Driving through Utah is sometimes like driving on a different planet. The mountains, rock formations, and colors are unlike anything you will ever see. It’s no wonder that Utah is home to world-famous National Parks, the beauty of this state is sometimes incomparable. But where should you go to see all this inherent beauty? Here are three different drives that will give you a peek at all that Utah has to offer.
One of the first places to start is northern Utah. The area is much different than the drier, rockier vistas you will find in the southern part of the state. In the north, you will be greeted with mountains, trees, and panoramic views to rival almost anything in the US. One spot to try is a city called Logan. Logan is about as far north as you can go in Utah before hitting the next state, Idaho. Logan offers all the amenities of a normal city this size; restaurants, theater, and other entertainment. This is a great place to have as your base camp for your drives in the area. Start out by taking US 89 from Logan and heading toward Bear Lake. As you drive along, you’ll find beautiful tree-lined roads, especially colorful in the Fall season, as well as rivers and lakes that offer spectacular views. There is plenty of things to see along the way; historical farms, cheese factories, and the picturesque beauty that is Utah. But, the goal of this drive is Bear Lake. The lake sits in a valley and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and views. The lake itself offers turquoise waters that are so startling blue, it has earned the nickname of the Caribbean of the Rockies. The lake offers a marina for boating, camping, water skiing, fishing, and a host of other activities. There are also land-based activities like hiking, sightseeing, and even ATVs. The beauty of this area is unmistakable, but this is only the first stop on this Utah journey.
The next can’t miss drive will take you to one of the most famous areas in Utah, Moab. Known by hikers and mountain bikers for its unworldly rock formations and views, Moab is a can’t miss destination for any Utah trip. Moab sits on the far east side of the state and pretty far south, near the Colorado border. This drive is called the Potash Moab scenic drive and you can catch US 191 just about three miles north of Moab to begin this epic drive. This drive will take you right along the Colorado River, just north of Moab, and end right on the edge of Canyonlands National Park. And along with just the general beauty of the area, you’ll also have the chance to stop along the route to see petroglyphs and even dinosaur tracks to help remind you of how ancient this area truly is. The route only runs about 17 miles in total, but you’ll find there isn’t a lot of traffic here, unlike what you might find in some of the big parks surrounding your drive. Afterward, you can turn around or take some time and visit the Canyonlands National Park. Another option is of course to head back to Moab and enjoy all Moab has to offer, especially if you time it to watch the sunset. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget.
The last journey to take in Utah is to meander over to Zion National Park, which is Utah’s first national park. Zion National Park is located in Springdale Utah, which is about as far south as you can go in Utah. The area in and around Zion is nothing short of majestic and you’ll find yourself staring out the windows at all there is to see. For this venture, you’re going to take Hwy 9 from I-15 to Mt. Carmel Junction. This route is near St. George, which is a very affluent area with plenty of hotels in a variety of price ranges and options. When you’re on Highway 9, this is the main route to Zion National Park, but also a great scenic drive. Along the way you’ll also pass by several towns; Hurricane, Virgin, Rockville, and Springdale, which can provide a much-needed respite from the Utah sun. And when you’re close to Rockville you can see the place where they shot some scenes for the Paul Newman and Robert Redford classic, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Keep in mind on this route that Highway 9 will lead you directly to Zion National Park, so you will have to pay the park’s entrance fee to continue on the trip. Of course, this is the perfect time to stop at the park, look at all the natural beauty and then get back on the road for the remainder of the drive. Past Zion, you will find Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and other area attractions. You might have to plan for a couple of days of driving just to see it all.
Utah is one of those places that seems to hold endless beauty and possibility. If you want scenic vistas, skiing, river fishing, boating, sightseeing, or a luxurious resort, you can find it all in Utah. And the scenic drives that can be found throughout the state are like an endless treasure hunt with each route and turn holding more beauty and mystery than the one before. So grab your keys, hop in the car and take one of these routes in Utah to find out for yourself how wonderful and awe inspiring this scenery can be.