Zion east - North Rim or Page ?

[PartyOf_Five]

Looking East from Zion, there is plenty to see appreciate your suggestions as well.

My question is about routing - We came down from Moab through Escalante and I'm a little tired of steep grades. How's the road (89A) to the north rim? How's cell service going down there?

The other option is to take 89 to Page, and see the Dam (but not Antelope Canyon since it's closed) - deferring the North Rim for another trip. I'm guessing grades and cell reception is better on this route -?

Thanks in advance!

[CA_Traveler]

89A has about 6 mi of 6% grade. Not a big deal compared to Escalante.

[CA_Traveler]

I wasn't impressed with the Page area. And now with the very significant water shortage and Lake Powell being 35% full I would have no interest in going there.

We were stunned at how low the Colorado River flow was at Parker last week. News reports say mandatory 15% reduction of water usage beginning in Jan. Lake Mead is down 170' and that also means hydro electric power capability has significant reduction.

We have camped at N Rim and Jacob Lake which has good access to N Rim.

[craig7h]

We stayed at Page a few weeks ago then headed to Hurricane for a few days. While at Page we went to the North Rim via 89, 89a, and 67 now we drove the car but there were no large grades that I can remember.

I really did not think the North Rim was worth the 2.5 hr drive from Page. Maybe the weather (cold and very windy) maybe the main sightseeing road in the park was closed due to down trees.

Lake Powell and the **** was a good drive. Hiking to "horseshoe bend" was ok and worth it. For eats in Page Big Johns Texas BBQ

Good Luck

[enblethen]

89A south bound climb isn't too bad, but from North Rim to 89 is pretty steep down grade.