We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you ... you're just helping re-supply our family's travel fund.
When it comes to road trips, Utah doesn’t hold back. Its mighty mountains and dramatic red-rock landscapes are home to some of the most breathtaking mountain passes in the American Southwest. These routes aren’t just about getting from point A to point B—they’re part of the adventure. Winding through alpine forests, ancient sandstone cliffs, and high desert mesas, each pass offers a scenic payoff that’s well worth the drive. Whether you’re seeking solitude, starry skies, or heart-pounding vistas, these ten mountain passes make Utah a road-tripper’s paradise.
1. Guardsman Pass
Linking Park City with Big Cottonwood Canyon, Guardsman Pass is a paved seasonal route that climbs to over 9,700 feet. In summer and early fall, it reveals golden aspen groves and sweeping alpine views. The drive offers tight switchbacks and jaw-dropping overlooks of the Wasatch Range. Along the way, stop for a hike at Bloods Lake or simply breathe in the high-altitude serenity. This route is ideal for sunset chasers and foliage fans alike, offering a quieter, wilder glimpse of Utah’s mountainous side just an hour from Salt Lake City.
2. Boulder Mountain Pass (Scenic Byway 12)
Part of Utah’s All-American Road, Scenic Byway 12 climbs Boulder Mountain to nearly 9,000 feet, offering stunning views of Capitol Reef’s red cliffs and Grand Staircase’s painted canyons. The pass winds through alpine meadows, spruce forests, and open overlooks with hardly a soul in sight. Keep your camera ready for frequent deer and elk sightings. Whether you’re heading to Escalante or beyond, this high-country stretch of road promises solitude, sky, and some of the best panoramas in the state.
3. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (Mount Timpanogos Pass)
Nestled between American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon, the Alpine Loop climbs over 8,000 feet and wraps around the base of Mount Timpanogos. This winding byway weaves through dense pine forests and opens to grand vistas of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows. The road is narrow and seasonal, best explored from late spring through October. Make time to hike the Timpanogos Cave trail or stop at Sundance Mountain Resort. It’s a postcard-worthy drive through the beating heart of the Wasatch.
4. Monte Cristo Scenic Drive
Stretching from Huntsville to Woodruff, the Monte Cristo Road crests above 9,000 feet and delivers wide-open views of forested ridgelines and high mountain valleys. Especially vivid in fall, the route is known for golden aspens, moose sightings, and backcountry quietude. Unlike more crowded routes near Salt Lake City, this northeastern Utah gem remains under the radar—making it a serene pick for nature lovers and star-gazers. Pack a picnic, roll down the windows, and enjoy the cool mountain air.
5. Cottonwood Canyon Pass (Big and Little)
Both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons offer short but spectacular ascents into the Wasatch Range, ending near ski meccas like Alta and Brighton. These roads are paved and well-maintained, but their proximity to Salt Lake City means early morning or shoulder season drives are ideal for avoiding crowds. Granite cliffs, glacier-carved walls, and shimmering lakes line the drive. In summer, wildflowers burst across Albion Basin, while winter transforms the canyon into a snow-draped wonderland.
6. Cedar Breaks Scenic Byway (Highway 148)
Just north of Zion and Bryce, this 5-mile stretch climbs through Dixie National Forest to the rim of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Don’t let its short length fool you—this pass offers panoramic views of red-rock amphitheaters at over 10,000 feet. The road is only open in warmer months, with peak color arriving in late September. Combine the drive with short hikes to Spectra Point or Sunset View for a high-altitude experience that’s peaceful, otherworldly, and unforgettable.
7. Indian Creek Pass (via Route 211)
This underrated route begins at Highway 191 and winds westward toward the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. While not a traditional “mountain pass,” the elevation changes and sweeping desert vistas make it a standout. Towering sandstone spires and red-hued cliffs frame your drive through Indian Creek Valley. Popular with climbers and photographers, this drive is especially magical at golden hour. It’s remote, quiet, and deeply soulful—everything a Utah road trip should be.
8. Brian Head Peak Road
From the ski town of Brian Head, a steep gravel road leads to one of Utah’s highest drivable points—Brian Head Peak at 11,307 feet. The summit offers an unmatched 360-degree view of Cedar Breaks, Zion, and beyond. It’s a short drive, best tackled in summer with a high-clearance vehicle, but the payoff is massive. A picnic at the top with red-rock backdrops and crisp alpine air? That’s Utah at its peak—literally.
9. Skyline Drive (Wasatch Plateau)
For a true backcountry adventure, head to Skyline Drive—over 100 miles of dirt road tracing the crest of Utah’s Wasatch Plateau. It reaches nearly 11,000 feet in places and is only accessible by 4WD in the summer and early fall. The views span across central Utah’s patchwork of canyons, forests, and farmland. This pass rewards off-the-beaten-path seekers with solitude and starlight. Bring supplies, check weather, and embrace the remoteness—it’s a high-elevation escape like no other.
10. Kolob Terrace Road (Zion Back Entrance)
For a quieter slice of Zion, Kolob Terrace Road climbs from the town of Virgin into high desert meadows and lava fields. Passing through private ranchlands and open vistas, it offers glimpses of Zion’s towering cliffs—without the crowds. While not as steep as alpine passes, the changing elevation and sheer beauty make this a must. Stop at Lava Point Overlook for panoramic views, and if you’re camping, the Lava Point Campground is one of Zion’s most peaceful overnight spots.