Driving from West Valley City to Kanab covers 310.3 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 42 minutes of travel time. Because this journey stays within the Mountain West region, you will experience a consistent high-desert atmosphere throughout the trip. It is perfectly manageable as a single-day excursion, though you should budget approximately $49 for fuel. Relying primarily on Veterans Memorial Highway, US 89, and SR 20, the trip offers a straightforward path for travelers looking to navigate Utah efficiently. Whether you are heading south for a quick getaway or a longer vacation, the route provides a reliable connection between the northern urban corridor and the southern landscape.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
155.1 miles from West Valley City, UT
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Veterans Memorial Highway
202.5 mi
3h 21m
US 89
70.4 mi
1h 30m
SR 20
20.5 mi
24m
Center Street
6.8 mi
8m
Belt Route
3.3 mi
3m
4700 South
1.4 mi
2m
4100 South
0.8 mi
1m
Bangerter Highway
0.7 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Veterans Memorial Highway
— 202.5 mi, about 3h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Valley City, UT and Kanab, UT.
1
Start on Atlas Way
0.4 mi·1 min·Atlas Way
2
Turn left onto Volta Avenue
0.2 mi·41 sec·Volta Avenue
3
Turn right onto 4400 West
0.2 mi·36 sec·4400 West
4
Turn left onto 4100 South
0.8 mi·1 min·4100 South
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Turn right onto SR 154
0.7 mi·50 sec·Bangerter Highway
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
222 ft·8 sec
Use the slight left lane.
8
Turn left onto 4700 South
1.4 mi·2 min·4700 South
9
Take the ramp
0.6 mi·43 sec
Toward I 215 SouthUse the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 215
3.3 mi·3 min·Belt Route
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
426 ft·5 sec
Exit 12Toward I 15: Salt Lake City, Las VegasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·59 sec
Toward I 15 South: Las VegasUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Toward I 15 South: Las Vegas
14
Merge onto I 15
202 mi·3 hr 21 min·Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 95Toward SR 20: Panguitch, Kanab
16
Turn left onto SR 20
20 mi·24 min·SR 20
17
At end of road, turn right onto US 89
9.2 mi·10 min·US 89
18
Continue on US 89
0.9 mi·1 min·US 89
19
Turn left onto US 89
6.8 mi·8 min·Center Street
Use the left lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 89
23 mi·28 min·US 89
21
Continue on US 89
37 mi·49 min·US 89
22
Continue on US 89
190 ft·5 sec·100 East
23
Arrive at destination
US 89
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 310.3-mile journey, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset. Since the route relies heavily on state and local roads after the initial long highway stretch, it is wise to monitor your fuel levels before leaving the main thoroughfares. Departing early in the morning allows you to navigate the turn-heavy sections during daylight, which is particularly helpful given the shift in road profile near the end of the trip. Because you only need one stop to complete the drive comfortably, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace based on traffic. Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge when transitioning onto SR 20 to ensure you have enough to reach Kanab without stress.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 155.1 miles from West Valley City, UT, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 202.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 68 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 155.1 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kanab, UT than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Valley City, UT so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from West Valley City, UT
This is one driving day of about 310.3 miles and 5h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from West Valley City, UT.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Veterans Memorial Highway for about 202.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 212.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.9 mi into trip|~2m in|4100 South
Turn left onto 4100 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
2.6 mi into trip|~5m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
8
7.9 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward I 15: Salt Lake City, Las Vegas
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 12
Toward I 15: Salt Lake City, Las Vegas
7
8 mi into trip|~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 15 South: Las Vegas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 15 South: Las Vegas
6
212.2 mi into trip|~3h 37m in
Take the exit toward SR 20: Panguitch, Kanab
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 95
Toward SR 20: Panguitch, Kanab
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.17 one way
$98.34 round trip
$4.03/gal25.4 MPG avg109 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$51.54
$103.08
premium
$4.53
$55.35
$110.71
diesel
$5.61
$68.51
$137.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
93.1
1
$32.58
$14.89
Efficient EV
77.6
0
$27.15
$12.41
EV Truck/SUV
124.1
1
$43.44
$19.86
Gas CO2
109 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 12, 2026
Origin
West Valley City, UT
Evening
in West Valley City on Saturday
Local time
7:30 PM
MDT
Current temp
67°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SSW 20 to 23 mph54% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 2:04PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 12 at 10:37AM MDT until April 12 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
Destination
Kanab, UT
Evening
in Kanab on Saturday
Local time
7:30 PM
MDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
36°F
Beaver, UT
155 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
7 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 42m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip that transitions from fast-paced transit to a more technical local driving experience. While 29% of the route consists of highway, you will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 202.5 miles on Veterans Memorial Highway before the character of the road shifts. As you navigate off the main highways, the drive becomes turn-heavy, requiring more focus and engagement than a standard interstate cruise. This mix of segments keeps the drive interesting, as you move from the initial highway efficiency into the winding nature of the local road profile. Be prepared for these changes in road texture as you make your way toward your final destination.
Only 29% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 202.5 mi on Veterans Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in near 4100 South.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 310.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (4100 South): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
7,619 ft4,306 ft
Total Climb
3,314 ft
Total Descent
0 ft
Highest Point
7,619 ft
~221.6 mi in
Elevation Range
3,314 ft
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 42m. Total distance: 310.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 202.5 miles on Veterans Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Kanab, UT before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles (4100 South): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.7 hours each way, a round trip means 11.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Kanab, UT before the return drive.
