Utah #1

From the Editors of Driving Today

Everyone should explore the desert southwest and the natural wonders that await you across southern Utah. A bit ambitious for a day's drive, one could easily spend a whole day exploring any one of the parks and monuments along the way. Start your drive at St. George in the southwest corner of the state, head out on Rte. 9 toward Zion National Park. Rte. 9 runs right through Zion Canyon, a pretty drive, but it can get busy during tourist season.

There are plenty of opportunities to stop and check out other more secluded parts of the park. Then it's up U.S. 89 to Rte. 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you'll have to get off the road to explore. Unless you're a camper, accommodations get pretty spotty after Bryce. If you've spent any amount of time off the road, you may want to call it a day here. Any of these sights are highly recommended, and it would be a shame to just pass them by, but the route itself is full of staggering scenery as it takes you down through canyons, over mountain passes and across great forested plateaus.

Rte. 12 continues through the Dixie National Forest, where you pick up Rte. 24 to Rte.95 across the Henry Mountains. After you cross the Colorado River and access the Glen Canyon area, Rte. 95 takes you down past the Natural Bridges National Monument, a worthwhile stop. Heading into Blanding there are potential side trips to Mexican Hat, Four Corners, the Navajo Nation and numerous other area attractions.

Starting Point:
St. George, UT

Distance of Drive:
499 miles (2-days)

Must Eat:
Sullivan's Rococo Steakhouse
511 South Airport Road, St. George, UT 84770
Phone:    435-628-3671
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.  
Good Stop For:    Best steaks around

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round

Points of Interest on Drive:
Natural Bridges National Monument
Navajo Nation
Bryce Canyon National Park

See also:

• Utah #2, Utah Ghosts and Canyons

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