Utah offers some of the most spectacular road trips found in the whole country, so whether you are heading here in your car or on your motorbike, you will have plenty of trips to choose from. Here are some of the most impressive scenic routes that you can enjoy when you head to Utah on your vacation.
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
There are a number of byways in Utah that are designated as ‘Scenic Byways,’ and these are the perfect places to go exploring on a day out on the road. One of the most popular, especially if you are staying in Park City, is the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.
Starting in Kamas, this takes in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and the Uinta Mountains, providing a number of spectacular viewpoints along the way, including forests, lakes, mountains, and more.
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway in the east of Utah takes you through not only dramatic scenery but also some of the most spectacular dinosaur country in America. Many discoveries have been made in this area by paleontologists over the years, including in recent times. It goes through Canyon Country and the Utah’ Uinta Basin, then on into Colorado, in a 500 mile loop.
Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway
Encounter stunning scenery and dramatic mountains in one of the most spectacular road trips in Utah. It goes from Park City to Brighton or to Midway, making it an ideal option if you are staying in Park City lodging during your vacation.
The road is paved for most of the journey, making it easy to drive in any car, but it is only open in the summer and fall. In summer it is particularly beautiful because you will see the fields in bloom. There are many beautiful views all along the way, especially when it goes through the Wasatch Mountain State Park. It is also easy to drive in an hour or so, making it a perfect afternoon trip.
Nebo Loop Scenic Byway
Go through the Uinta National Forest on this loop and enjoy stunning views along the way, especially the view of the Utah valley. You will also drive through the Wasatch Mountains and see Mount Nebo. This trip is even more spectacular during the fall when you will see the stunning foliage. There are also places to go hiking along the way, such as in the Payson Lakes Recreation Area. It is just under 40 miles in total, and it will take you about an hour and a half to drive around.
Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway
See striking geological formations as you head into the Uinta Mountains on this route. It is an important area for fossils, and you can also spot plenty of wildlife along the way. Enjoy the canyons and the stunning views, especially those from Red Canyon Overlook. You will also pass through forests as you travel from Vernal to Manila, and there are a number of nature trails along the way. You should also stop to see the mighty Flaming Gorge Dam.
Discover Utah by Road
Utah offers visitors so much to discover, and you can easily spend many days exploring the roads here. The above ideas are just a few of the many trips available whether you want to explore by car or motorbike, so keep them in mind when you visit Utah on your vacation. Then head out into the state and enjoy some spectacular scenery and amazing views on a road trip to remember.
Luke Sterling enjoys his work as a travel consultant and also loves to be able to share his insights with an online audience. His thoughts can be viewed across a number of relevant websites.