Scenic drives are arguably the best low-cost therapy sessions. If you’re like most of us, you’ve had long days at work, relationship problems, anxiety, etc and needed some sort of escape from the stresses of life. Did you hop in your car, put on your favorite music, roll down the windows and escape down a two lane road? By the time you got home, did you have mental clarity? There’s a lot to be said about the power of music, scenery and mediation. Long scenic drives are a great combination of all three. Some of these scenic drives are definitely out of your way but if you’re in the area we recommend you enhance your vacation by exploring these 5 scenic drives in Utah!
Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway | Vernal, UT
The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway starts in Eastern Utah and continues into Western Colorado. This federally designated National Scenic Byway winds you through some desolate high desert terrain where dinosaurs once roamed. Along the highway, travelers can stop at dinosaur fossil sites and see ancient dinosaur remains and potentially watch archeologists dig up new fossils. As you drive through the area you’re experiencing millions of years of history and can imagine how different the landscape looked back then and all of the different types of wildlife that roamed freely there.
Potash Scenic Byway | Moab, UT
Potash Scenic Byway got its name because the paved highway ends where a fertilizer mineral, potash, is mined by the Moab Salt Plant. The highway follows the Colorado River starting three miles north of Moab on US-191 ending 34 miles later at Jug Handle Arch. A dirt road continues on so vehicles with off-roading capabilities may continue to Canyonlands National Park. Expect the drive to take 2 hours if you plan to tackle the whole drive.
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway | Kamas, UT
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is a Northern Utah favorite. I personally love this drive and frequently visit the area during the summer to escape the Summer heat and get away. Driving the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway during the fall is a magnificent sight when the Aspen trees start shedding their multi-colored leaves. There’s a lot of magnificent scenery to take in along this 56-mile drive from Kamas, UT to the Wyoming state line.
Highway 12 | Southern Utah
Highway 12 is considered one of the most scenic highways in the United States, referred to as the “All American Road”. There are two national parks at both ends of this drive, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. Other scenic stops along this route are the Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument, Boulder Mountain, Dixie National Forest and Red Canyon. There’s a lot of excellent sights to see along this journey whether stopping in or driving by. You won’t be disappointed with this drive.
Logan Canyon Scenic Byway | Logan, UT
Logan Canyon is a little mountain paradise not known to many as it is located in true Northern Utah. The Salt Lake Area is considered Northern Utah but Logan is true Northern Utah. This scenic byway offers a wide variety of landscapes from rocky mountains, wonderful meadows and thick wooded areas. There are several campgrounds along this 41-mile journey and we highly recommend you plan to stay at least one night!
Scenic Drives in Utah
Utah is a spectacular place with some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen. Screw a sunset on a beach in Hawaii, how about scenic drives in Utah in the Rocky Mountains during fall. Maybe get out and do a little hiking. Our landscape variety offers people the chance to explore baron deserts roamed by dinosaurs millions of years ago, or a drive that takes you to two national parks.
