Is there anything better than a road trip? Here at OnlyInYourState, we love a good road trip, especially those that take you to some of the best hidden gems that the area has to offer. Well, today, our adventure is going to take you away from I-15 and to some of our favorite rural areas in central Utah. From hot springs to small towns with tons of historic buildings, this rural road trip through Utah is one that you’ll definitely want to take. Buckle up and let’s go!
This road trip will take you approximately 200 miles and requires just over four hours of drive time. While there are many countryside hidden gems that we will pass on this trip, we just don’t have time for them all. So, feel free to customize your trip and add your own stops using this interactive map.
Our road trip begins just up Diamond Fork Canyon near Spanish Fork. Here, you will find the Three Forks Trailhead, which takes you to the Fifth Water Hot Springs, some of the best hot springs in Utah. You’ll want to lace up your hiking boots for this trail as you will have a two-mile one-way trek to tackle. However, once you reach the hot springs, you’ll get to enjoy a beautiful waterfall cascading into the pool of water. It’s not only beautiful here but oh, so relaxing!
Thistle is one of the most interesting ghost towns in Utah. At one time, more than 650 residents lived in this area as the town was an important stop along the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. However, once trains no longer stopped in Thistle, the town slowly dwindled away, but many residents remained. However, in 1983, a massive flood completely wiped out the small town, and today, it is considered one of the creepiest abandoned towns in Utah. During your visit, drive around town and look at the few structures left. It’s quite fascinating.
Scofield State Park is one of the lesser-known state parks in Utah. However, that doesn’t make it any less magnificent. This state park is nestled in the Manti-LaSal Mountains and is the perfect place for fishing, boating, and spending the day in nature. You can enjoy a picnic lunch next to this reservoir or stay for a few days at one of the campsites along the route — the choice is yours.
The next stop on our road trip is Spring City. This is a super tiny town that was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1852. Today, more than 50 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places and while many are private homes, you can still drive around town and check out their remarkable architecture. And, make sure you stop by Das Café before you leave. This small restaurant serves incredible German cuisine.
Roy’s Pizza is a hidden gem found in the small town of Ephraim. This charming family-owned pizza joint serves all types of delicious pizza, calzones, and pasta. However, we recommend you order the mozzarella bread sticks. These breadsticks are covered in tons of cheese and come with a side of Ranch dressing, marinara, Alfredo sauce, and BBQ sauce.
The last stop on our road trip is certainly remarkable. Located in the Fishlake National Forest you will find Pando, one of the oldest living things in America. This looks like a giant grove of more than 40,000 trees but it is actually a single organism. In fact, this single organism is not only the oldest living thing in America but the heaviest as well. Unfortunately, Pando is showing signs of decline so when visiting, make sure to only stay in designated areas.
What did you think of this road trip? Are there any stops you would add? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
The Energy Loop, one of the best scenic drives in Utah, actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you'll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti-La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington. To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington.
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If you want to take a drive on the Energy Loop in Utah, you will be blown away by the fantastic views, but first, you should make sure you have the proper road trip snacks.
The Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways, or "Energy Loop," takes you through some of Utah's most beautiful and often under-appreciated scenery. It really is a road that should be experienced by everyone in the state and doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves.
To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington, for a total of 146 miles.
This is one of the best ways to get the most out of this Utah scenic drive. To help you along your journey we made a helpful interactive map so you can customize it however you like and to fit where you want to get on and off the loop.
The little town of Fairview has a population of just over 1,200 people. This can also be the gateway for this scenic byway in Utah.
One quick stop you can make early on in your journey is the Beaver Dam Reservoir/ Benches Pond. Sit by the water, take in the view, or simply walk around for a moment and enjoy some fresh air.
You'll find interpretive signs along this scenic drive near me. This photo shows Electric Lake from an aerial view but it is just as beautiful from the ground.
Scofield was the site of one of the worst mining disasters in history. In May of 1900, a spark set off an explosion that killed 199 miners. This photo shows the old headstones of the miners who were killed, along with newer headstones that accompany each grave.
