Vegas to Page Night(early morning) Driving Suggestion

Question

Hello everyone, I'm from Vancouver, Canada and would like to do a trip to Vegas. and my first night there will be self driving to Page. I'll depart from Vegas at 2:30AM Vegas time, aiming Page, thru the Northern route (thru Utah). My Antelope Canyon ticket is 9AM.

To me looks like I'll be doing 2-3 hours of night driving. Wondering if it's really that dangerous to drive? I saw people saying don't night drive on the highway due to darkness and wild animals. Is it really that bad...? Sorry for the confusion, first time here. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Driving from Las Vegas to Page, Arizona, in the early morning hours is feasible, but there are a few important considerations to ensure safety and a smooth trip.

The route through northern Arizona and southern Utah is mostly highway (primarily US-93 and US-89). The road is well-paved and generally in good condition, but night driving can be challenging in remote areas.

Limited Lighting: Most of the highway is dark at night, with few streetlights. Your visibility will rely entirely on your car’s headlights, so make sure they are working well.
Wildlife: Animals such as deer, elk, or smaller wildlife can cross the road, especially in the early morning hours. Collisions with wildlife are a real risk on rural roads.
Fatigue: Leaving Vegas at 2:30 AM means you will likely be driving while your body naturally wants to sleep. Fatigue significantly increases risk, so consider taking short breaks if you feel drowsy.
Traffic: The traffic will be minimal at that hour, which is a benefit, but emergency services or help will be sparse if something goes wrong.
Timing: The drive to Page is around 4.5 to 5 hours under normal conditions. Leaving at 2:30 AM gives you plenty of time to reach your 9 AM Antelope Canyon tour, even allowing for a stop or two.

Additional tips for safety:

Ensure your fuel tank is full before leaving Vegas; gas stations are sparse along some stretches of the route.
Bring water, snacks, and a charged phone in case of emergencies.
Drive at a safe speed and stay alert for wildlife, particularly in areas with "Animal Crossing" signs.
Consider stopping at a rest area or a town like Kingman if you feel fatigued.

Overall, while night driving in this region isn’t inherently dangerous, the combination of darkness, wildlife, and potential fatigue makes it riskier than daytime driving. Many travelers do it without incident, but extra caution is recommended, especially on your first time.

Vegas to Page Night(early morning) Driving Suggestion

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