Must-See Scenic Road Trips

Must-See Scenic Road Trips

Utah, a state known for its stunning landscapes, invites travelers to embark on a unique journey through its 19 designated scenic routes, also known as Utah Scenic Byways. These routes offer a chance to explore unique geological formations, natural wonders, and historical landmarks at a leisurely pace.

One such route is the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway (US-89), which traverses the Bear River Range. This byway boasts the highest point on US-89 in Utah at Bear Lake Summit (7,800 ft). Along the route, travelers can enjoy hiking access points, forest scenery, Bear Lake’s shoreline, and mountain passes with horseshoe curves. The byway encompasses natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities in and near Logan Canyon and Garden City.

Another noteworthy route is the one that runs through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Although the scenic byways here are often primitive or backcountry roads, this area showcases striking geological layers resembling a giant staircase. Highlights include slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky, Calf Creek Falls, Devils Garden, and sweeping desert landscapes rich with colorful sandstone formations and sparse vegetation typical of high desert ecosystems.

The Buckskin Mountain Passage, near the Utah border, offers a glimpse of Utah’s craggy pink peaks and unique rock formations, including the psychedelic swirling sandstone of the Vermilion Cliffs. The terrain features high desert ecosystems of cacti and piñon-juniper trees, wash crossings, and grassy hillsides with panoramic views and spring wildflowers.

While the full list of all 19 specific byways with their geological features and speed limits is not directly provided, Utah’s scenic routes commonly incorporate slow speed limits to enhance visitor safety and appreciation of sights like colorful cliffs, canyons, mountain ranges, and historic towns.

Travelers can expect slow speeds on many segments to fully enjoy stops for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. It is advisable to pack water, snacks, and a roadside emergency kit for long stretches lacking services. Local diners near route endpoints often serve hearty meals perfect after a day exploring.

For camping enthusiasts, booking sites early at popular recreation areas is recommended. Utah's fall festivals celebrate nature's fireworks, with cottonwood trees blazing gold against crimson cliffs and the Alpine Loop near Provo becoming a tunnel of quaking aspens each October.

Build flexibility into your travel schedule, factoring in extra time for slower speeds, spontaneous stops, and weather alerts before tackling mountain passes. Winter in Utah adds new drama, with snow-dusted mesas in Monument Valley looking like powdered sugar sculptures.

For those planning a scenic road trip, grab an official highway map to reveal hidden gems missed by navigation apps. And remember, as you traverse these routes, drive thoughtfully, leave no trace, and let every turn reveal new wonders.

1. Embarking on the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, travelers may find a tranquil connection between home-and-garden landscapes, as the route offers access points for hiking, views of Bear Lake's shoreline, and forest scenery, transforming the journey into an essential part of one's lifestyle and wisdom about nature.
2. While exploring Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, intrepid tourists can immerse themselves in a world of peek-a-boo and spooky slot canyons, vibrant sandstone formations, and high desert ecosystems, enriching their understanding of geological processes and nurturing an appreciation for the natural wonders that define travel, wisdom, and lifestyle.

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