You don’t have to hike, camp, or even head to the lake to enjoy Utah’s natural beauty. The Beehive State is home to dozens of scenic backroads that take you to the greatest views in the entire state. Check out this list of the nine best backroads in Utah that are breathtaking in every way. On these long scenic drives, you definitely won’t want to forget your camera!

1. Nebo Loop
Nebo Loop Road, Nebo Loop Rd, Payson, UT, USA
Jason Cameron/Moment Via Getty Images
The Nebo Loop is only 38 miles one way, but every single mile is beautiful. This is one of the best backroads in Utah that features forest, mountain, and city landscapes. If you love the outdoors, this is an excellent road to explore as you’ll pass campgrounds, hiking trails, and unique natural features along your way.
2. Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121, USA
Jason Cameron/Moment Via Getty Images
Big Cottonwood Canyon is the perfect drive to get you out of the city and into nature. Along this road, you will pass two ski resorts, numerous trails, and the most incredible mountain views. This drive is one that is accessible all year long and every season offers some of the most stunning Utah scenery.
3. Capitol Reef Scenic Byway
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Capitol Reef Scenic Byway is one of the shorter scenic drives on our list but you will want to go slowly to enjoy all that it has to offer. This backroad features a paved road as well as two dirt road spurs. The dirt roads lead to trailheads and Utah landscapes that you won’t want to miss. Be aware that there is an entrance fee to access this road and it does close for inclement weather and flash floods.
4. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway
Logan Canyon, Logan, UT 84321, USA
Bethany White/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is easily one of the best scenic drives in northern Utah. This road will take you from Logan to Garden City. You’ll wind through the canyon, which is absolutely stunning during the fall months.

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5. Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, USA
Joanne C Sullivan/Flickr
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway is the road to take if you want an extremely long scenic drive. This highway is 512 miles and takes you through Utah and parts of Colorado. You will travel through many small towns, past active quarries, and to the fascinating Dinosaur National Monument.
6. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Utah 150, UT-150, Kamas, UT, USA
tristanbnz/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is a popular backroad, especially in the summer months. This stunning scenic drive will take you into the Unita Mountains and past numerous lakes, campgrounds, waterfalls, picnic areas, and so much more. Before you begin your drive, spend some time in the small town of Kamas, which is a charming day trip destination.
7. State Route 143
Utah 143, UT-143, Panguitch, UT, USA
Dagmara Tunowska-plonski/AllTrails
State Route 143, also known as Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway, is 51 miles and takes you from the small town of Panguitch all the way to Parowan. You will pass many southern Utah gems including Panguitch Lake, Brian Head Resort, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
8. Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway
Guardsman Pass, Utah 84121, USA
(c) Salil Bhatt/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway is easily one of the best backroads in Utah. This scenic drive will take you from Park City to Brighton or Midway. This road is best traveled in a high-clearance vehicle as portions of the road are gravel. In the summer, you’ll see fields of wildflowers and in the autumn, you'll drive through vibrant fall foliage. This road is closed during the winter.
9. Scenic Byway 12
Utah 12, UT-12, Escalante, UT, USA
Peter Unger/Stone Via Getty Images
Scenic Byway 12 is more than 120 miles of pure beauty. This backroad is located in southern Utah and will take you from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. This popular scenic drive can take all day to explore as you’ll want to stop in the small towns and at local businesses. Plus, the red rock views are a photographer's dream.

 

If you were to do a search for “backroads near me” or “scenic drives near me,” at least a few of these spots would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

What are some scenic drives in Utah that deserve to be on this list? What do you think are the best backroads in Utah? Share with us in the comments!

If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these scenic byways in Utah, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

For a bit of TV history, be sure to read: Fans Of The Show Gunsmoke Will Recognize This Abandoned Film Set In Utah.

If you’re still in the mood for more Utah adventures, take a look at this video about beautiful Arches National Park:

 

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More to Explore

Out and About in Utah

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 18, 2023

Where can we find hiking trails in Utah?

  • The Frary Peak Trail on Antelope Island is a 6.6-mile round-trip trail offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape peppered with wildlife.
  • The Stewart Falls Trail located in Provo is a four-mile round-trip trail that meanders through beautiful Provo Canyon and past a two-tiered, 200-foot-high waterfall.
  • The Canyon Overlook Trail located in Zion National Park extends for about a mile and offers some of the most spectacular views in the state.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other picturesque hiking trails in Utah.

What are some fun family activities in Utah?

  • Soldier Hollow – In the winter, Soldier Hollow is the perfect place to take the family for an exciting holiday sleigh ride.
  • Hogle Zoo – In addition to the wide array of animals that make their home at the Hogle Zoo, there is also a carousel, train, and Elephant Encounter exhibit, among other highlights.
  • Bear Lake – A popular vacation spot, recreational activity opportunities here include the beach, an adventure park, boating, swimming, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun family activities in Utah.

Where can we find the best ice cream shops in Utah?

  • Eli’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Shop in Payson is a vintage ice cream and soda shop scooping up some of the most interesting flavors.
  • Casper’s Ice Cream in Richmond has been in business since 1925 and crafts what they call “the world's smoothest, most delicious ice cream.”
  • Aggie Ice Cream in Logan is located on the campus of Utah State University and is a favorite for its over two dozen flavors of ice cream.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scrumptious ice cream shops in Utah.

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