Utah's Scenic Backways

Burr Trail

What was originally developed as a cattle trail blazed by stockman John Atlantic Burr, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is now one of the most picturesque drives in Utah.

Cathedral Valley Scenic Backway

Cathedral Valley, in the northern area of Capitol Reef National Park, has some of the most stunning views around.

Central Utah Backway: Beaver Canyon and the Sevier River Valley

Explore valuable information on the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway and more. Start planning your Utah road trip.

Johnson Canyon Road

One of Southern Utah’s truly great drives, the Johnson Canyon Road stretches north from Highway 89 and provides excellent vantage points of the colorful cliffs for which the Grand Staircase region is particularly known.

Northwest Railroad Trail Expedition

Discover welcoming small towns, Great Basin terrain and railroad history from Snowville to Grouse Creek to Golden Spike to Corinne.

Road Trip: Historical Sites & Wide-Open Space

Discover starkly beautiful landscapes and fascinating history between Eureka and Delta.

Road Trip: West Desert Ramble and the Pony Express

Fairfield to Tooele to Dugway to I-80 through historic towns and desert wilderness.

Sheep Creek and Spirit Lake Scenic Backways

The Sheep Creek and Spirit Lake Scenic Backways are a combination of paved and dirt roads that split off from Utah state Route 44 south of Manila and north of Carter Creek within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. These gorgeous routes will guide you through impressive geological features and to the high country of the Uinta Mountains.

Temple Views and Backcountry Road Trips

About 5 miles east of Sleepy Hollow, watch for the turnoff on the left for Cathedral Valley Scenic Backway. This 56-mile dirt track heads back to the northwest through the northern tip of Capitol Reef and into Cathedral Valley, ending at Fremont Junction on I-70.

The Southwest Explorer

A 100-mile loop tour that combines red rock canyon and dry Mojave Desert scenery.

Thousand Lake Mountain

Lyman, UT

The funny thing about Thousand Lake Mountain is there aren't actually very many lakes there. But you will find alpine forests, craggy cliffs and panoramic view points.

11 Utah Scenic Byways for Leaf Peeping

Written By Visit Utah

7 minute read

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.

A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah

Written By Kristen Bor

2 minute read

When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.

A Visitor's Guide to Zion's Kolob Canyons

Written By Matcha

In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, you’ll find a scenic wonderland with an adventure for everyone. Learn more about this unforgettable attraction and plan a visit.

An Adventure Guide to Harts Draw Road

Written By Matcha

5 minute read

Winding up into the Abajo Mountains of southeastern Utah and down into sprawling red rock canyons, the 18-mile Harts Draw Road offers the perfect mixture of snow and sand, scenery and solitude.

An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Written By Dan Potts

6 minute read

Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.

Ancient Pictographs, Petroglyphs and Timeless Mysteries

Written By Matcha

5 minute read

Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isn’t for everyone. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward — namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America — even more noteworthy.

Arrive by Train

Written By Tim Sullivan

15 minute read

Follow author Tim Sullivan and his eight-year-old daughter as they travel by train, bus and bike on a "pilgrimage" to Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Be Prepared for the Southern Utah Backcountry

Written By Kristen Pope

3 minute read

Prepare for a trip out into Utah's rugged red rock backcountry by learning as much as possible about the area before heading out. Stop by a ranger station to educate yourself and pick up necessary permits. Always practice good backcountry ethics and proper safety techniques for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers

Written By Heather May

5 minute read

One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.

Explore Antelope Island's Fielding Garr Ranch

Volunteers Beth and Dennis Simonsen show visitors around the historic Fielding Garr Ranch complex on Antelope Island State Park in Northern Utah.

Hole N'' the Rock

Your road trip in Moab might call for a stopover at the famous Hole N” The Rock.

Kiva Koffeehouse

Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.

Mesa Farm Market

Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!

Moonscapes, Marscapes and More

Written By Matcha

If you want to know what Mars looks like — then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start.

Movies Filmed in Utah: Plotting a Cinematic Drive-Through

Written By Andrea David

Follow a Germany-based film enthusiast on an extended road trip to discover the rich history of Utah cinematography.

See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks

Written By Visit Utah

Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.

Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District

Written By Melissa Fields

5 minute read

Taking Southern Utah’s remote, less-traveled path in Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley District to nurture your body, mind and spirit.

The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12

Written By Visit Utah

4 minute read

This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.

The Spiral Jetty, Utah’s Most Iconic Land Art Sculpture, Keeps Drawing a Crowd

Written By Elaine Jarvik

7 minute read

In April 1970, it took six days, 625 man-hours, 292 truck-hours, $9,000, and 6,500 tons of basalt, limestone and mud for Robert Smithson to construct the Spiral Jetty. His work still stands today. Visit and be inspired by this iconic piece of Utah's land art.

Tooele? Tuilla? The Fascinating History of this Utah Town

Written By Matcha

5 minute read

While the town of Tooele has a fascinating story to its name, the best part about one of Utah’s original counties is its history.

Touring the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway

Written By Whitney Childers

6 minute read

Discover dinosaurs in Utah. The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway is one of the best places to see dinosaurs in Utah.

Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops

Written By Melissa McGibbon

5 minute read

You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.

Why You Should Ditch I-15 on Your Way to Zion

Written By Melissa McGibbon

6 minute read

If you’re not in a rush to get to Zion National Park from Northern Utah, consider taking a long, meandering route that features historic sites, adventure breaks and out-of-this-world scenery. Hop off I-15 and take Highway 89 and four nearby scenic byways to see and do as much as you possibly can on your way to Zion.

Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon

Written By Jeremy Pugh

Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.

Year-round Vibrance on the Nebo Loop Byway

Written By Visit Utah

2 minute read

A National Scenic Byway that Enchants at High Elevations, by Road or Trail