How long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?
Usa, north-america
77 km
2,652 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, right on the edge of the Dark Canyon Wilderness, just south of Canyonlands National Park. You're on the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway, a 48-mile mix of dirt and gravel that’ll test your ride (and maybe your nerves a little!).
Starting about 25 miles west of Blanding, near the junction of Utah Highways 95 and 275, this route climbs through the iconic "Bears Ears," topping out at a cool 8,700 feet on Elk Ridge. The views? Epic! We're talking Canyonlands National Park, Dark Canyon Wilderness Area, Monument Valley, and Bears Ears National Monument all in one glorious panorama, ending at Utah Highway 211 (SR-211).
Keep in mind, this beauty is best tackled between June and October. High-clearance vehicles are your friend here, and AWD or 4WD might be a lifesaver. Rain or winter weather? This road becomes a no-go. There are also narrow sections where you might have to play nice and let another vehicle pass.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Henry and La Sal Mountains, plus all those canyons, are postcard-perfect. Just be prepared for a 4-hour (ish) drive, depending on the road’s mood. After a rainstorm, creek crossings can get intense, and mud can get slick, possibly leading to closures. And remember, there aren’t any facilities out there, so pack accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 77 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,652 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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