Most Scenic Road Trips in Salt Lake City, United States
1. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
A picturesque drive offering stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and its reflection on the Mirror Lake.
- Natural Beauty: Provides a breathtaking view of the natural landscape.
- Seasonal Attraction: Offers vibrant fall colors and snow-covered landscapes depending on the season.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing unique photographs due to the reflective lake and surrounding mountains.
2. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
A high-altitude drive through stunning alpine landscapes, offering views of Timpanogos Cave National Monument and American Fork Twin Peaks.
- High Altitude Views: Provides panoramic vistas at higher elevations.
- Geological Wonders: Offers a glimpse into the geology of Utah with its unique rock formations.
- Wildlife Spotting: Allows for potential sightings of elk, moose, and other wildlife.
3. Wasatch Mountain State Park Loop
A leisurely drive through a lush forested landscape with views of the Wasatch Range and various city overlooks.
- Urban Forest: Offers a serene escape from city life while still within the urban area.
- City Views: Provides stunning views of Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes numerous hiking trails, picnic spots, and fishing areas.
4. Guardsman's Pass Scenic Byway
A scenic route offering sweeping views of Park City, Deer Valley Resort, and the Uinta Mountains.
- Mountain Vistas: Provides dramatic vistas of towering mountain ranges.
- Winter Sports Destination: Passes through Deer Valley Resort, a renowned winter sports destination.
- Seasonal Scenery: Offers vibrant fall colors and snow-covered landscapes depending on the season.
5. Salt Flats Road Trip
A journey through the otherworldly Bonneville Salt Flats, where you can experience the vast, flat expanse and potentially witness land speed record attempts.
- Otherworldly Landscape: Provides a unique, otherworldly driving experience.
- Speed Record History: Is the site of numerous land speed records and continues to host events.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing striking photographs due to the flat expanse and minimal distractions.
6. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah's All-American Road)
A long, scenic drive through red rock canyons, national parks, and historic towns, offering views of Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- National Parks: Connects several national parks, providing an opportunity to explore multiple destinations.
- Historic Towns: Passes through charming historic towns, offering a glimpse into Utah's past.
- Red Rock Canyons: Offers stunning views of red rock canyons and mesas.
7. Little Cottonwood Canyon Road Trip
A drive through a scenic canyon offering views of Mount Olympus, Brighton Resort, and Solitude Mountain Resort.
- Mountain Vistas: Provides dramatic vistas of towering mountain ranges.
- Winter Sports Destination: Passes through Brighton Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort, popular winter sports destinations.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes numerous hiking trails, picnic spots, and fishing areas.
8. Provo Canyon Scenic Byway
A drive through a scenic canyon offering views of Bridal Veil Falls, Provo River, and the towering peaks of Mt. Timpanogos.
- Waterfall Views: Provides a stunning view of Bridal Veil Falls.
- River Scenery: Offers beautiful views of the Provo River.
- Geological Wonders: Allows for potential sightings of unique rock formations and geology.
9. Antelope Island State Park Loop
A drive through a state park offering views of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, and its wildlife.
- Great Salt Lake Views: Provides unique views of the Great Salt Lake.
- Wildlife Spotting: Allows for potential sightings of bison, antelope, and other wildlife.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing photographs of the unique landscape and wildlife.
10. Scenic Byway 31 (Mid-Way Atoll)
A drive through a scenic canyon offering views of the Wasatch Mountains and several historic towns.
- Historic Towns: Passes through charming historic towns, offering a glimpse into Utah's past.
- Mountain Vistas: Provides stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes numerous hiking trails, picnic spots, and fishing areas.
11. Wasatch Backroads Scenic Byway
A drive through rural landscapes offering views of the Wasatch Mountains and various valleys.
- Rural Landscapes: Provides a scenic view of rural Utah.
- Mountain Vistas: Offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing photographs of the unique rural landscape and mountains.
12. Strawberry Reservoir Scenic Byway
A drive through a scenic route offering views of Strawberry Reservoir, Strawberry Peak, and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
- Lake Views: Provides beautiful views of Strawberry Reservoir.
- Mountain Peaks: Offers stunning views of Strawberry Peak and the surrounding mountains.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing photographs of the unique landscape and water.
13. Scenic Byway 6 (Red Rock Scenic Byway)
A drive through a scenic route offering views of red rock formations, canyons, and the San Rafael Swell.
- Red Rock Formations: Provides stunning views of unique red rock formations.
- Canyon Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of canyons and the San Rafael Swell.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing photographs of the unique landscape and geology.
14. Scenic Byway 150 (Canyon Byway)
A drive through a scenic route offering views of the Abajo Mountains and Canyonlands National Park.
- Mountain Vistas: Provides stunning views of the Abajo Mountains.
- National Park Views: Offers breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing photographs of the unique landscape and geology.
15. Scenic Byway 143 (Flaming Gorge-Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway)
A drive through a scenic route offering views of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Dinosaur National Monument, and the Uinta Mountains.
- Lake Views: Provides beautiful views of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
- Dinosaur Fossils: Allows for potential sightings of dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur National Monument.
- Mountain Vistas: Offers stunning views of the Uinta Mountains.