That You Were Never The Same?
Utah Scenic Byways
There are over 2,200 miles of Utah Scenic Byways winding through the heart of the state’s most spectacular terrain. These Byways, anyone … regardless of age, physical condition, or mobility … can see these sights up close from the comfort of their vehicle.
Utah Scenic Byways will take you into the rugged mountains and emerald forests of northern Utah. Into the heart of the state’s southern red-rock canyons. Or through the stark ... even barren ... western deserts.
There are 28 roads designated as State Scenic Byways. Eight more have been designated as National Scenic Byways. And one of those ... Scenic Byway 12 ... carries a unique honor as Utah’s only All-American Road.
Utah Started The Scenic Byway Program!
The Utah Scenic Byways were the result of brainstorming by tourism organizations in Utah. Their goal? To try to lure back some of the travelers … or tourists … taken away by the interstate highway system.
These roads were already in place and provided memorable experiences simply by driving them. So Utah started the Scenic Byway Program in the mid-1980's. Not too long after that … in 1991 … the National Scenic Byway Program was established.
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads. They receive their distinction because of archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic attributes.
There are 184 designated byways in 48 states ( as of 2023) throughout the nation. Our Utah Scenic Byways literally pave the way to the best sights, scenery, and secrets in the state.
Utah Scenic Byways tell some wonderful stories. Stories about early pioneers, trappers, explorers, and Native Americans. They may lead the way to historical structures. Or breathtaking scenery. And there are usually recreational opportunities to enjoy also.
National Scenic Byways
- in eastern Utah and western Colorado. Takes you to Dinosaur National Monument, the Utah Fieldhouse of Natural History, The College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum and Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry.
State Scenic Byways
- Alpine Loop Scenic Byway - Highway 92 up American Fork Canyon through the Uinta National Forest to Provo Canyon (Highway 189).
- Bear Lake Scenic Byway - SR-30 from Garden City to Laketown. It follows the western shore of Bear Lake.
- Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway - SR-153 From Beaver to Elk Meadows through the Tushar Mountain Range in the Fishlake National Forest.
- Bicentennial Highway - From U.S. Route 191, near Blanding, Utah,
to the town of Hanksville, Utah, where it intersects with SR-24.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway - SR-190 from Salt Lake City to Brighton.
- Capitol Reef Country Scenic Byway - SR-24 from Loa through Hanksville. Through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park, the Fishlake National Forest, Goblin Valley State Park, the San Rafael Swell and part of Canyonlands National Park.
- Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway - East of Cedar City on SR-148 through the Dixie National Forest and along the edge of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Only 6 miles long.
- Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway - SR-313 nine miles north of Moab off US-191. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most scenic vistas in the world.
- Fishlake Scenic Byway - SR-25 to Fishlake and Johnson Reservoir. Through the mountains and meadows of the Fishlake National Forest.
- Great Salt Lake Legacy Parkway - Utah’s newest scenic byway. Opened in 2008, the 14-mile long four-lane route travels along SR-67 from North Salt Lake to Farmington near the east edge of the Great Salt Lake.
- Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway - Amidst the red rock of the Moab/Canyonlands/Arches area, it leads to Canyonlands National Park.
- Kolob Fingers Road Scenic Byway - About 18 miles south of Cedar City off I-15. Takes you into Zion National Park’s picturesque Kolob Canyons section.
- Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway - SR-210 from Salt Lake City to Snowbird and Alta.
- Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway - SR-14 From Cedar City to the junction of US-89. One of southern Utah's most traveled highways through Cedar Canyon and into the Dixie National Forest.
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway - Heading east from Kamas into the Uinta Mountains through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
- Monument Valley to Bluff Scenic Byway - From Arizona border, this Byway travels northeast through Monument Valley.
- Mount Carmel Utah - On US-89 from Kanab to the junction of Highway 12. One of Utah's most popular drives.
- Ogden River Scenic Byway - SR-39. Up Ogden Canyon through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, past Pineview Reservoir, and on to three major ski resorts ... Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Wolf Mountain.
- Potash/Colorado River Scenic Byway - From its junction with US-191 three miles north of Moab. It follows the Colorado River and gives you views of ancient rock art, dinosaur tracks and a splendid arch.
- Provo Canyon Scenic Byway - US 189 and SR 113 from Provo to Heber. This route winds through impressive Provo Canyon. Past Bridal Veil Falls. Around Deer Creek Reservoir. And on to the scenic Heber Valley.
- Zion Park Scenic Byway - Highway 9 from I-15 to Mt. Carmel Junction. Highway 9 is the major road providing access to Zion National Park.
To learn more about each of the Utah Scenic Byways, click on each of the links above.
Some of My Favorite Scenic Drives
(These are not Scenic Byways)
1. Guardsman Pass - From Brighton to Park City
2. Guardsman Pass - From Park City to Midway
Have A Great Story About Utah's
Scenic Byways?
Do you have a great story about this or any of Utah's scenic byways? Share it!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Wasatch Mountains
Lake Powell
Zion National Park
Arches National Park
Great Salt Lake
Monument Valley