Along the way, you will pass the Ford Creek Waterfall which is viewable from the road. Then, you will enter a stunning canyon known as The Castle Gate. This section will feature towering mesas for which Utah is famous.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest covers 1.2 million acres. You will have plenty of time to drive through sections of this beautiful natural area throughout your trip on the Energy Loop.
Have you ever traveled on the Energy Loop in Utah? What are some of your favorite stops along the way? What are some of your favorite scenic byways in the state? What do you consider to be the most beautiful scenic drive in Utah? Let us know in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.
Utah is a mesmerizing state with all types of terrain. From mountains and deserts to red rocks and blue lakes, the sights throughout the Beehive State are sure to take your breath away. While there are several different ways to explore the vast landscapes offered in Utah, a scenic drive is one of the best. There are countless Utah road trip ideas. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s where we come in. Here are 12 of the best road trips in Utah and believe us, each one will make you fall in love with the Beehive State all over again.
Route: Kanab > Panguitch > Big Rock Candy Mountain > Manti > Spring City
Distance: 255 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
Highway 89, also known as the Utah Heritage Highway, is one of the best day trips you can take. This beautiful road trip will take you through small towns, past historic buildings, and to fascinating geological sites. While this highway can take you across the state, for this particular drive, you will travel from Kanab to Spanish Fork. It is one scenic drive in Utah you may want to travel over and over again. And it just goes to show that quick road trips in Utah can be just as fun as long journeys.
Route: Zion National Park > Bryce Canyon National Park > Canyonlands National Park
Distance: 330 miles
Trip Time: 5.5 hours driving time
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If you are up for a truly incredible road trip, spend your weekend in three national parks — or three canyons in Utah — in just three days. This is one of our favorite weekend road trips in Utah. It takes you from Zion National Park to Canyonlands National Park or vice versa. While you certainly won’t be able to see all that each national park has to offer during your one-day visit, prioritize the attractions you want to see the most and this will become one special adventure.
Route: Toquerville Falls > Red Cliffs Recreation Area > Zion National Park > Cedar Breaks National Monument > Panguitch Lake > Bryce Canyon National Park > Fish Lake
Distance: 275 miles
Trip Time: 6.5 hours driving time
There’s no doubt that southern Utah is breathtaking. And while there are destinations like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park (both are stops on this road trip!), there are even more southern Utah destinations that will make you fall in love with the Beehive State all over again. From waterfalls to overlooks to lakes, this is easily one of the best road trips in Utah.
Route: Arches National Park > Canyonlands National Park > Natural Bridges National Monument > Capitol Reef National Park > Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument > Bryce Canyon National Park > Zion National Park
Distance: 830 miles
Trip Time: 15 hours driving time
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Utah is known for the Mighty 5 — the five breathtaking national parks in the state. If you want to tackle the ultimate adventure, consider this Utah road trip itinerary. It will take you to all five national parks in the Beehive State, as well as two of the most popular national monuments. This definitely isn’t a short road trip — you’ll travel approximately 830 miles — but you will view some of Utah’s most inspiring natural beauty.
Route: Legends Motor Co > Young Living Lavender Farm > Yuba State Park > Cluff’s Carhop Cafe > Cove Fort > The Creamery > Red Reef Trail
Distance: 273 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
This drive is one that most Utahns have taken multiple times but it will encourage you to stop at many gems along the way. From unique museums to historic sites to hikes, there is something for everyone on this Utah road trip. While the drive itself is approximately five hours, we recommend you break this road trip into multiple days so you can truly enjoy every single stop and not feel rushed.
Route: Hatch Family Chocolates, Salt Lake City > Carol’s Pastry Shop, Salt Lake City > Spilled Milk, Salt Lake City > Flake Pie Co., South Jordan > The Scoop!, West Jordan > Blox Dessert Bars, American Fork > Simply Cheesecake, Provo
Distance: 54 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
Spring in Utah may mean wet and muddy or blue skies and sunshine — you never know. So, for one of the best road trips in Utah during this time of year, let your taste buds celebrate the change in seasons by tackling this magical Utah dessert trail. You will travel to seven delicious shops from downtown Salt Lake City to Provo. Whether you are in the mood for chocolates, pastries, ice cream, pie, etc., you’ll get a taste on this journey.
