Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
Recently Utah was named the best state in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. There are several factors that contribute to that ranking, but Utah is arguably one of the best states in America for natural beauty (even if it's not an official category).
Between the red rocks of southern Utah, the so-called Caribbean of the Rockies—or Bear Lake— up north, there's no shortage of stunning landscape.
If you're in the Wasatch Front area, there are lots of scenic drives that are easy to get to. So if you're looking for a simple way to enjoy nature without actually being in it, check out some of these top drives.
Before you embark on your road trip, make sure to stop at a nearby Maverik to fuel up on gas and your favorite snacks and drinks.
Start every adventure with Maverik
Maverik’s got you covered with great values on fuel, food, drinks and more. Check out maverik.com to find a location near you. Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop.Alpine Loop
Easily one of the most loved outdoor spots in Utah, the Alpine Loop is a sight to behold in every season. Right now, you can experience cooler temperatures and incredible wildflowers. And make sure to take the brief side trip to Cascade Springs. There are few things as relaxing as watching cool, clear water flow over and through the natural terraces.
During the fall—at the height of the aspen leaves' transformation to a bright yellow—there's a good chance you'll encounter bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The loop begins at the mouth of American Fork Canyon on State Route 92 and winds in a series of hairpin turns up into the Wasatch Range. After gaining 3,000 feet of elevation, the summit crests at around 8,000 feet with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The loop will take you past the famed Sundance Resort and numerous campsites and picnic areas before ending in Provo Canyon. Snow closes part of the road during winter months, so this scenic drive is only accessible from May to October, according to Utah.com.
Ogden River
Head north into Weber County to experience a tranquil river drive. The Ogden River Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 39, is an approximately 40-mile route that begins at downtown Ogden's 12th Street. Utah.com says the drive takes you along the Ogden River and ends high in the mountains at Monte Cristo campground.
Along the way, you'll skirt the edge of Snowbasin Ski Resort and drive past Pineview Reservoir. Stop in the tiny Old West town of Huntsville. With under 1,000 residents, the town has an art gallery, an observatory and a host of summer events.
Panoramic mountain views, varied foliage and wildlife, and world-class fishing spots along the way make this one an unforgettable experience. Traffic can be heavy between Ogden and Huntsville, but past Huntsville, you'll experience open roads and plenty of that fresh, clean mountain air.
Great Salt Lake Legacy Parkway
If you need a dose of nature and scenery but don't have time for a long canyon drive, the Great Salt Lake Legacy Parkway is your best bet.
The Parkway is a 14-mile stretch of road in Davis County. It runs mostly parallel to I-15 but offers unobstructed views of the wetlands surrounding the Great Salt Lake, since billboards and semi-trucks are both prohibited on this road. You'll also get great views of Antelope Island, according to Visit Utah. Drivers can stop to enjoy hiking, biking, and fantastic birdwatching because the 2,000-acre Legacy Nature Preserve borders the road.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is popular for a reason. Just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the canyon is chock-full of hiking and biking trails, ski resorts (plus backcountry skiing), rock climbing, picnic areas, and more. To drive the Big Cottonwood Scenic Byway, hop onto state route 190. You can drive to the summit—which is home to Solitude and Brighton ski resorts—then turn around, or you can continue through Guardsman Pass on through Park City.
You'll experience dramatic alpine views year-round and gorgeous wildflowers in the summertime. If you're in the mood for a bit of rock climbing along with your picnic, Utah.com recommends stopping at Storm Mountain picnic area.
Nebo Loop
The Mount Nebo Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of Utah Valley and of the Wasatch range's crown jewel—the 11,928-foot Mount Nebo. The south end of the loop begins five miles from Nephi and ends just outside of Payson. This is one of the few routes where drivers can experience both green mountain views and red rock!
One of the most popular stops along this route is at Devil's Kitchen, which resembles a miniature Bryce Canyon full of red rock spires and other interesting rock formations, Utah.com says. The vegetation is varied and diverse, ranging from oaks and aspens to fir trees surrounded by fields of wildflowers.
Visitors can stop for a hike at one of the trailheads or at a scenic pullout for a memorable photo.
Provo Canyon
For another gorgeous river drive, head to Provo Canyon Scenic Byway. According to the Heber Valley website, embarking on US-189 takes you parallel to the Provo River and its peaceful Blue Ribbon waters (for non-fisherman, that designation means the area is top-notch fishing grounds). You're sure to see a few fly fishermen hauling in the river's plentiful trout population, as well as other outdoor enthusiasts like rafters and kayakers.
This route takes you past Bridal Veil Falls, which is a favorite spot for a short walk to a stunning waterfall. You can also access a 14-mile paved path for cyclists, runners, and walkers. The byway serves as the primary thoroughfare between Provo and the Heber Valley, so it is open year-round. Drivers can also access the Alpine Loop from US-189 and continue through for more than a simple out-and-back route.
Utah Adventures with Maverik: Everything you need to know about visiting Snow Canyon
Snow Canyon is often overshadowed by nearby Zion National Park, but it is no little brother. The unofficial motto could be, "This place would be a national park in any other state!"Adventure's First Stop
Wherever you explore in Utah, make sure to fuel up and grab some food at one of the Maverik locations. Maverik's Nitro Card saves you 10 cents off every gallon, every day with additional high-value benefits on its huge selection of tasty food and drinks. Maverik's premium BonFire food made fresh in every Maverik features breakfast and lunch burritos, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and more. New dishes to amp up your spring road trip feature premium hardwood smoked burnt ends including the Burnt Ends and Hatch Green Chili Mac n' Cheese; Burnt Ends Breakfast Burrito; Burnt Ends and Tots Burrito; and later this summer the Burnt Ends Pizza.
To save on every gallon of gas and get special offers on Maverik's fresh-made BonFire food, drinks, and snacks, download the Maverik app to join the Adventure Club and activate your Nitro Card.
