Posted in Utah Nature August 11, 2021 by Catherine Armstrong

The Utah Scenic Drive You Won’t Want To Miss This Year

There are many ways to witness Utah’s scenic beauty. Hiking is a great way to get up close and personal with the the Beehive State’s wilderness, but sometimes it’s nice to sit back and enjoy the views without breaking a sweat. Hop in the car and head out to the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, one of the best scenic drives in Utah. Let’s go!

The Sheep Creek Geological Loop takes you on a 13-mile long adventure through some of Utah's most beautiful terrain.

The loop starts about five miles south of Manila, where you'll break off from Highway 44. The road winds through the scenic mountains west of Flaming gorge before returning you to the highway.

The twisted rock formations here are a result of the Uinta Fault - a 100-mile long fault line.

You'll likely see wildlife along the way. This guy was just hanging out on a cliff, watching cars pass beneath him.

It wouldn't be a Utah scenic drive if you didn't spot a mule deer or two.

Sometimes you have to look carefully to see some of the resident wildlife. Can you spot the three bighorn sheep in this photo?

Don't forget to bring your camera; the towering cliffs and spires you'll encounter along the way are awe-inspiring and quite photogenic.

The road twists and turns through sagebrush-covered hills and forested valleys.

You'll catch glimpses of Sheep Creek here and there along the way.

If you have time, watch for the turnoff to Spirit Lake. It's a great spot for a bit of fishing, hiking or a picnic.

What are you waiting for? Gas up the car and take a drive!

What’s your favorite part of the Sheep Creek Geological Loop? Don’t you agree that it’s one of the best scenic drives in Utah? Share your experiences on this scenic route in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more scenic drives around the state, check out these 13 unforgettable roads.

Address: Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area, Utah 84046, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best scenic drives in Utah

August 16, 2021

Sarah

What are some of the best scenic drives in Utah?

If you enjoyed the Sheep Creek Geological Loop, then you’ll absolutely love these 13 scenic drives in Utah. We’ll give you a sneak peek of some of our favorites: the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which winds about 26 miles through Zion National Park and features positively sublime views (there is a small toll, but it’s well-worth it!); Big Cottonwood Canyon, which will take you all the way up to Brighton where you can then get out and hike to see even scenic beauty (talk about the perfect Utah day!); and the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, where you’ll drive through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, enjoying stunning foliage and perhaps even sighting some wildlife, too!

Are there many beautiful places in Utah?

Utah’s diverse beauty never fails to amaze and delight us. From its stunning red rock cliffs in the south, to its alpine forests and lakes in the north, there are plenty of places where we can surround ourselves with nature’s majesty. Some of our favorite must-visit spots in the state include Arches National Park, Bear Lake, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, Bonneville Salt Flats, Bonneville Salt Flats, and Buckskin Gulch — but these places are really just the beginning when it comes to places with breathtaking Utah beauty!

What are some of the best day trips I can take in Utah?

Grab your calendar and get ready for an epic Utah adventure, because we have 12 road trips designed to be tackled over the course of an entire year! From alpine mountains to red-rock cliffs, Utah pretty much has it all. If you haven’t ever explored our entire state, you’ll love this 12-month itinerary, which will take you to many parts of Utah at the best possible time. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to add to your Utah bucket list, here are 13 of the most unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy road trips you can take in the Beehive State. Now go forth and have a grand Utah adventure!

Address: Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area, Utah 84046, USA