Beaver Canyon is in southwest Utah about 50 miles northeast of Cedar City. The byway begins off I-15 in Beaver and travels east on UT 153 to Junction, a distance of about 40 miles. From Beaver to the Elk Meadows Ski Area, UT 153 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. This portion remains open year-round. From the ski area to Junction, UT 153 is an unpaved, dry-weather-only road and is usually closed in winter.

Travelers of this scenic byway are treated to the scenic Beaver Canyon. From Beaver, the byway begins climbing through the forested canyon filled with pine, aspen, and maple. The byway climbs the western slopes of the Tushar Mountains. Several scenic turnouts provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Beaver River flows alongside for much of your scenic journey.

Early in the morning or late evening is the best time for spotting mule deer or elk. Wild turkeys can also be seen occasionally. Overhead you may catch glimpses of eagles, hawks, or falcons. Other wildlife inhabiting the national forest includes moose, mountain goat, bobcat, and mountain lion.

There are two national forest campgrounds along the byway and three a short side trip up FSR 137. The first campground you come across is situated on the banks of the river. This is the Little Cottonwood Campground. There are fourteen sites here, with two barrier-free sites. Farther up the byway is Mahogany Cove Campground. There are seven campsites here set among mountain mahogany and pinyon pine.

About one mile up FSR 137 is Little Reservoir and its campground with eight sites. Little Reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Four miles farther along is Kents Lake Campground with seventeen sites surrounding the lake. Continue on another four miles and you'll come across the Anderson Meadow Campground. This campground is at an elevation of 9,350 feet and has ten campsites and good fishing in the nearby reservoir.

Information: Fishlake National Forest, Beaver Ranger District, 575 S Main, Beaver UT 84713 / 435-438-2436. Piute State Park, PO Box 43, Antimony UT 84712 / 435-624-3268