What are the highest roads in Utah?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
# Utah's Wild Ride: Where Mountains Meet Desert
Welcome to Utah—a place where Mother Nature basically said "let's do everything." Snow-capped peaks tower alongside vast desert stretches, and those insanely colorful canyons? Yeah, they're as real as the photos make them out to be.
The heart of the state is ruled by the Wasatch Range, where elevations climb so high they make your ears pop, then dramatically drop to sprawling high plateaus and arid basins below. It's geological whiplash in the best way possible.
This incredible mix of landscapes—think dense pine forests transitioning into dramatic alpine terrain—has created some seriously epic roads and mountain passes that'll make any road trip bucket list jealous. Whether you're chasing scenery, adventure, or that perfect Instagram shot, Utah's network of scenic byways delivers some of the most jaw-dropping drives the West has to offer.
Ready to hit the road? These mountain passages showcase Utah's most spectacular, diverse, and downright stunning terrain. Buckle up and prepare for some unforgettable driving through one of America's most visually stunning states.
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Utah? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9512, -96.6735
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.9512, -96.6735
Related Roads in north-america
hardArrastre Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Arrastre Lake in Wyoming's Carbon County is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude adventure to 10,236 feet above sea level in the Medicine Bow National Forest! This isn't paved paradise. Expect a gravel road that's rocky, tippy, and bumpy – a real 4x4 playground! Heads up – you'll likely find it impassable from September to June, so plan accordingly. This trail is STEEP, so buckle up! Not a fan of heights? This one might make your palms sweat. And if it's been raining? Prepare for some serious mud-slinging. The road actually climbs up to 10,557 feet at one point, so the views are out of this world. Experienced off-roaders only – this beauty demands respect!
hardAn awe-inspiring road to Little Guard Peak in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Shoshone County, Idaho, you HAVE to check out Little Guard Peak. We're talking serious off-the-grid vibes here. First things first: this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Little Guard Peak Road is all dirt, all the time. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle and tires that can handle some rough stuff. Trust me, it's worth it. The road clocks in at about 10.5 miles, starting from Coeur D'Alene River Road, and let me tell you, it's a climb! We're talking an elevation gain of 1082 meters! Prepare for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 22% in places. The payoff? Unbelievable views from the fire lookout tower built right on the summit (elevation 6,026ft)! You'll be gazing out over the Coeur d'Alene River and the majestic Bitterroot Mountains. Just imagine the photos! Pack a picnic, take your time, and get ready for an unforgettable Idaho adventure.
hardHow long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?
🇺🇸 Usa
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!
moderateWhere is Bluebell Knoll?
🇺🇸 Usa
Bluebell Knoll is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.449m (11,317ft) above sea level, located in Wayne County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah. Where is Bluebell Knoll? The peak is located in the hinterlands of south-central Utah, within the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests. Can I drive my vehicle to Bluebell Knoll in UT? The road to the summit, also known as Boulder Top, is called FR178. Most of the route is good roads for passenger cars: however, the final few miles have a rough spot or two but nothing keeping a determined driver from reaching. A high clearance vehicle should be able to make it in most conditions. The road tops out at 11,177 feet. From the road, it is a short stroll to the summit area. How long is the road to Bluebell Knoll in UT? The road is 34.76km (21.6 miles) long, running north-south from Aquarius Ranger Station to Deer Lakes. Is Bluebell Knoll in UT open? Set high in the Boulder Mountains, the road is usually open from June, 16th to October 31st. Only travel on this road when it is dry. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. When visiting in the summer, be mindful that the area attracts massive thunderstorms. When these storms appear, it is recommended that you seek shelter immediately. In a heavy winter year, the roads to the Aquarius Plateau may not open until July. An epic enthralling 4x4 road to Whiskey Pass in Colorado The unpaved road to Devil’s Hole in Nevada Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.