Tusayan, AZ to Page, AZ drive

Question

I need to drive from Tusayan to Page next week. Problem is, I cannot set out until 3pm. Now I understand the dangers of driving that route in darkness. However, if I leave at 3pm with a full tank of gas and no scheduled stops I should be able to make it to Page well before darkness.

I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that this is fine.

The reason I cannot leave before 3pm is I have a work meeting from 2-3pm and don't see any town on the route large enough to have a coffee shop or someplace where I could take the meeting. At Tusayan, I could wing it somewhere.

Answer

The drive from Tusayan, AZ to Page, AZ is roughly 135–140 miles and typically takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours under normal conditions. Leaving at 3pm in mid-November or later in the year means sunset is earlier, but in your case, if you're traveling in spring or summer, sunset will likely be around 6:30–7pm, giving you several hours of daylight to complete the drive.

Since your route mainly follows US-89 north, it is generally a well-maintained highway, but there are stretches that are remote with few services. Darkness can make driving less comfortable due to:

Wildlife crossing the road, especially deer and elk.
Limited roadside lighting in some areas.
Curvy or hilly sections where visibility is reduced at night.

Given that you will have a full tank and do not need to stop along the way, leaving at 3pm should be fine for daylight travel. Make sure to:

Check sunset times for your specific date and plan accordingly.
Ensure your vehicle lights and brakes are functioning properly.
Have water, snacks, and a charged phone, just in case of minor delays or emergencies.
Consider timing your departure to allow a short rest if you feel tired, but there are limited towns until Page.

In summary, a 3pm departure with no planned stops should allow you to reach Page safely in daylight, especially if traffic is light and weather is good. While the route can be desolate, it is a straightforward drive and does not pose unusual hazards beyond normal highway precautions.