The Brian Head – Panguitch Lake scenic byway is located in southwest Utah. It begins in Parowan and travels south to the Cedar Breaks National Monument where it then travels northeast to Panguitch. The 55-mile route follows UT 143, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway is usually open year-round.
From Parowan the byway climbs through Parowan Canyon to Utah’s highest incorporated city of Brian Head. Nearby is 11,305-foot Brian Head Peak. From here the byway cuts through the northeastern corner of Cedar Breaks National Monument, turns northeasterly and continues on to pass the shores of Panguitch Lake before descending into the town of Panguitch. The waters of Parowan Creek will guide you from Parowan to Brian Head, tempting the angler to pull over and attempt to catch a rainbow trout or two. Autumn is a good time to drive the byway as aspen leaves display their colors of gold.
Those wishing to prolong their stay in the area will find several public campgrounds. Vermillion Castle Campground is located a short distance east of the byway. There are 16 sites, suitable for tents and RVs up to 24 feet long, sitting on the banks of Bowery Creek among Douglas fir and pinyon pines. Drinking water and flush toilets are available.
Panguitch Lake is in a sagebrush basin with aspen and pine trees covering the surrounding hillsides. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. There are two campgrounds nearby, Panguitch Lake North and Panguitch Lake South. The northern campground has 49 sites suitable for tents and RVs, drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. The southern campground has 18 sites for tent campers only. Drinking water is not available, but there are comfort stations.
Farther up the byway from Panguitch Lake is the White Bridge Campground. Campers will find 28 sites among cottonwoods lining Panguitch Creek that are suitable for tents and recreational vehicles up to 24 feet. Drinking water and flush toilets are also provided.