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The beaten path, sure it gets you there, but for many the reward is in the journey. Utah’s designated Scenic Byways and Backways are roads that lead drivers to distant vistas and panoramas worlds away from the mainstream. As Robert Frost once said “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

SCENIC BYWAYS

What Is A Scenic Byway? A Scenic Byway is a well maintained road or highway that offers outstanding scenic beauty along with historical, recreational and cultural qualities. Byways are generally suitable for travel by most passenger vehicles. Always check weather and road conditions before you embark upon your journey.

National Scenic Byway Highway SR-143 -
Nature’s Patchwork Parkway-Parowan to Panguitch

Byway description: From Parowan, the highway climbs past the colorful Vermillion Cliffs through a maple and scrub oak forest. The road twists through cone shaped white cliffs then makes a major ascent to the forested heights of Brian Head ski town. Past Brian Head, the road climbs again to summit at 10,400 feet and continues south past the North View of Cedar Breaks National Monument, where it junctions with Hwy SR-148.
Heading east, the road descends through a thick aspen forest which is brilliant in the late September with golden and red aspens. You’ll see distant views into the pink cliffs of the Paunsagunt Plateau. Ancient lava fields pop up through the aspen trees that line the highway. The road meets up with Panguitch Lake which is popular for fishing and boating. SR 143 continues east, following lush pastures and the banks of the Panguitch Lake Creek into historic Panguitch.

How do I get there? From Parowan I- 15 exit #78, go south on Parowan’s Main Street, turn left at Center St/SR-143and head east.

Is road open in the winter? Yes, but check road conditions in the winter.

Side Trips & Viewpoints:
Parowan Cemetery
Vermillion Cliffs Picnic Area
Yankee Meadow
Hidden Haven Waterfall
Dry Lakes Scenic Backway
Brian Head Resort
Brian Head Peak Road
Cedar Breaks
Panguitch Lake
Historic Panguitch

What is the one way, no stops drive time? The drive is 55 miles and takes about 90 minutes to travel.

Grade & Elevation: 13% Grade. Elevation is from 5,600 feet to 10,400 feet. The portion between Parowan and Brian Head is steep and not recommended for RV’s or semi trucks.

Services: Lodging, gas, food, campgrounds, visitor centers in Parowan, Brian Head and Panguitch.

For more information: visit www.utahspatchworkparkway.com

Highway SR-14 - Cedar Mountain/Markaguant Plateau

Byway Description: The byway cuts through Cedar City’s red hill, then crosses through a thick maple and scrub oak forest. The road then climbs through a narrow canyon looking in to the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area with sheer cliffs towering on both sides. Coming out of the canyon, you’ll pass the Southern Utah University Mountain Center and the Wood’s Ranch Recreation Area. Upon entering the Dixie National Forest you’ll glimpse into a sand- cut amphitheater similar to Cedar Breaks National Monument. The road will twist and turn through an aspen and pine forest, hugging the edge of the Markagunt Plateau.
The highway summits at 9,900 feet and continues along another mile before meeting up with Hwy SR-148 junction, which leads to Cedar Breaks National Monument. As Hwy SR-14 continues east, you’ll observe a landscape carpeted with ancient lava fields and layers of volcanic rock.
Around a sharp bend, Navajo Lake overlook will unfold for a great photo opportunity (the forest road to the lake is just mile further down Hwy SR-14). Continuing east, you’ll pass the Duck Creek Pond and the summer hamlet of Duck Creek Village. Continuing along the byway is the turnoff for Mammoth Creek Road, which junctions at scenic byway SR-143 to the north. Road begins to descend into Long Valley, twisting and turning through scrub oak and maple and ends at the junction of Highway US-89.

How do I get there? From I-15, take Cedar City Center Exit #59, head east on 200 North to Main Street. At Main Street, turn right and head south one block to Center St/University BLVD, turn left and head east. Road becomes Hwy SR-14.

Is road open in winter? Yes, but check road conditions before you leave.

Side Trips & Viewpoints:
Cedar Canyon Walking Trail
Kolob Reservoir Scenic Backway
Woods Ranch Picnic Area and Kids Pond
Zion Overlook
Bristlecone Walking Trail
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Navajo Lake Overlook
Navajo Lake: fishing, hiking, biking and camping area. The trailhead to the Virgin River Rim and Cascade Falls is nearby and the Ice Caves is an interesting site to explore.
Duck Creek Reservoir/Aspen Mirror Lake
Duck Creek Village
Mammoth Creek Road & Mammoth Cave
Strawberry Point Overlook

What is the one way, no stops driving time? Hwy SR-14 is 40 miles long and takes about one hour to travel.

Grade & Elevation: 8% Grade. Elevation gain from 5,600 feet to 9,900 feet.

Services: food, lodging, gas, campgrounds, Dixie National Forest Service visitor center at Duck Creek Pond (summer only).

