One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Beehive State is to hop in the car and go for a drive. There are more than two dozen scenic byways in Utah and each is spectacular in its own special way. One of the most beautiful scenic drives in Utah is the Nebo Loop Byway. This national scenic byway gives you gorgeous mountain views and features many breathtaking stops along the way. The Nebo Loop Byway in Utah is easily one of the best road trips you can take in America.

This scenic drive is 38 miles one-way. Plan for at least 90 minutes of drive time and even longer if you decide to stop along the way.
Ken Lund/Flickr
This road is closed during the winter months. However, it is still accessible by snowmobile if you desire a heart-racing winter adventure.
You can access the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway from Payson or Nephi. This road will wind you through the Wasatch Mountain Range and you’ll feel far away from the city as you drive.
Ken Lund/Flickr
You’ll come across multiple trailheads along this scenic drive. If traveling south from Payson, one of the first hiking trails you will come to is the Jones Ranch Trail.
Breck Tuttle/AllTrails
This easy 2.7-mile trail will take you through meadows and forested areas. Keep your eyes out for both wildlife and bikers as this is a popular place for mountain biking.
For a short waterfall hike on the Nebo Loop Byway, check out the Grotto Falls Trail.
Tiffany Draper/AllTrails
This trail is only 0.6 miles out and back and is quite easy. In fact, this is the perfect beginner-friendly waterfall trail in the state. The waterfall at the end is beautiful and is the perfect place to sit and enjoy Utah’s beauty.

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There are also multiple campgrounds along this scenic byway if you want to make this drive a full weekend adventure. The Payson Lakes Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area and you can spend your day near the lake, surrounded by aspen trees, and more.
Just Another Random Guy/Google
Make sure you stop and enjoy the multiple overlooks on your drive as well. At the Utah Valley Overlook, for example, you will be at the top of Mount Nebo, the tallest peak in the Wasatch Range. You will have remarkable views of the valley below you.
ROGER L Mont Pullan/Google
Don’t drive by Devil’s Kitchen without stopping to admire the unique scenery. Devil’s Kitchen is a geological area that features stunning red rock formations. This area is often referred to as a miniature Bryce Canyon — it’s quite beautiful!
Jerome Kuntz/Google
While the Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway in Utah is only 38 miles, it can easily take you all day to explore. It’s no wonder it is one of the best road trips you can take in America.
Ken Lund/Flickr

Have you explored the Nebo Loop Byway in Utah? Did you make any stops along one of the most scenic drives in Utah? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments! Looking for even more travel inspiration? We’ve put together a list of the best road trip ideas in Utah along with itineraries. There’s something on the list for everyone! And, of course, before you hit the road, make sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list.

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scenic drives in Utah

Beth C. | April 25, 2023

What are some of the most famous natural wonders in Utah:

Utah is famous for its stunning, otherworldly landscape. From rugged mountains to deserts, canyons, and natural arches, there's so much to explore in the Beehive State. To help you narrow down the options, we've compiled a list of some of the most famous natural wonders in Utah:

  • Arches National Park -- filled with over 2,000 natural arches
  • Lower Calf Creek Falls -- located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir -- an outdoor lover's paradise
  • Mount Timpanogos -- the second-tallest mountain in the Wasatch Range
  • Dead Horse Point State Park -- one of the most photographed places in the entire U.S.
  • Lake Blanche -- a breathtaking lake found in Big Cottonwood Canyon
  • Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon -- an otherworldly slot canyon in southern Utah
  • The Great Salt Lake -- the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere
  • Zion National Park -- considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire world
  • Bear Lake -- sometimes described as the Caribbean of the Rockies
  • Bridal Veil Falls -- the tallest waterfall in Utah, measuring 607 feet
  • Wellsville Mountains -- some of the steepest mountains in North America, found in northern Utah
  • Bryce Canyon National Park -- filled with incredible hoodoos and overlooks
  • Tony Grove Lake -- a hidden gem in northern Utah that can be explored by a short-and-sweet nature trail

 

What are Utah's most popular state parks?

The most popular state parks in Utah include:

  • Antelope Island State Park
  • Bear Lake State Park
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
  • Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Goblin Valley State Park
  • Green River State Park

 

Learn more about what makes each of these Utah state parks so memorable.

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Featured Addresses
Nebo Loop Road, Nebo Loop Rd, Payson, UT, USA