, Arizona - https://mailchi.mp/5755b1721c1e/dreaming-of-a-road-trip-12806797 Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the premier places on US Route 89 to experience the night sky without the barrier of glare between you and the stars.