Highway SR-148 - Cedar Breaks National Monument

Byway Description: The road begins in a lush meadow then ascends through the Dixie National Forest. At the monument’s entrance to the road will make a sharp turn east and the speed limit will drop. The road will again turn north and you’ll see the Visitor Center/Entrance Station on the west side of the road.
Cedar Breaks is a large, natural amphitheater about three miles wide and 2,500 feet deep. The walls of Cedar Breaks are eroded into carved spires and dazzling rock formations. The byway traverses the rim of this amazing natural wonder with several pull-off points along the way.
The meadows that surround the Breaks are famous for their incredible variety of wildflowers July and early August plus fabulous fall colors in late September. At mile six, the road meets with scenic Byway SR 143. From here you can continue north into Brian Head meeting up with I-15 or continue east to Panguitch and Highway US-89.

How do I get there? Head east of Cedar City approximately 18 miles on SR –14 then turn north at the junction of SR-148.

Is road open in the winter? No. Road generally closes from mid November through late May to become a groomed trail for snowmobiles, x-country skiing and snowshoeing. Call ahead to check road closures and openings.

Side Trips & Viewpoints:
Cedar Breaks Visitor Center-Point Supreme
Ramparts Hiking Trail
Cedar Breaks Campground & Picnic Area
Sunset Viewpoint
Chessman Ridge Viewpoint/Alpine Pond trailhead

What is the one way, no stops drive time? This drive covers six miles and takes about 30 minutes to travel.

Grade & Elevation: 4% Grade. Elevation gain from 9,900 feet to 10,500 feet.

Services: Campground and National Park Service Visitor Center (seasonal from late May thru mid November), 435-586-9451 or www.nps.gov/cebr

Kolob Canyons / North Zion National Park

Byway Description: Starting at the Visitor Center, the drive through Kolob crosses a major fault line which gives rise to the great plateau in which Zion was born. The road will make a sharp turn and the enormous natural cutaway of the Markagunt Plateau will unfold, and Zion’s tallest peak Horse Ranch Mountain will rise above you. The road will climb further and curve around a box canyon cut by the south fork of Taylor Creek. The route will traverse along a ridgeline, climbing over 1,000 feet in elevation until it ends at a turnabout known as the Timbercreek Overlook. Timber Creek features an absolutely breathtaking view of the Kolob Terrace and Pine Valley Mountains to the west. Keep your camera ready. The light in the afternoon to twilight can be the best time for photography and this area is one of the best places for panoramic shots.

How do I get there? From Cedar City travel 17 miles south on I-15 and take Exit #40.

Is road open in the winter? Yes, but check road conditions in the winter.

Side Trips & Viewpoints:
Middle Fork of Taylor Creek hiking trail
South Fork of Taylor Creek viewpoint
Lee's Pass hiking trail to Kolob Arch
Timber Top Mountain viewpoint
Timbercreek Picnic area and short hiking trail

What is the one way, no stops drive time? The route is only six miles long and takes about 20 minutes to travel.

Grade & Elevation: 4%. Elevation is from 5,000 feet to 6,300 feet.

Services: National Park Service Visitor Center, 435-586-9548 or www.nps.gov/zion

SCENIC BACKWAYS

What is a Scenic Backway? A Scenic Backway is back country road or path that offers outstanding scenic beauty along with historical, recreational and cultural qualities. Backways have surfaces that vary from pavement to gravel with vary degrees of travel difficulty. Backways are generally recommended for vehicles with high clearance and four wheel drive. When planning your trip along a backway it’s advisable to bring preparedness items such as food, water, spare tire, & maps. Cell phones often do not work in the back country. Always tell someone your travel plans.

Dry Lakes / High Mountain Scenic Backway

Backway provides sweeping views of Parowan Canyon, Sugarloaf Mountain, High Mountain, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. This is also the access to road to the Twisted Forest hiking trail and Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area. Road begins 8 miles up Hwy SR 143. This a good gravel road with very steep grade coming off the High Mountain towards Summit township. Road is 19 miles long. Check road conditions ahead of time. Closed in the winter.

Kolob Reservoir Scenic Backway

Backway travels through thick aspen forest to Kolob Reservoir , through grassy meadows to the red and white backcountry of Zion National Park. Route begins five miles east of Cedar City, off Hwy SR 14 and ends at Hwy SR-9. Road is 45 miles long and is closed in winter. This Backway is also not suitable for travel in wet conditions.

Helpful Phone Numbers

Utah Road Conditions Hotline: Dial 511 or 1-866-511-8824
Emergency: Dial 911
Utah Highway Patrol Dispatch: 435-586-9445

Helpful Tips

All Utah Byways are indicated with dotted lines on the official Utah Highway Map.
Keep traffic flowing. Pull off the road if you have more than five cars behind you. There are always pull-off points along the byways.
Save your breaks by using the lower gears of your cars engine when coming down steep grades.
Check weather conditions at local visitor centers or log on to www.scenicsouthernutah.com.