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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

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Tonopah · Cedar City — start in Palmdale, end in Vernal.

DAY01

Palmdale → Tonopah

522 km · 5h 14m driving · long drive · Overnight in Tonopah City Center
  1. 09:00
    Palmdale City Center· start
  2. 94 km · 56m
  3. 11:42
    ⭐ Red Rock Canyon
  4. 76 km · 45m
  5. 14:2416:12
    Fossil Falls
  6. 352 km · 3h 33m
  7. 16:12
    Tonopah City Center· overnight
DAY02

Old Tonopah Cemetery → Cedar City

335 km · 3h 10m driving · Overnight in Cedar City Center
  1. 09:00
    Old Tonopah Cemetery· start
  2. 1 km · 3m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Cathedral Gorge
  4. 334 km · 3h 7m
  5. 15:00
    Cedar City Center· overnight
DAY03

Fremont Indian State Park and… → Vernal

561 km · 5h 48m driving · long drive
  1. 09:00
    Fremont Indian State Park and Museum· start
  2. 150 km · 1h 24m
  3. 11:42
    Helper Historic District
  4. 241 km · 2h 25m
  5. 14:24
    ⭐ Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
  6. 170 km · 1h 59m
  7. 16:12
    Vernal City Center
Heads Up
  • Day 1: 5h 14m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 3: 5h 56m driving — plan rest stops
  • Fuel management is critical; several segments in Nevada and Eastern Utah have no services for over 80 miles.
  • High desert temperatures can fluctuate 40 degrees between day and night; carry layers and extra water.
  • Watch for livestock and wildlife on open range roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.