Utah is the place to be if you’re into endless vistas and scenic views that stretch for miles. You can lace up your hiking boots and climb to the top of a mountain for a 360-degree view, but not everyone is willing or able to go for a hike. Here are 11 overlooks and viewpoints that offer stunning scenery – and you can drive right up to them!
- Bald Mountain Pass
By Glennfcowan - Own work, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia At 10,715 feet, Bald Mountain Pass offers an incredible view on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. This is Utah’s highest paved road, and you’ll want to make sure to bring your camera when you visit. This road is closed during winter months, so wait til summer to visit.
- Bryce Canyon National Park’s Viewpoints
James Faulkner/flickr It’s impossible to choose just one of the viewpoints at Bryce Canyon National Park. Shown is Inspiration Point, which we have to agree is definitely inspiring.
- Dead Horse Point State Park
NPS Dead Horse Point State Park sits 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. It’s hard to beat this view!
- Goosenecks Overlooks
rikiki967/Tripadvisor This overlook does require a short hike, but it’s only 600 feet, so most visitors should be convinced to get out of the car for a few minutes. You’ll find this gorgeous vista at Capitol Reef National Park.
- Green River Overlook
michelf207/Tripadvisor Head to Canyons National Park to check out this endless view of the landscape, and the Green River far below. You can see why this district of the park is called “Island in the Sky.”
- Hidden Peak
Jessica Petersen/flickr Take the tram at Snowbird Resort to Hidden Peak, which sits at 11,700 feet. The views of Little Cottonwood Canyon are amazing, and you can even grab a bite at The Summit. The tram runs year-round.
- Hite Overlook
NPS Take the Bicentennial Highway Scenic Byway to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where you’ll get a view of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon.
- Homestead Overlook
Casey Gray Walton/Google Take Scenic Byway 12 to see this gorgeous scenery. It’s located about 26 miles southeast of Torrey.
- Memorial Hill
Mark Lee Earl/Google Honor Wasatch County veterans atop this hill that overlooks the beautiful Heber Valley. You can hike up the hill, or take the winding road up to the top.
- Sheep Creek Overlook
Hamen Lo/Google You’ll find this stunner just 11 miles south of Manila. The pullout on the side of the road sits 500 feet above Sheep Creek Bay at Flaming Gorge.
- Wedge Overlook
Lynn Sessions/Google The “Little Grand Canyon” of the San Rafael Swell is absolutely stunning. You can see for miles from the Wedge Overlook. Start at Castledale, then drive north for one mile to an intersection. Follow the signs to the gravel road, and travel 13 miles to another intersection. Signs will point you to another six-mile drive to the overlook.
Which of these scenic spots have you visited? We’d love to see your photos in the comments!
By Glennfcowan - Own work, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia
At 10,715 feet, Bald Mountain Pass offers an incredible view on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. This is Utah’s highest paved road, and you’ll want to make sure to bring your camera when you visit. This road is closed during winter months, so wait til summer to visit.
James Faulkner/flickr
It’s impossible to choose just one of the viewpoints at Bryce Canyon National Park. Shown is Inspiration Point, which we have to agree is definitely inspiring.
NPS
Dead Horse Point State Park sits 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. It’s hard to beat this view!
rikiki967/Tripadvisor
This overlook does require a short hike, but it’s only 600 feet, so most visitors should be convinced to get out of the car for a few minutes. You’ll find this gorgeous vista at Capitol Reef National Park.
michelf207/Tripadvisor
Head to Canyons National Park to check out this endless view of the landscape, and the Green River far below. You can see why this district of the park is called “Island in the Sky.”
Jessica Petersen/flickr
Take the tram at Snowbird Resort to Hidden Peak, which sits at 11,700 feet. The views of Little Cottonwood Canyon are amazing, and you can even grab a bite at The Summit. The tram runs year-round.
Take the Bicentennial Highway Scenic Byway to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where you’ll get a view of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon.
Casey Gray Walton/Google
Take Scenic Byway 12 to see this gorgeous scenery. It’s located about 26 miles southeast of Torrey.
Mark Lee Earl/Google
Honor Wasatch County veterans atop this hill that overlooks the beautiful Heber Valley. You can hike up the hill, or take the winding road up to the top.
Hamen Lo/Google
You’ll find this stunner just 11 miles south of Manila. The pullout on the side of the road sits 500 feet above Sheep Creek Bay at Flaming Gorge.
Lynn Sessions/Google
The “Little Grand Canyon” of the San Rafael Swell is absolutely stunning. You can see for miles from the Wedge Overlook. Start at Castledale, then drive north for one mile to an intersection. Follow the signs to the gravel road, and travel 13 miles to another intersection. Signs will point you to another six-mile drive to the overlook.
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Address: Bald Mountain Pass, Utah 84031, USAAddress: Inspiration Point, Utah 84764, USAAddress: Dead Horse Point State Park, UT-313, Moab, UT 84532, USAAddress: Torrey, UT 84775, USAAddress: Moab, UT 84532, USAAddress: 9385 S, Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092, USAAddress: UT-95, Lake Powell, UT 84533, USAAddress: Point Lookout Rd, Boulder, UT 84716, USAAddress: 38-, 40 River Rd, Midway, UT 84049, USAAddress: FR 503, Manila, UT 84046, USAAddress: Castle Dale, UT 84513, USA
