Museums & Parks

Scenic Byway 14 - Cedar Mountain/Markaguant Plateau

Beginning in Cedar City, the highway climbs steeply through a narrow canyon looking into the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area. In the fall, this area is brilliant with red maple and golden oak. As the road continues entering the Dixie National Forest, travelers catch a breathtaking view of a sand-cut amphitheater of brilliant red limestone, similar to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Near the canyon's summit, stop at the Zion Overlook with an incredible view of the distant Zion terrace. Just a mile further up the road is the Bristlecone Pine trail, a perfect opportunity to see the world's oldest living tree species. Scenic Byway 14 tops out at I 0,000 feet and continues along Cedar Mountain to favorite areas of interest, including Navajo Lake - popular for fishing and photography - Duck Creek Village and Strawberry Point. Throughout the landscape, lava beds and layers of volcanic rock attest to the area's igneous past. Journey ends at Highway U-89 and is 40 miles long. The road is well traveled and open year-round; however, check ahead in the winter months.

Scenic Byway 148 - Cedar Breaks National Monument

Eighteen miles cast of Cedar City on Highway U-l4 is the junction for Scenic Byway U-148. The road travels through wildflower meadows of the Dixie National Forest to Cedar Breaks National Monument Cedar Breaks is a large, natural amphitheater about three miles wide, 2,500 feet deep. The walls of Cedar Breaks are eroded in carved spires and dazzling rock formations. The amphitheater glows with an incredible color spectrum of saffron, coral, lavender, and ivory. Small stands of Bristlecone Pines, the world's oldest living tree species, grow along the rim. From Cedar Breaks, the highway continues north to meet Highway U-143. Scenic Byway 148 is only six miles long and is closed in the winter months due to snow conditions (generally from mid-November to late May).

Scenic Byway 143 - Parowan Canyon / Brian Head / Panguitch Lake

From Parowan and I-I5. Scenic Byway 143 climbs past the colorful Vermilion Cliffs, through Parowan Canyon, to forested heights of nearly 10,000 feet. Maple, oak and aspen trees make this an incredible Autumn drive. Brian Head Ski and Summer Area is located along the route. This year-round recreation area offers a wide variety of dining establishments, accommodations, activities, and outdoor recreation - particularly mountain biking and skiing. Cedar Breaks National Monument is only five miles south of Brian Head on Highway U-148. As the road heads towards the east, travelers will encounter the popular Panguitch Lake. The forest surrounding the lake is brilliant with gold and red aspens in the Fall. The road continues through the Dixie National Forest to the historic town of Panguitch. Scenic Byway 143 is 55 miles long and is steep in the Parowan Canyon (this portion is not recommended for RV's or semi-trucks). The route is open year-round, but it is wise to check road conditions in the winter.

Kolob Finger Scenic Byway / North Zion National Park

About 18 miles south of Cedar City, just off 1-15, lies the well-traveled Kolob Fingers Scenic Byway. This highway climbs through several switchbacks to unfold the spectacular Kolob "finger canyons". These rugged and steep rock formations are colored in vibrant shades of red. The road features many pull-out areas with magnificent overlooks and geologic information. In the fall, the golden shades of the valley's scrub oak and rabbit brush make an interesting contrast to the broad scenery. Several hiking trails begin at the main road. The trail to Kolob Arch, the world's largest free-standing arch, starts at Lee's Pass. This 14 mile (round trip) hike is great for avid hikers; however, is not recommended in the summer months due to extreme temperatures. The Kolob Canyon Scenic Byway is five miles long and is open year-round.

Dry Lakes/Summit Canyon Backway

This route begins just north of the small town of Summit on old Highway U-91. The backway provides sweeping views of the Parowan Canyon, Sugarloaf Mountain, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area. The road ends eight miles up Parowan Canyon on Highway U-I 43. Dry Lakes Scenic Byway is a good, gravel road 19 miles long and is suitable for passenger cars with caution. Check road conditions ahead of time. Closed in the winter.

Kolob Reservoir Backway

Begin at Highway U-14, five miles east of Cedar City. The Backway travels past thick forests to Kolob Reservoir, through grassy meadows, to the red and white sandstone bluffs of Zion National Park. Route ends at Highway U-9. The Kolob Reservoir Backway is a paved and gravel road approximately 45 miles long. It is suitable for passenger cars with caution. Road is not suitable in wet conditions and is closed in the winter months.

Definitions:

1. Byway: A Utah highway officially designated for its scenic beauty.
2. Backway: A gravel or dirt road that has been designated for its scenic beauty