Southern Utah is full of sweeping, panoramic views and vistas that showcase Utah’s beauty. This road trip takes you through some of the highlights (though it doesn’t nearly cover all of the southern portion of the state!). To see the full map, click here.
I’ve provided 16 vistas and overlooks; you’ll find even more as you drive the route.
Lava Point, Zion National Park
You’ll start at Zion National Park. Lava Point is one of two overlooks; it’s in the north section of the park, which many people skip. Don’t miss it!
Canyon Overlook, Zion National Park
Between Lava Point and Canyon Overlook, you’ll find tons of great places in Zion to explore. The view at Canyon Overlook is amazing.
Brian Head Peak, Dixie National Forest
From Zion, you’ll drive north along US-89. Take a left at State Road 14, which takes you through the Dixie National Forest. Scenic Byway 143 will take you to the stunning view at Brian Head Peak.
Panguitch Lake
From Brian Head Peak, you’ll head back along Scenic Byway 143, passing Panguitch Lake along the way. Consider stopping in the quaint, historic town of Panguitch for a meal or an overnight stay before heading on to Bryce National Park.
Bryce National Park, Rainbow Point
Bryce National Park is full of breathtaking scenic vistas. Drive to Rainbow Point, then stop along all 13 viewpoints on your way back.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Sunrise Point
Here’s Sunrise Point at Bryce - just one of the 13 viewpoints you’ll see.
Powell Point Overlook
Continue along Scenic Byway 12. You could spend weeks exploring this part of Utah! Numerous scenic backways branch off from this road, and you’ll find several small towns to visit, too. The road takes you through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the scenery is gorgeous throughout. You’ll find many overlooks and vistas; I’ve listed just a few, starting with Powell Point Overlook, located north of Henrieville.
Head of the Rocks Overlook, Between Escalante and Boulder
Don’t miss the quaint town of Escalante, then continue on to Head of the Rocks Overlook, which offers a stunning overlook of the Escalante Canyons
Boynton Overlook, Between Escalante and Boulder
Just a few miles farther, you’ll come to Boynton Overlook, named for an infamous cattleman of the area who committed a murder in 1878. When he turned himself in to Escalante authorities, they gave him $10 and told him to ride to Parowan. He was never seen again.
The Hogback, near Boulder
Before you get to Boulder, you’ll travel through "The Hogback," a stretch of Scenic Byway 12 that is steep and winding. The road can be a bit scary, but the views are incredible.
Homestead Overlook
Past Boulder, check out the Homestead Overlook from its 9,400 ft. elevation. You’ll see the Henry Mountains to the east and the Waterpocket Fold below.
Goosenecks Overlook, Capitol Reef
Continue north to Torrey, then turn east on State Route 24. You’ll enter Capitol Reef National Park. The short walk to Goosenecks Overlook is well worth it - it’s one of the best views in the park.
Windows Trail, Arches National Park
Continue to I-70, then turn south along U.S. Route 191 toward Arches National Park. It’s hard to even choose from all the beautiful vistas here, but the Windows Trail certainly ranks high on the list. It’s a fairly easy 1 mile walk to view three arches (North and South Windows and Turret Arch). Explore the park as long as you can before moving on to the next stop - there’s tons to see and do here.
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park
We can’t leave Arches without visiting its most famous spot: Delicate Arch. A short walk from the parking lot gets you this view.
Island in the Sky, Canyonlands
From U.S. 191, turn onto State Route 313 toward Canyonlands, where more vistas await. This is Island in the Sky, a plateau that rises 1,000 feet above the valley floor below, providing an almost endless view of the landscape. You’ll find several pullouts with views here.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Rising 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point is truly breathtaking. This is the last stop on our road trip, but of course you’ll find many other beautiful places to explore in Southern Utah. If you have more time to add to your itinerary, consider continuing your trip!
Have you taken this road trip?
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