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
extremeWhere is Siskiyou Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Siskiyou Summit, nestled in Oregon's Jackson County, is a real stunner! This mountain pass, soaring to 4,310 feet, straddles the Siskiyou Mountains just 4 miles north of the California border. You'll be cruising on Interstate 5 (Pacific Highway), entirely paved, making it super accessible. Fun fact: it's the highest point on this major route! Clocking in at about 51 miles, this stretch of road runs from Medford, Oregon, to Yreka, California, right through the beautiful Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. But, heads up, it's not all smooth sailing! Depending on your direction, you'll either be gaining or losing a hefty 2,300 feet in just 6 miles, with some pretty steep 6% grades thrown in for good measure. There's a particularly intense part heading north from Milepost 18, where you're climbing 2,000 feet in a short 6-mile burst. The descent can be tricky, especially when fog rolls in and visibility drops to near zero. Despite the challenges, you'll see a ton of trucks navigating this route daily! Word to the wise: this is mountain country, so weather is always a factor. With its elevation and proximity to the Pacific, Siskiyou Summit sees a lot of snow and freezing rain, especially from November to April. Oregon D.O.T. might even shut down the whole highway during winter storms. Closures can happen even when the weather seems fine, so always be prepared. Driving at night or early morning in winter? Maybe skip it. Definitely tune into weather updates and road conditions before and during your drive to stay safe.
moderateBajada a Xichu is a drive with spectacular views of Sierra Madre Oriental
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, amigos, because the road to Xichú in Guanajuato, Mexico is an adventure! You've got two choices to reach this city nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. First up: the OG dirt road, a real wild child that clings to the canyons, offering seriously epic views and even a hand-carved rock tunnel. But heads up, it's a bit rough around the edges. If you prefer a smoother ride, take the new paved road. Don't worry, you won't miss out on the scenery, it still delivers those mountain vistas. And the adventure isn't over in Xichú! They're building a road from Xichú to Atarjea. Word on the street is it'll eventually hook up with Mexico 69 near Ayutla, Querétaro. Get ready for killer views of the Santa María river canyon walls – this one's gonna be a stunner!
hardWhere is the South Willow Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! South Willow Canyon Road in Utah's Tooele County is calling your name. Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this drive is a wildlife photographer's dream. Keep your eyes peeled! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. South Willow Canyon Road, or Forest Road 171, clocks in at about 7.1 miles of mixed terrain. Most of it's paved, but those last 4 miles turn to gravel, adding a little off-road flavor. Nothing too crazy, though – most cars should be able to handle it. Just watch out for some potholes if you're towing a trailer. Heads up – this road climbs! You'll start near the Mormon Trail and end up at 7,447 feet, right where the Deseret Peak Trail begins. There's a parking area and restrooms there. Expect snow from November to mid-June up there. It's a fairly steep climb, gaining 2,355 feet with an average gradient of 6.28%, and the road gets pretty narrow. But the views are SO worth it! This is a scenic drive through some interesting narrows you won't forget. Plus, there are five forest service campgrounds along the way if you want to make a weekend of it. Enjoy!
moderateCan I drive to Mount Mitchell in North Carolina?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Mount Mitchell! This giant in Yancey County, North Carolina, isn't just tall; at 6,584 feet, it's the highest point east of the Mississippi! You'll find it about 35 miles northeast of Asheville, beckoning you from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road to the top, NC 128, is a fully paved, 4.5-mile stretch that starts from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heads up—it can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends. This two-lane road winds gently as you enter Mount Mitchell State Park. Get ready for a climb! Some sections of the road hit almost 10% grade! Starting from the Parkway, you'll gain over 1400 feet, averaging around a 6% grade. This road is usually open year-round. That said, keep an eye on the weather – if the Blue Ridge Parkway shuts down due to snow or ice, you're out of luck. Heavy winds can also put a damper on things. Pack a jacket – it’s often 10-30 degrees cooler than Asheville up there, and the weather can change on a dime! Rain gear is a good idea if you plan to hike. The summit is often shrouded in clouds and fog (like, 8 out of 10 days often!). So, check the Asheville forecast and aim for a clear day. For winter road conditions, call the Park office at 828-675-4611. But the views? Oh, the views! They are unmatched! Think sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling hills, and lush valleys. The 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park offers tranquility and breathtaking beauty. The summit boasts an observation deck where, on a clear day, you can see for 85 miles! Plus, there's a museum, a shop, restrooms, and even a restaurant (open spring to fall) to complete your experience.