| Description: The first part of the drive is over a sage grassland, with astounding views of the remote Henry Mountains, particularly Mount Ellen. After the turnoff to Ticaboo, the road enters more typical red sandstone canyon. After the Hog Springs picnic area, the scenery opens up into Glen Canyon Recreation Area, & be sure to stop at Hite Overlook, the best view of the lake. There are many undeveloped campsites south of the overlook, & resort services near the turnoff for Hite Marina. The town of Hite itself lies under the blue waters of the reservoir. The terrain is fairly bare here, but the vegetation grows denser on the descent to Natural Bridges National Monument. Bridge View Drive is a great one-way loop through the monument, & you can get H2O & information at the visitor center. Past the monument, there are two good examples of Anasazi architecture, one at Mule Canyon which features lookout towers, & one at Butler Wash Indian Ruins. Each can be explored by an easy footpath.
Location: UT 95 from Hanksville to US 191 south of Blanding. 133 mile one way trip. Plan on taking most of the day if you stop & poke around.
Season: year round.
Fee: admission fee for the parks.
Reservations: no. |
Campground: Bicentennial Scenic Byway in Monticello Utah *