About this city
Also known as: America's Premier Asphalt Wonders
Encompassing an extraordinary, world-class network of federally and state-designated scenic highways that carve directly through Utah's dramatic Mighty 5 National Parks and high-altitude wilderness basin, the Scenic Drives region represents a monumental masterpiece of engineering and historical exploration. Formed historically around early pioneer wagon routes, cattle-driving trails, and mineral extraction paths, these roads were meticulously engineered during the 20th century to showcase the state's mind-boggling geological phenomena. Traversed by celebrated asphalt ribbons like Scenic Byway 12 and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the region provides immediate access to dizzying red sandstone slickrock canyons, soaring crimson hoodoos, and ancient forested volcanic plateaus. Operating under strict environmental conservation rules, these corridors contain no commercial high-rise clusters, functioning instead as a legendary destination for deep road-trip photography and backcountry exploration.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 2–5 days
Drive the vertigo-inducing asphalt knife-edge ridge known as 'The Hogback' along the world-famous 12.2-mile All-American Road of Scenic Byway 12. Cross the hand-carved stone tunnels and massive arched stone bridges of the historic 1930 Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Photograph the straight-line perspective highway cutting through surrealist striped clay formations along Scenic Byway 24.
