Everyone In Utah Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive
By Catherine Armstrong|Updated on August 29, 2023(Originally published June 18, 2017)
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Catherine Armstrong
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
The Energy Loop actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you’ll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti-La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington. To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington. If you want to take a drive on the Energy Loop in Utah you will be blown away by the fantastic views, but first, you should make sure you have the proper road trip snacks. Then you will have enough energy to do the whole drive!
The Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways, or "Energy Loop," takes you through some of Utah's most beautiful, and often under-appreciated scenery. It really is a road that should be experienced by everyone in the state and doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves.
The Energy Loop actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you'll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti-La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington.
There are a few ways to do this drive if you are short on time or if you have the whole day, either way, this is one road that should be enjoyed.
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To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington, for a total of 146 miles.
This is one of the best ways to get the most out of this scenic drive in Utah. To help you along your journey we made a helpful interactive map so you can customize it however you like and to fit where you want to get on and off the loop.
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The little town of Fairview has a population of just over 1,200 people. This can also be the gateway for this scenic byway in Utah.
One quick stop you can make early on in your journey is the Beaver Dam Reservoir/ Benches Pond. Sit by the water take in the view or simply walk around for a moment to get out of the car and enjoy some fresh air.
Scofield was the site of one of the worst mining disasters in history. In May of 1900, a spark set off an explosion that killed 199 miners. This photo shows the old headstones of the miners who were killed, along with newer headstones that accompany each grave.
Along the way, you will pass the Ford Creek Waterfall viewable from the road. Then you will enter a stunning canyon known as The Castle Gate. This section will feature towering mesas for which Utah is famous.
The Manti-La Sal National Forest covers 1.2 million acres. You will have plenty of time to drive through sections of this beautiful natural area throughout your trip on the Energy Loop.
Have you ever been on the Energy Loop in Utah? This is an underrated road but next time you are looking for a scenic road to drive make sure to remember this one and witness the outstanding beauty of state has to offer.
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