SCENIC DRIVES
UTAH’S national scenic byways
In 1991, the United States Department of Transportation began a programme establishing designated highway routes considered so visually beautiful and unique that they should be identified as National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. They are the icons of the American road trip. What better way to explore the attractions of Utah than along these extraordinary highways.
LOGAN CANYON NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
From Logan to Garden City, this byway parallels the Logan River along Logan Canyon, passing through dense forests, lush meadows, rugged rock formations and panoramic views. The Logan Canyon byway ends at the shimmering turquoise water of Bear Lake. Each season brings a colourful show, especially in autumn.
NEBO LOOP NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
A winding, 34-mile (55-km) drive between Payson in the north and Nephi in the south crosses the Uinta National Forest and provides views of Utah Valley, the Wasatch Mountains and spectacular vistas of 11,800ft (3,600m) Mt Nebo – the highest mountain in the Wasatch range. Devil’s Kitchen Geologic Interest Site features red-rock formations set against the brilliant foliage along the route.
FLAMING GORGE-UINTAS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
This byway meanders over the eastern flank of the Uinta Mountains, crossing the Ashley National Forest and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Visitors can view wildlife in their native habitats and experience the ‘real West’ as passed down through the Western folklore of early explorers, homesteaders, mountain men, outlaws and cowboys.
DINOSAUR DIAMOND PREHISTORIC NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
The Dinosaur Diamond runs through the best landscape in the world to learn about dinosaurs. Numerous sites are available to the public, where
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bones and tracks are still visible in the ground. Several museums along the way – including Dinosaur National Monument – add to the opportunities to look into earth’s prehistoric past and see the fossilised remains of these great beasts. The visitor centre at Dinosaur National Monument has recently been remodelled.
THE ENERGY LOOP: HUNTINGTON/ ECCLES CANYONS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
FROM BOISE
This scenic byway cuts across the Manti-La Sal National Forest, rising up to 11,500 feet (3,500 metres) above sea level. Discover the rich history of industrial development as you view coal- mining operations, historic mining towns and coal-fired power plants. Nearby, Sanpete Valley contains some of Utah’s best-preserved Mormon pioneer settlements.
FROM JACKSON HOLE 84
FROM TAHOE
15
Salt Lake City 80
Logan Canyon
TRAIL OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
Ogden Logan
80
St. George 15
Explore the long and intriguing occupation of the Four Corners region by Native Americans. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse high-desert landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. World-renowned Hovenweep National Monument, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado are highlights on the trail. Zion National Park
Park City Provo
15 70
Capitol Reef National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
FROM LAS VEGAS 70 Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park
SCENIC BYWAY 12 – UTAH’S FIRST ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
A premier, nationally-designated All-American Road, Scenic Byway 12 takes you to the heart of Utah. From the west, the vermillion-coloured rock formations of Red Canyon set the stage for this exceptional 124-miles (200-km), which negotiates an isolated landscape of canyons,
Scenic Byway 12 (Bryce Canyon)
Dixie NF
Red Canyon
Scenic Byway 143 Utah's Patchwork Parkway
Escalante SP
Kodachrome Basin SP
Mexican Hat Bridges NM Natural
Hovenweep NM
(Monument Valley)
Trail of the Ancients
In addition to these National Scenic Byways and All-American Road there are 18 more, designated as Utah State Scenic Byways. No less significant than their nationally-designated cousins, these byways are unforgettable in their own right. For more information, go to
www.visitutah.com
Dead Horse Point
Moab Arches NP
DENVER FROM The Energy Loop
Nebo Loop (Mt. Nebo)
FROM CHEYENNE Flaming Gorge-Unitas S
National Scenic Byway 12
plateaux and valleys that range from 4,000 to 9,000 feet (1,219 to 2,743 metres) above sea level. You'll encounter archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational and scenic attractions while driving this exhilarating byway.
SCENIC BYWAY 143 – UTAH’S PATCHWORK PARKWAY
Utah’s newest National Scenic Byway crosses the Dixie National Forest from Panguitch to Parowan, near Cedar City. Cresting the 4,500ft (1,372m) pass at Brian Head, the highway journeys through six distinct life zones in 51 miles (82 kms). It skirts Panguitch Lake and Cedar Breaks National Monument. By day, there are abundant outdoor recreational opportunities and, by night, some of the darkest and star-filled skies found anywhere on earth.
UTAH NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
Joyce Marrero
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