Utah is an absolutely stunning state, with sweeping views every way you look. Here are 13 scenic drives in Utah that are incredibly beautiful — so beautiful, in fact, that you’ll definitely want to take your time and savor the drive. Buckle up and let’s get going on some of the best scenic drives in Utah.

1) Nebo Loop
Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway, Nebo Loop Rd, Nephi, UT 84648, USA
Ken Lund/flickr
This scenic drive is beautiful all year round, though it's especially gorgeous in the fall once the leaves turn.
2) Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Zion – Mount Carmel Highway, Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy, Springdale, UT, USA
RomanKhomlyak/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
This section of Zion-Mount Carmel Highway winds about 26 miles through Zion National Park. The small toll is well worth the money for this scenic drive, which is positively sublime.
3) Alpine Loop
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Utah, USA
Rudi Riet/flickr
Whether you start at American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon, Alpine Loop provides picturesque views of Utah Valley. Please note: this loop is open seasonally -- late May through the end of October.
4) Highway 12 - Red Canyon
Utah 12, UT-12, Escalante, UT, USA
©fitopardo/ Moment Via Getty Images
When searching for some of the best driving roads in Utah, this is it. The views are incredible and the south portion of this scenic highway offers plenty of unique rock formations.
5) Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121, USA
utahwildflowers/flickr
Big Cottonwood Canyon will take you all the way up to Brighton, where you can then get out and hike to see even scenic beauty.
6) Indian Creek Scenic Byway
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
David Millar/flickr
This scenic byway will take you into Canyonlands. Don't forget to stop along the way for a quick peek at Newspaper Rock!
7) Guardsman Pass
Guardsman Pass, Utah 84121, USA
Michael Jolley/flickr
Panoramic Park City views abound on Guardsman Pass, which is closed during the winter. However, if you are searching for the best backroads in Utah during the fall, make sure this scenic drive is at the top of your list — it's gorgeous!
8) Potash Road
Potash Road, Potash Rd, Moab, UT 84532, USA
Ken Lund/flickr
Potash is the nickname for SR-279. It winds along the Colorado River and ends at the border of Canyonlands National Park.
9) Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway
Utah 14, UT-14, Cedar City, UT, USA
Ken Lund/flickr
This byway (U-14) stretches from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction. This scenic drive is approximately 40 miles and takes you through both Iron and Kane counties.
10) Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Utah 150, UT-150, Kamas, UT, USA
JR P/flickr
From Kamas, you'll drive through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, enjoying stunning foliage and perhaps even sighting some wildlife on this scenic byway before you arrive at Mirror Lake.
11) Upper Colorado Scenic Byway
Utah 128, UT-128, Utah, USA
ecksunderscore/Flickr
This stunning state route (also known as U-128) starts in Moab and stretched almost 45 glorious miles.
12) Capitol Reef Scenic Byway
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
Ken Lund/flickr
This photo was taken from the Plateau Valley near Loa. The entire Capitol Reef Scenic Byway will take you about 4 hours to traverse.
13) East Canyon
East Canyon, Utah 84050, USA
Utah Department of Transportation/flickr
A beautiful drive that's in a beautiful park — get out, stretch your legs, and maybe even pitch a hammock for some scenic chill time.

What other scenic drives in Utah would you recommend? What do you consider to be the best backroads in Utah? Let us know in the comments! And, before you head on any backroads in Utah, make sure to check out our list featuring the best road trip snacks.

If you prefer to take in the beauty of The Beehive State on foot, these 15 gorgeous hikes in Utah will not disappoint!

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Scenic Drives In Utah

Sarah | February 06, 2021

What's the most beautiful place in Utah?

You don't expect us to pick just one (or two, or three), do you? Utah is just too beautiful to be contained in a list, but we'll try! Nestled in the mountains above Ogden, the Ogden Valley is just heavenly. Between the charming, rural communities of Eden and Huntsville, the popular Pineview Reservoir and two ski areas, there's lots to see and do in this pretty place.

Another stunner is Provo River Falls, one of Utah's most beautiful and most accessible waterfall. It's located along the Mirror Lake Scenic Highway (information in the article above!), above Kamas, and you can see it right from the parking lot. Here are 15 of the state's most beautiful places.

Are there any scenic overlooks in Utah?

There are! If you're enjoying one of our scenic drives in Utah, and find yourself wanting to stop and savor the views, you can most definitely do that at some of the state's many scenic overlooks. Bryce Canyon National Park has some of *the best* views in the state -- Inspiration Point is perhaps the prettiest, but you'll have to go and decide for yourself!

Why are some of Utah's scenic byways closed in the winter?

Utah is a total winter wonderland -- so much so, that many of its scenic byways shut down during the winter months. Between significant snowfall and other hazardous conditions, you'll want to avoid certain spots during the winter months. You can find all the road closures on the Utah Department of Transportation website Seasonal Road Closure page.

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