Scenic Drives USA

Nine Mile Canyon is in east-central Utah about 80 miles southeast of Provo. Southern access is east of Wellington off US 6; northern access is west of Myton off US 40. The byway is 78 miles long and follows Nine Mile Canyon Road, primarily a two-lane gravel and dirt road. The first 12 miles from Wellington is paved. Large RVs and vehicles pulling trailers are discouraged from completing the byway because of steep grades and sharp curves. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for exploring the side roads. Nine Mile Canyon can usually be driven year-round, however, sections may become impassable after heavy rain.

Ogden River scenic byway travels across the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in northern Utah. It follows UT 39 between Ogden and Woodruff, a distance of 60 miles. Utah Highway 39 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles and is generally open late April to mid-December. The portion that crosses the national forest is groomed in winter for snowmobile use. Thirty-three miles are officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway.

Pony Express is in west-central Utah beginning about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City. It travels between Lehi and Ibapah and follows UT 73 and Pony Express Road, which is marked with stone pillars. Utah Highway 73 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The rest of the byway is a gravel and dirt road requiring a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Periods of heavy rain can cause flash flooding and wash out sections of the road. Travelers in a motorhome or pulling a trailer should inquire with the BLM about current road conditions. The BLM has designated 133 miles, from Fairfield to Ibapah, a Back Country Byway.

Silver Island Mountains byway is 120 miles west of Salt Lake City in northwest Utah. It begins north of Wendover and is accessed from Exit #4 on I-80. It forms a loop drive of 54 miles and follows Silver Island Mountains Road, a graded gravel and dirt road that requires a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Travelers in large RVs or pulling a trailer should inquire with the BLM about any vehicle limitations and current road conditions. Portions of the byway become muddy after periods of rain, otherwise it remains open year-round.

Smithsonian Butte is in southwest Utah 40 miles northeast of Saint George. The short nine-mile route follows Smithsonian Butte County Road between Rockville and UT 59. The county road is a graded dirt road suitable for most vehicles. Because of sharp curves and a half-mile of steep grade, large RVs and vehicles pulling trailers are discouraged from traveling the byway. Smithsonian Butte can usually be completed under dry conditions and should not be attempted after rain or snowfall. The road on the north-facing slope of Smithsonian Butte can remain covered with snow during winter.