Everyone in Utah Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

The Energy Loop, one of the best scenic drives in Utah, actually consists of two forks. From Fairview, you'll travel along State Highway 31 to the junction of State Highway 264. From there, the byway forks. You can continue along State Highway 264 to Scofield, then on to Colton. Or, head south through the Manti-La Sal National Forest along State Highway 31 until you reach Huntington.

If you want to take a drive on the Energy Loop in Utah, you will be blown away by the fantastic views, but first, you should make sure you have the proper road trip snacks. The Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways, or "Energy Loop," takes you through some of Utah's most beautiful and often under-appreciated scenery. It really is a road that should be experienced by everyone in the state and doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves. There are a few ways to do this drive if you are short on time or if you have the whole day. Either way, this is one road that should be enjoyed.

To make a complete loop, you could drive from Colton, along State Highway 6 to State Highway 10, past Helper, and down to Huntington, for a total of 146 miles. This is one of the best ways to get the most out of this Utah scenic drive. To help you along your journey we made a helpful interactive map so you can customize it however you like and to fit where you want to get on and off the loop. The little town of Fairview has a population of just over 1,200 people. This can also be the gateway for this scenic byway in Utah.

One quick stop you can make early on in your journey is the Beaver Dam Reservoir/ Benches Pond. Sit by the water, take in the view, or simply walk around for a moment and enjoy some fresh air. You'll find interpretive signs along this scenic drive near me. This photo shows Electric Lake from an aerial view but it is just as beautiful from the ground.

Scofield was the site of one of the worst mining disasters in history. In May of 1900, a spark set off an explosion that killed 199 miners. This photo shows the old headstones of the miners who were killed, along with newer headstones that accompany each grave. Scofield State Park includes a 2,815-acre reservoir that's perfect for many water recreational sports like boating and fishing. Along the way, you will pass the Ford Creek Waterfall which is viewable from the road.

Then, you will enter a stunning canyon known as The Castle Gate. This section will feature towering mesas for which Utah is famous. The Stuart Historic Guard Station was built in Huntington Canyon in the 1930s. Stop by here to learn about the history of forestry in this area. The Manti-La Sal National Forest covers 1.2 million acres. You will have plenty of time to drive through sections of this beautiful natural area throughout your trip on the Energy Loop.

Huntington State Park is a picturesque 111-acre park with a pretty reservoir. This trip is just loaded with gorgeous bodies of water. The Huntington Power Plant — you can see why this byway is named "Energy Loop." Huntington Canyon is a popular spot for cyclists. It is very hard to resist beauty like this after all. The remains of an ancient mammoth were discovered at the Mammoth Discovery Site on August 8, 1988. Make sure to stop and read the sign. It makes for an interesting place to pause on this scenic byway.