Where is Smoky Mountain Road?
Usa, north-america
124 km
2,160 m
moderate
Year-round
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway in southern Utah (Kane County) is calling your name! Located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
Think of it as a 77.4-mile (124km) one-way rocky dirt rollercoaster connecting Escalante (on Scenic Byway 12) and Big Water (off Highway 89). We're talking a good five to six hours of seriously rough terrain, so leave the Prius at home!
A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously. This route features sections that'll eat standard vehicles for lunch. Plus, avoid it like the plague when wet; those harmless-looking puddles turn into treacherous quicksand.
What makes it worthwhile? Jaw-dropping scenery! You'll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains, and the Kaiparowits Plateau. And the kicker? Kelly's Grade, a heart-pumping five-mile series of switchbacks that climbs 1200 feet up the Kaiparowits Plateau cliffs. The view from the top? Unforgettable!
Heads up: this road tops out at 7,086 feet (2,160m) above sea level. The best time to tackle it is during spring and fall for moderate temps. Summer can be scorching, and winter… well, let’s just say it's impassable due to snow.
This is a remote, undeveloped area. There are NO services along the way. Be totally self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, and at least one spare tire (two is better!). You might not see another soul out there. Signs warn "impassable when wet," so heed that warning! Rain turns washes into vehicle traps. Be prepared for anything, and this will be an epic journey.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 124 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,160 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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