Scenic Drives

The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest has an abundance of beautiful travel routes including National Scenic Byways, State and National Forest Scenic Byways, and Scenic Backways.

Scenic Driving

Byways

Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, Length: 41 miles, Time to Allow: 1 hour
From historic Cache Valley on the west, this byway winds northeast through the national forest to Bear Lake spanning the Utah/Idaho border. Along the way, 500 million years of geologic history unfold in the lower canyon's deeply incised walls and formations laden with fossils. In autumn, the colors are unparalleled.

Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway, Length: 38 miles, Time to Allow: 1.5 hours
The Mt. Nebo National Scenic Byway is a photographer's dream with numerous overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities. The byway crosses the national forest between Nephi and Payson, climbing to over 9,000 ft. and offering views of the Utah Valley and the Wasatch Mountains. A unique scenic sandstone's startling red color contrasts sharply with the mountain greenery.

Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway, Length: 15 miles, Time to Allow: 1.25 hours
Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway begins at the mouth of the canyon and goes east on SR-190. The canyon narrows almost immediately to dramatic alpine scenery. Visitors can hike through the mining country of the Old West, or enjoy rock climbing, camping, or fishing. Near the top of the canyon, the major ski and summer resorts of Solitude and Brighton can be found.

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, Length: 65 miles, Time to Allow: 2 hours
Heading east from Kamas through the national forest, Mirror Lake Highway is one of the most popular mountain routes in the state. The road winds through farm and ranch lands and rises to heavily forested, mountain terrain, accented by meadows and rugged peaks. There are numerous access points into the High Uinta Wilderness along this byway.

Backways

Cascade Springs Scenic Backway, Length: 25 miles, Time to Allow: 1 hour
Cascade Springs Scenic Backway begins near the summit of the Alpine Scenic Loop and continues to Cascade Springs, then on a gravel road to Wasatch Mountain State Park or continue on Cascade Springs Road/SR-114, paved road to Soldier Hollow, in Midway.

North Slope Scenic Backway, Length: 38 miles, Time to Allow: 2.5 hours
This gravel road begins near the Utah/Wyoming border on SR-150, goes east to China Meadows, and then north to Stateline Reservoir. Visitors travel through stands of lodgepole pine mixed with aspen, spruce, and fir, and will find many opportunities to view the surrounding peaks of the Uinta Mountains.

Bountiful/Farmington Loop Scenic Backway, Length: 24 miles, Time to Allow: 2.5 hours
Joining Bountiful to Farmington, this backway is a steep gravel road that is often rough. The route is best known for its stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and the mountain ranges of the west desert.

Alpine Loop Scenic Backway, Lenth: 24 miles, Time to Allow: 1 hour
The Alpine Scenic Loop Backway begins at the mouth of American Fork Canyon on US-92 and winds down through beautiful aspen groves past Sundance Resort to US-189 in Provo Canyon. Although paved, trailers are not recommended because of the steep grade and narrow curves.