Taking a scenic drive is one of the best ways to admire Utah’s natural beauty and its many unique features. Here in the Beehive State, we are home to some of the best backroads with views that are exquisite. Some of the best scenic drives in Utah are miles long while others are just a few miles but offer scenery that is hard to find anywhere else. The following seven backroads are just a few of our favorite roads that are perfect for a scenic drive in Utah.

1. Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway
Guardsman Pass, Utah 84121, USA
Rob DeGraff/Flickr
Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway is a lesser-known scenic drive that takes you from Park City to Brighton or to Midway. While a portion of this road is paved, you will also travel on a gravel road, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. This scenic backroad in Utah is the perfect place for beautiful mountain scenery, as well as some peace and quiet. Make sure you travel this road in the fall as the fall foliage is stunning. This backroad is closed during the winter.
2. Scenic Byway 12
Utah 12, UT-12, Escalante, UT, USA
Wolfgang Staudt/Flickr
Scenic Byway 12 is one of the longer backroads on our list, featuring 124 miles of pure beauty. This backroad takes you from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, you’ll see (and even drive!) through arches, enter small towns, become surrounded by red rocks, and so much more. This is easily one of the best scenic drives in Utah.
3. Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway
Utah 14, UT-14, Cedar City, UT, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway is a gorgeous backroad that is 40 miles and takes you along the Markagunt Plateau between Cedar City and Long Valley Junction. This road, also known as Utah Highway 14, also takes you through forests and lava flows. You will pass several overlooks including the stunning Zion Overlook and will catch glimpses of Cedar Breaks National Monument.

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4. Potash Scenic Byway
Potash Road, Potash Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA
RB_Advisor/TripAdvisor
The Potash Scenic Byway is only 18 miles and begins approximately four miles north of Moab. This scenic drive will take you along the Colorado River and Wall Street, which are popular cliffs for rock climbers. Don't forget to stop and admire the petroglyphs on the towering cliffs right next to the road.
5. Moki Dugway Scenic Backway
Moki Dugway, Utah, USA
Pictures-and-Pixels/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The Moki Dugway Scenic Backway is found near Mexican Hat and is actually considered one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the entire United States. While a portion of the highway is paved, you will travel on a gravel road, along a cliff, and at an 11% grade. However, once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with some incredible views, particularly at Muley Point. Here, you can see for miles and even catch glimpses of the Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley.
6. Nebo Loop
Nebo Loop Road, Nebo Loop Rd, Payson, UT, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
The Nebo Loop Byway is 38 miles one-way and winds you through the Wasatch Mountain Range. You’ll capture forest, mountain, and even city views as you explore all that this road has to offer. Make sure you stop by Devil’s Kitchen on the drive, which is one of the most unique natural features in the area and some Utahns even refer to it as a miniature Bryce Canyon.
7. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Utah 150, UT-150, Kamas, UT, USA
Justin Knol/Flickr
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is actually one of the more popular backroads on our list. This road begins in the small town of Kamas and takes you high into the Uinta Mountains. If you love the outdoors, you will love this scenic drive as you will pass waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes, campgrounds, picnic areas, and so much more.

What do you consider to be the best backroads in the Beehive State? Where do you like to go for a scenic drive in Utah? We’d love to hear about some of your favorite places in the comments! And, if you have a favorite business, restaurant, hike, place to stay, etc., that you love in Utah, share it with us by filling out this nomination form.

If you love exploring one of the Utah scenic byways, you need to prepare accordingly for time on the road. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list so you are always ready.

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More to Explore

Best scenic drives in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | August 19, 2023

What are some of the best scenic drives in Utah?

It is impossible to choose just one of our favorite scenic roads in Utah. There are so many extraordinary places to drive and explore. While the scenic drives listed in the article above are certainly some of our favorites, they aren’t the only ones worth checking out. In fact, some more scenic drives to consider include:

 

What are some road trips in Utah that I should add to my bucket list?

I love a good road trip. There is something special about driving around the state, stopping at unique and new attractions, and capturing some of the pure beauty of Utah. Fortunately, there are so many incredible destinations that are perfect for a road trip. Here at Only In Your State, we love creating road trips and we have designed dozens of itineraries throughout the years. Some of our favorite road trips in Utah include:

 

However, if you do plan a road trip in Utah, make sure you check out our road trip essentials packing list. This article features several items you don’t want to be without on a long road trip, and this is the ultimate guide to help you be prepared for anything you encounter on your journey.

What are some small towns in Utah I should visit?

Utah is home to dozens of charming small towns that are just waiting to be explored. In fact, many of these small towns are located right along a scenic drive. If you are searching for the next small town in Utah to visit, consider the following:

 

If you are searching for even more small towns in Utah to check out, take a look at our list featuring several small towns in Utah that are perfect for a weekend escape.

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