St. George to Painted Desert
A seemingly endless expanse of brilliant, multi-colored badlands stretching across the Navajo Nation. The shifting light at sunrise and sunset transforms the landscape into a living watercolor painting.
I-15 S → AZ-389 E → US-89 S
230 miles
Distance
3 hr 30 min
Drive Time
southeast
Direction
Spring and Fall
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Painted Desert
Route: I-15 S → AZ-389 E → US-89 S
Drive south through the Arizona Strip, crossing Navajo Bridge into the heart of the Navajo Nation. The Painted Desert stretches expansively along this route, particularly beautiful near Cameron.
About Painted Desert
The Painted Desert is one of the most vividly colored landscapes in the American Southwest. Spanning over 93,000 acres across Northern Arizona, this badland region features stratified layers of mudstone, shale, and siltstone painted in brilliant hues of lavender, red, orange, and gray.
For visitors coming from St. George, the journey itself is spectacular. Taking US-89 South through Marble Canyon and the Navajo Nation offers expansive views of the desert right from the highway. While the official Petrified Forest National Park (which includes a major section of the Painted Desert) is further south near Holbrook, the dramatic colors begin much earlier along the route to the Grand Canyon.
Photography is the main draw here. The iron and manganese compounds in the soil catch the light differently depending on the time of day, with the colors appearing most saturated just after a rainstorm or during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane, UT
- Kanab, UT
- Page, AZ
Weather & Climate
Extreme desert conditions. Summer highs can exceed 100°F. Winters are cold and windy.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Fall
Spring and Fall offer mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be incredibly hot with limited shade, though monsoon storms in late summer can intensify the desert colors.
Things to Do in Painted Desert
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Painted Desert, Arizona.
Top Photo Stops
Cameron Trading Post Area
FreeThe areas surrounding the historic trading post offer accessible views of the colorful badlands. Great place to stretch your legs and take photos.
Navajo Bridge
FreeNot strictly the Painted Desert, but this stunning bridge over Marble Canyon is a must-stop on the drive down. Look for California condors!
Travel Tips for the St. George to Painted Desert Drive
The colors are most vibrant just after it rains and during "golden hour" (sunrise/sunset)
Stay on paved roads unless you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle
Gas stations are sparse on the Navajo Nation; refuel in Page or Kanab before heading south
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Painted Desert
Is the Painted Desert close to St. George?
The edge of the Painted Desert region begins about 3 hours south of St. George along US-89 in Arizona. It makes for a beautiful scenic drive, often combined with a trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Nearby Destinations from Painted Desert
Grand Canyon (South Rim)
The world's most famous canyon view. The South Rim is open year-round with the most visitor services, iconic lodges, and legendary trails. A longer drive from St. George but worth every mile.
Page
Perched above the Colorado River on the Navajo Nation, Page, Arizona is the gateway city to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam. This high-desert hub is one of the most spectacular base camps in the American Southwest.
Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Painted Desert
St. George to Painted Desert — 230 miles, 3 hr 30 min Drive
The Painted Desert is one of the most vividly colored landscapes in the American Southwest. Spanning over 93,000 acres across Northern Arizona, this badland region features stratified layers of mudstone, shale, and siltstone painted in brilliant hues of lavender, red, orange, and gray.
The route from St. George, Utah to Painted Desert, Arizona covers 230 miles and takes approximately 3 hr 30 min via I-15 S → AZ-389 E → US-89 S. Drive south through the Arizona Strip, crossing Navajo Bridge into the heart of the Navajo Nation. The Painted Desert stretches expansively along this route, particularly beautiful near Cameron.
Things to Do in Painted Desert
Top Photo Stops: Cameron Trading Post Area, Navajo Bridge.
Best Time to Visit Painted Desert
Spring and Fall offer mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be incredibly hot with limited shade, though monsoon storms in late summer can intensify the desert colors.
Travel Tips
The colors are most vibrant just after it rains and during "golden hour" (sunrise/sunset). Stay on paved roads unless you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Gas stations are sparse on the Navajo Nation; refuel in Page or Kanab before heading south.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Grand Canyon (South Rim), Page, Kanab.