7 Great Road Trips to Take in Utah
Utah is made for road trips. Within one day, and sometimes even hours, you might cross red rock canyons and remote plateaus. For the ultimate introduction to the state, the Mighty 5 Loop stands out for its five national parks and the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion. Whether you're seeking the drama of Logan Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains or a tour of the state's iconic national parks, you'll find your ideal road trip route in the seven options below, complete with practical details to help you travel safely and confidently.
Scenic Byway 12: 124 miles
We'll start with one of Utah's most varied road trips and a designated All-American Road. With a national park at either end, Scenic Byway 12 offers rapid landscape changes, from hoodoos, slickrock domes, and alpine meadows, all within a few hours. Start in the small town of Panguitch near Bryce Canyon National Park, and spend the day exploring the trails. During hot weather, stick to the easy streamside Mossy Cave trail (only .8 mile) that leads to a cool sheltered grotto, and if weather permits, the Navajo Loop, starting at Sunset Point, is a must-do for its slot canyon experience.
The next day, drive Scenic Byway 12 to your end point in Torrey at the edge of Capitol Reef National Park. Along the way, you'll cross high forested plateaus and the narrow Hogsback, where steep drop-offs will keep your attention on the road. Keep in mind that guardrails are limited in places, and winter snow can close sections temporarily. In summer, plan to be patient with the presence of RV traffic and bicyclists. If you can swing it, consider spending another day at Capitol Reef, known for its rock climbing, horseback riding, and cycling.
Bicentennial Highway: 126 miles
For a quiet, isolated route along some of Utah's lesser-traveled landscape, drive Utah Highway 95 from Hanksville to Blanding. This is remote canyon country that crosses the Colorado River at Lake Powell and passes near Natural Bridges National Monument. Plan a stop here to enjoy a short, easy walk to the Sipapu Bridge Viewpoint or for some birdwatching. Stargazing is legendary here in the world’s first “International Dark Sky Park,” so if you're up for remote camping, snag a site at the Natural Bridges campground and enjoy the show.
This Utah road trip stands out for its solitude, but bear in mind that you may face long stretches that lack cell service. The Bicentennial Highway also includes steep grades and sharp curves near canyon crossings, so be alert and take advantage of pull-offs for the best sightseeing.
Dinosaur Diamond Loop: approximately 500 miles
Calling all dinosaur lovers! This drive stands out for its prehistoric focus. Think fossil quarries, petroglyph panels, and layered canyon walls that reveal hundreds of millions of years of history. You'll start in Salt Lake City with an introduction to prehistoric life at the Natural History Museum of Utah, and then head east on I-80 to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, staying the night in Vernal before checking out the Dinosaur National Monument, famous for its Wall of Bones.
The next day, continue on your loop heading west on Highway 191. Stop at the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, also called the Jurassic National Monument near Price. The quarry here contains one of the densest concentrations of Jurassic-aged dinosaur bones ever found. After getting your fill of prehistoric history, finish your drive in Moab. If you have time, spending a day at Arches National Park makes for a memorable ending.
Mileage for this drive is approximate, depending on how many detours you wish to make. Keep in mind that services thin out between small towns in this part of the state, so monitor fuel carefully. Also know that summer thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in low areas.
Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway: 62 miles
If you want both mountain forests and dramatic red rock cliffs in one short drive, Utah's Highway 44 delivers. This drive starts in Vernal, which makes it a good road trip to combine with your dinosaur sightseeing. The destination is Manila, along the stunning Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway. The road climbs into the eastern flank of the Uinta Mountains and through the Ashley National Forest, evoking a sense of the classic American West before descending toward Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This 91-mile-long reservoir spans the Utah-Wyoming border, and is celebrated for its boating, fishing for lake trout and kokanee, and camping. Plan to stay awhile, especially during the summer months, camping along the lakeshore or grabbing a room in Manila. Keep an eye out along the route for wildlife such as deer and elk. It's also important to note that elevations along the Flaming Gorge exceed 9,000 feet, and snow can close sections in winter.
Monument Valley to Natural Bridges: 76 miles (plus scenic loops)
This is the route for the photographer in your midst. Start your road trip just across the border in Arizona's Monument Valley, where a 17-mile scenic dirt drive winds north past the Mittens and Merrick Butte beneath wide desert skies. From there, continue north on US-163 toward Mexican Hat, stopping at the famous highway overlook often called Forrest Gump Point. (If you've seen the classic film, you'll immediately recognize the terrain.) Detour to Goosenecks State Park to enjoy another iconic vista looking down on the San Juan River twisting through deep canyon bends. Continue through the gravel loop at Valley of the Gods, with its towering sandstone formations, and, if conditions permit, consider driving the steep Moki Dugway switchbacks on UT-261.
From there, continue north to Natural Bridges National Monument, where a paved nine-mile loop connects short hikes to three massive stone bridges. Keep driving north into the canyon country surrounding Canyonlands National Park, especially the Island in the Sky district, for expansive overlooks above the Colorado River. This route works best over three to four days, so you can fully enjoy some of the Southwest’s most dramatic desert terrain.
Logan Canyon Scenic Byway: 100 miles
Another road trip that's easily accessible from Salt Lake City starts in nearby Logan and ends at Bear Lake near Garden City. Logan is a relaxed destination all on its own, with a walkable downtown and lively food scene. Start your drive by fueling up with lunch at Tandoori Oven, a popular spot for locals and out-of-towners alike for its authentic flavors.
From Logan, the road climbs steadily along the Logan River, with multiple pullouts for hiking and fishing access. This area is a prime example of northern Utah's scenery, complete with limestone cliffs and dense forest. If you're driving in winter, heavy snow could be possible, and chains or four-wheel drive may be required. In autumn, however, this stretch is known for its colorful foliage. Your destination is the bright blue water of Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border. Head to Bear Lake State Park on the western shore for swimming, paddle sports, and beachy vibes, and spend a night in Garden City before returning to Salt Lake City.
The Mighty 5 Loop: Approximately 1,000 miles
We saved the most epic road trip for last. Utah is home to five national parks, The Mighty Five, and on this route, you get to see them all: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Most travelers start and end the roughly 1,040-mile loop in Las Vegas, Nevada, and plan at least seven days. Roads are paved and well-maintained, but this trip stands out for scale. At times, there is roughly 100 miles between destinations, but road trippers are rewarded with the towering sandstone cliffs in Zion, delicate arches near Moab, and the maze-like canyons of Canyonlands.
From Las Vegas, you'll come to Zion National Park first. Stay in Springdale, where you can catch the shuttle into the park for its famed hiking, such as Emerald Pools and the challenging Angels Landing, for which you'll need a permit. From Zion, head to Bryce Canyon National Park about an hour and a half away, hopefully in time to catch the sunset. Be sure to see the hoodoos before departing for Capitol Reef National Park, approximately 2 hours away. Capitol Reef's unique geography will inspire some photo ops, especially at the Goosenecks Overlook.
From here, head to Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and another 2.5-hour drive, stopping to explore Goblin Valley State Park's otherworldly rock formations along the way. In Arches, get a timed ticket and drive the loop to see the famous Delicate Arch, then spend the day exploring the additional stops on the loop. The next morning, hike to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands for the sunrise.
Explore Utah's Once-In-A-Lifetime Road Trips
Before setting out on any Utah road trip, preparation is necessary. Check fuel levels often, carry water year-round, and monitor weather, as Utah weather can be unpredictable. Whether you choose a short canyon drive easily accessed from Salt Lake City or a thousand-mile national park loop, each of these Utah road trips delivers on distinct terrain and a strong sense of place.
