Southern Utah is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and there are numerous scenic drives that allow visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty. Here are ten of the most scenic drives in Southern Utah:
- Scenic Byway 12: Known as “A Journey Through Time,” this 122-mile route between Panguitch and Torrey takes you through stunning landscapes, including Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park.
- Highway 24: Stretching through Capitol Reef National Park, this highway offers stunning views of towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and the park’s iconic Waterpocket Fold.
- Highway 143: Known as the Patchwork Parkway, this scenic route passes through the scenic Brian Head area, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and offers stunning views of colorful meadows, forests, and rugged mountains.
- Scenic Byway 24: This 40-mile drive between Torrey and Hanksville takes you through the spectacular landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park, with its dramatic canyons, cliffs, and colorful rock formations.
- Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: Located in Zion National Park, this 25-mile road winds through towering red cliffs, narrow canyons, and the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, providing stunning views of the park’s iconic landmarks.
- Highway 12 to Boulder: This section of Highway 12 takes you through the scenic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and offers panoramic views of canyons, mesas, and colorful rock formations.
- Cottonwood Canyon Road: Located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this 47-mile dirt road showcases the area’s rugged and remote beauty, including towering cliffs, slot canyons, and the colorful Cottonwood Narrows.
- Highway 95: Running through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Natural Bridges National Monument, this highway offers stunning vistas of rugged canyons, the San Juan River, and the iconic Natural Bridges.
- Hole-in-the-Rock Road: Located in the remote Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument, this dirt road provides access to numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, including Devil’s Garden and the Escalante River.
- Hell’s Backbone Road: This scenic drive connects Boulder to Escalante and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, deep canyons, and the famous Hell’s Backbone Bridge. Scenic Routes Discovering Southern Utah’s Breathtaking Beauty