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High Desert & Red Rocks: Palmdale to Vernal
Cross the vast Great Basin and Colorado Plateau on this three-day journey. From the stark beauty of Nevada's high desert to the dramatic red rock spires of Utah, you will experience the iconic landscapes of the American West.
3days
11stops
1418km
Day 1: Palmdale City Center → … → Tonopah City Center
5h 14min · 522km4 stops
Palmdale City Center
09:00-10:48
56min · 94km
Red Rock Canyon
11:42-13:30
45min · 76km
Fossil Falls
14:24-16:12
3h 33min · 352km
Tonopah City Center
16:12-18:00
Day 2: Old Tonopah Cemetery → Cathedral Gorge → Cedar City Center
3h 10min · 335km3 stops
Old Tonopah Cemetery
09:00 – 11:00
3min · 1.0km
Cathedral Gorge
12:00 – 14:00
3h 7min · 334km
Cedar City Center
15:00 – 17:00
Day 3: Fremont Indian State Park and… → … → Vernal City Center
5h 48min · 561km4 stops
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
09:00-10:48
1h 24min · 150km
Helper Historic District
11:42-13:30
2h 25min · 241km
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
14:24-16:12
1h 59min · 170km
Vernal City Center
16:12-18:00
Heads Up
- 1. Fuel management is critical; several segments in Nevada and Eastern Utah have no services for over 80 miles.
- 2. High desert temperatures can fluctuate 40 degrees between day and night; carry layers and extra water.
- 3. Watch for livestock and wildlife on open range roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- 4. Day 1: 5h 14m driving — plan rest stops
- 5. Day 3: 5h 56m driving — plan rest stops