Scenic Byways and Backways
Scenic Byways & Backways
As Robert Frost once said, “And I took the road less traveled, and that made all the difference.” Utah’s scenic byways and backways are for those seeking panoramas worlds away from the mainstream. These highways and backcountry paths offer outstanding scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, plus significant cultural and historical elements.
What is a Scenic Byway?
A scenic byway is a well-maintained road or highway that is suitable for travel by most passenger vehicles. Popular Southern Utah Byways include Cedar Mountain U-14, Cedar Breaks National Monument U-148, Kolob Canyons Scenic Route, Zion National Park U- 9, the nationally designated “All American Highway” U-12 through the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and the recently designated “Patchwork Parkway” Hwy-143 through Brian Head.
What is a Scenic Backway?
Scenic backways are backcountry roads with surfaces that vary from pavement to gravel. Notable backways include Kolob Reservoir, Dry Lakes, Hole-In-The-Rock, and Smithsonian Butte. It’s advisable to bring preparedness items such as food, water, spare tire, cell phone, fuel, and maps while traveling any scenic backway. Always check road and weather conditions before embarking on your journey. Maps and detailed descriptions of the scenic byways and backways can be obtained at most Utah visitor centers or online at www.utah.com/byways. *You may not have cell phone service while traveling on the byways or backways.
Patchwork Parkway - National Scenic Byway
51 miles | 1.5 hours | Hwy U-143 from Parowan to Panguitch
During a winter storm in 1864, Mormon pioneers painstakingly traversed this unforgettable mountain road by throwing down handmade quilts onto the snow to make their way from Panguitch to Parowan. Like the blocks of a quilt, the Patchwork Parkway passes through many diverse landscapes and geological wonders that, when bound together, make for an amazing road trip. Stop at the interpretive sites to learn more about the area’s Mormon pioneer heritage.
From Parowan, the highway climbs past the colorful Vermilion 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 the summit at 10,400 feet to the top-most rise of the “Grand Staircase” geological formation, which showcases the 2,000-foot deep Cedar Breaks National Monument amphitheater. The byway continues south past the North View of Cedar Breaks where it junctions with SR-148.
Heading east, the road descends through a thick aspen forest which is brilliant in 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. The byway continues east, following lush pastures and the banks of the Panguitch Creek into historic Panguitch town.
How do I get there?
From Parowan I-15 Exit #78, go south on Parowan’s Main Street, turn left at Center St/SR-143 and head east.
Is the road open in Winter?
Yes, but check road conditions in the winter. The portion between Brian Head and Panguitch is subject to closure in bad weather.
Side Trips and Viewpoints
What is the one-way, no-stops drive time?
The drive is 51 miles and takes about 90 minutes to travel.
Grade and 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 RVs or semi-trucks.
Services
Lodging, gas, food, campgrounds, and visitor centers in Parowan, Brian Head and Panguitch.
More Info
www.utahspatchworkparkway.com
- Parowan Cemetery
- Vermillion Picnic Area
- Yankee Meadow
- Hidden Haven Waterfall
- Dry Lakes Scenic Backway
- Brian Head Resort
- Brian Head Peak Road
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Panguitch Lake
- Historic Panguitch Town
Cedar Mountain/Markagunt Plateau Byway
40 miles | 1 hour | Hwy U-14 from Cedar City to U.S. 89
A thrilling drive that hugs the edge of the Markagunt Plateau as it reaches the 10,000-foot elevation of Dixie National Forest and the junction to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Considered one of the “Top 8 Unique Fall Destinations” by USA Today.
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 into 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 a mile farther 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. The road begins to descend into Long Valley, twisting and turning through scrub oak and maple, and ends at the junction of Hwy US-89.
How do I get there?
From I-15, take Cedar City Center Exit #59, and 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. The road becomes Hwy SR-14.
Is the road open in Winter?
Yes, but check road conditions before you leave.
Side Trips and Viewpoints
What is the one-way, no-stop driving time?
Hwy SR-14 is 40 miles long and takes about one hour to travel.
Grade and 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).
- 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
- Duck Creek Reservoir/Aspen Mirror Lake
- Duck Creek Village
- Mammoth Creek Road & Mammoth Cave
- Strawberry Point Overlook
Cedar Breaks National
6 miles | 30+ minutes| Hwy U-148 from U-14 to Brian Head/U-143
A short but sweet drive of this natural wonder with breathtaking overlooks and hiking trails to get you out of the car. Stay for the sunset!
The road begins in a lush meadow and then ascends through the Dixie National Forest. At the monument’s entrance 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.
The meadows that surround the “Breaks” are famous for their incredible variety of wildflowers in the months of July and early August plus fabulous fall colors, in late September. At mile six, the road meets with National Scenic Byway SR-143. From here you can continue north into Brian Head to meet up with I-15 or continue east to Panguitch and HWY 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 the road open in Winter?
No. The 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 and Viewpoints
What is the one-way, no-stop driving time?
This drive covers six miles and takes about 30 minutes to travel (the speed limit ranges from 25 to 35 mph).
Grade and 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 through mid-November), (435) 586-9451 or www.nps.gov/cebr.
- Old Lodge Interpretative Site
- Cedar Breaks Visitor Center-Point Supreme
- Ramparts Hiking Trail
- Cedar Breaks Campground & Picnic Area
- Sunset Viewpoint
- Chessman Ridge Viewpoint/Alpine Pond Trailhead
Kolob Canyons - North Zion National Park
5 miles | 30 minutes | exit off I-15 18 miles south of Cedar City
This is the secret northern section of Zion National Park. The road crosses along a fault line where the five canyons or “fingers” of Kolob rise above you. Exceptional hiking and photography opportunities!
Starting at the Visitor Center, 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. As the road climbs farther, it curves 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 Timber Creek 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 the road open in Winter?
Yes, but check road conditions in the winter.
Side Trips and Viewpoints
What is the one-way, no-stop driving time?
The route is only five miles long and takes about 20 minutes to drive.
Grade and Elevation
>4%. Elevation is from 5,000 feet to 6,300 feet.
Services
National Park Service Visitor Center
(435) 586-9548 | www.nps.gov/zion
- 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
- Timber Creek Picnic Area and short hiking trail
Dry Lakes/High Mountain Scenic Backway
19 miles | 1 hour | from Hwy U-143 to the town of Summit
Backway provides sweeping views of Parowan Canyon, Sugarloaf Mountain, High Mountain, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. This is also the access to the Twisted Forest hiking trail and Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area. The road begins 8 miles up Hwy SR-143. This a good gravel road with a very steep grade coming off the High Mountain toward Summit township. The road is 19 miles long. Check road conditions ahead of time. The Dry Lakes/High Mountain Scenic Backway is closed in the winter.
Kolob Reservoir Scenic Backway
45 miles | 90 minutes | off Hwy U-14 to U-9/Zion National Park
Backway travels through a 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. The road is 45 miles long and is closed in winter. This backway is also not suitable for travel in wet conditions.
Plan Your Trip
Check road conditions before you embark on your journey at udot.utah.gov or dial #511 on your cell phone.
More Info
Utah’s Patchwork Parkway
National Scenic Byway – Hwy 143 – Utah’s Patchwork Parkway
Cedar City Brian Head Tourism Bureau
(435) 586-5124
Garfield County
(800) 444-6689 or (435) 676-1160
Road Conditions
511 or visit
udottraffic.utah.gov