Scenic Roads to Explore
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Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
You’ll never forget your drive on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. This 42-mile stretch of road passes through the gorgeous Uinta Mountains. Check it out!
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway
The 17-mile Potash Road in eastern Utah is one of the most breathtaking drives you'll ever experience. Learn more about this iconic route now!
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Utah's Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway
Utah’s Patchwork Parkway National Scenic Byway (S.R. 143) travels from Parowan to Panguitch with a side trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument on S.R. 148.
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Ogden River Scenic Byway
Ogden to Monte Cristo through mountain panoramas into high elevations perfect for a summer or autumn drive.
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Top 10 Undiscovered Utah Roads
Whether you scour Utah's All-American Road or check out the scenic drives leading into our national parks and mountain canyons, the drive to your destination is typically just as beautiful as the destination.
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Guardsman Pass
Discover Guardsman Pass, a scenic byway situated in the Wasatch Mountains. Take a drive or explore activities like hiking, biking, and camping.
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Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway
Little Cottonwood Canyon is so named because its length and width are “littler” than its big neighbor to the north; however, it is an equally glorious natural playground.
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Touring the Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway
Prepare to be captivated as you drive along Indian Creek Utah’s Corridor Scenic Byway. Explore the Needles District, Canyonlands NP and admire Utah’s natural beauty.
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Year-round Vibrance on the Nebo Loop Byway
A National Scenic Byway that Enchants at High Elevations, by Road or Trail
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11 Utah Scenic Byways for Leaf Peeping
Explore 11 Scenic Drives in Utah for some serious leaf peeping. Utah is one of the best places to see fall foliage, visit great attractions, events and festivals.
Utah Road Tripping: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive to all of Utah's national parks?
Beginning in Salt Lake City, the route connecting all five parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion), logs over 600 miles for roughly 10 to 12 hours of pure driving time. A return to Salt Lake City International Airport from Zion will add an additional 270 miles; and a finish at Las Vegas International Airport will add 160 miles.
How many days do I need for a complete Utah national parks road trip?
While you can technically drive past all five parks in five days, you’ll spend most of your trip staring through a windshield. To actually get out, hike and enjoy them, at least 7 to 10 days is highly recommended. A week allows you roughly one day per park with travel time, while 10 days gives you a much more relaxed pace to explore Utah’s state parks and national monuments.
What is the best route to hit all five national parks?
The most efficient route is a linear sweep from west to east (or vice versa). Many travelers fly into Las Vegas and drive to Zion, move northeast to Bryce Canyon, take the breathtaking All-American Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef and finish the trip heading east to Moab to explore Canyonlands and Arches, before flying out of Salt Lake City.
Which national parks are closest to each other?
Arches and Canyonlands share the same base camp of Moab and can easily be paired together. On the other side of the state, Zion and Bryce Canyon are less than a 2-hour drive apart (88 miles), making them a popular two-park combination for shorter weekend trips.
What is the best time of year to take a Utah road trip?
Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer the best balance of comfortable hiking temperatures, open roads and manageable crowds. Summer can bring intense high-desert heat and flash flood risks during the afternoon monsoon season. Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow closures, though it sees far fewer crowds.
How reliable is cell service along the road trip routes?
Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent between major towns and through the remote areas between Utah’s national parks. Grab a Utah Highway Map and save your itinerary details to your phone before setting out each morning.
What type of vehicle do I need for a Utah road trip?
A standard sedan is completely fine for a highway itinerary. All main national park roads and primary scenic drives (like Scenic Byway 12) are paved and well-maintained. However, if you plan to venture into remote areas — such as Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef or the backcountry of Canyonlands — a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential.
A Life Elevated Road Trip
Hit the road with Aaron Millar, host of The Armchair Explorer podcast, as he takes an adventure tour of Utah — complete with audio postcards along the way.
Planning Resources
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Road Conditions and Safety
Find Utah resources for the road conditions, weather, maps, public safety and more from the Utah Office of Tourism.
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Utah Driving Laws
Find out about Utah Driving Laws including driver license requirements, speed limits, seat belt laws, helmet use and more from the Utah Office of Tourism.
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Utah's Scenic Backways
Utah’s scenic backways combine paved, winding explorations into narrow canyons or remote landscapes with more adventurous turns down paths known for rough surfaces and extreme grades, all in the pursuit of hidden beauty.
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Utah's Scenic Byways
In total, Utah’s distinct topography provides the surface for 28 scenic byways, which add up to hundreds of miles of vivid travel experiences wherein the road trip is as memorable as the destination.
Your Guide to Only-in-Utah Road Trips
"Slow down and smell the flowers." "It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Whichever cliché resonates, it often holds true — it can be tough not to rush from point A to point B. There are many incredible places to discover, whether it's a staycation excursion or a backcountry haul. To make the most of your time traveling through Utah, discover a Utah road trip itinerary just for you.
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5-Days: Stargaze International Dark Sky Places
Utah boasts the highest concentration of certified dark sky places in the world. On a red-rock road trip, the show doesn't end when the sun goes down—set an early alarm for a canyon sunrise, then stay up late to take in the Milky Way away from city lights.
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6-Days: Foodie Journery
Utah’s iconic national parks and monuments are anchored by soulful basecamp communities. Skip the fast-food drive-thru and pull into a local diner, mountain-town bakery, or regional museum. Supporting local outfitters, boutiques, and eateries is the best way to discover the true heart of the Beehive State.
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6-Days: American West
The classic Southwestern road trip is all about freedom. Utah’s best scenic drives reward flexible travelers—take that unexpected dirt road detour, pop into an intriguing roadside trading post, or extend your stay when a view captivates you. Here, the pit stops are just as memorable as the main attractions.
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7-Days: Cruising the Dinosaur Diamond Highway
Long stretches of open highway are the perfect time to immerse yourself in Utah’s rich geology, ecology and cultural history. Download audiobooks or podcasts by local Utah authors before you hit the road to bring the passing landscapes to life.
National Park Itineraries
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The Complete Arches Trip
Discover a new side of Arches National Park with this four day itinerary. Start exploring the hidden gems in the Arches region today.
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The Complete Bryce Canyon Trip
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Bryce Canyon region to make the most of your trip!
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The Complete Canyonlands Trip
The Canyonlands Region of Utah combines the best of the Moab area's easy proximity to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park's most accessible district with some of the United State's most remote and culturally significant landscapes.
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The Complete Capitol Reef Trip
Planning a trip to Capitol Reef National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Capitol Reef region to make the most of your trip!
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The Complete Zion Trip
Tucked into the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park is the centerpiece for a 6-day red-rock vacation that includes a little bit of everything that makes the state such a marvel to experience.
Wheeling It: The Ultimate Guide to Utah RV Parks and Family Road Trips
With 28-feet of vehicle space, one traveling family discovers the RV community.