Route: Battle Creek Falls > Scout Falls > Stewart Falls > Bridal Veil Falls > Grotto Falls
Distance: 66 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
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There is something completely refreshing about waterfalls on a hot summer day. If you are searching for the best summer road trip in Utah, this road trip itinerary will take you to five waterfalls in a single day. In less than 70 miles, you will visit breathtaking destinations like Scout Falls and Grotto Falls. Just make sure to bring your hiking boots as some waterfall views do require a bit of a hike to enjoy.
Route: Big Cottonwood Canyon > Guardsman’s Pass > Midway > Heber Valley > Sundance > Alpine Loop > Little Cottonwood Canyon > Top of Little Cottonwood Canyon
Distance: 100 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
Fall in Utah may be one of our favorite times of the year and this scenic road trip will take you to several of the best destinations for leaf peeping. You’ll drive through areas like Big Cottonwood Canyon, Sundance, and American Fork Canyon — each breathtaking during this time of year. At just under 100 miles and three hours of driving time, you could easily complete this drive in an afternoon, but we suggest you take your time, especially if you time your drive just right and explore this route during peak fall foliage. There’s nothing like the gold, red, and orange hues out of your car window.
Route: Ogden > Roy > Layton > Salt Lake City > Park City > Midway > Heber > Provo > Spanish Fork > Helper
Distance: 192 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours driving time
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There’s no better way to welcome in the holidays than with a road trip to some of the best Christmas towns in Utah. Driving through Ogden to Helper (or vice-versa), you will visit up to 10 towns in Utah that sure know how to get into the holiday spirit. This is one trip where we suggest visiting at least one town per day so you can fully partake in all of their holiday festivities. This is one of the best road trips to take in Utah around the holidays.
Route: George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park > Natural History Museum of Utah > Museum of Ancient Life > Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry > Utah Field House of Natural History Museum > Dinosaur National Monument
Distance: 295 miles
Trip Time: 5.5 hours driving time
Whether you are a dinosaur lover yourself, you have a young dinosaur enthusiast, or you just want to learn a little more about the Beehive State, this dinosaur-themed road trip in Utah is one every member of the family will enjoy. With some of the most incredible and popular dinosaur attractions in Utah like George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park and the Quarry Exhibit Hall at the Dinosaur National Monument, this Utah road trip itinerary will take your entire family way back in time.
Route: Dead Horse Point State Park > Delicate Arch, Arches National Park > Goblin Valley State Park > Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park > Pando, Fishlake National Forest > Bryce Canyon National Park > Coral Pink Sand Dunes > Zion National Park >Buckskin Gulch
Distance: 550 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours driving time
To help you enjoy some of the best natural wonders and other landmarks found in Utah, you’ll want to tackle this breathtaking road trip in southern Utah. Taking you from Dead Horse Point State Park to Buckskin Gulch Trailhead near the Utah/Arizona state line, you’ll see many of the most breathtaking and highly recommended natural wonders and landmarks in this area of the state. This is one trip you certainly won’t want to rush through.
Route: Mountain Green > Morgan > Coalville > Wanship > Oakley > Kamas > Francis > Heber > Midway > Alpine
Distance: 117 miles
Trip Time: 3.5 hours driving time
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Utah’s small towns are the heart and soul of this state. With this Utah road trip itinerary, you will visit some of the most charming small towns that are also near several recreation opportunities. From Mountain Green all the way to Alpine, this route may be one that you rarely explore.
Have you experienced any of the above road trips? What do you think are the best road trips in Utah? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to print out your Utah road trip map for your next adventure!
During your travels keep an eye out for a great place to stay. Here are some of our favorites throughout the state:
