The Southwest isn’t just about the hikes. Some of the most epic views in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada are found right from the seat of your car, no trailhead or hiking boots required. After more than a decade exploring Southern Utah and the greater Southwest, these are the 13 scenic drives that have never once gotten old, no matter how many times I’ve driven them.
Lee’s Ferry, Arizona
A quiet stretch along the Colorado River that offers a completely different perspective on the Southwest’s dramatic canyon country.
Moki Dugway, Utah
A series of steep, winding switchbacks carved into the cliffside, delivering sweeping views that make every hairpin turn worth it.
Mouse’s Tank Road, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Winding through some of the most vividly colored red rock formations in Nevada, this drive feels like entering another world entirely.
Highway 128, Cisco to Moab Scenic Byway, Utah
This route follows the Colorado River alongside towering red rock walls, making it one of the most photogenic drives in all of Utah.
Potash Road, Utah
A dramatic drive that winds you directly between massive canyon walls and the river below, feeling more like an experience than a simple commute.
Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in America, cutting through canyons, forests, and high desert landscapes in a single stretch.
Monument Valley Scenic Drive, Arizona
An unforgettable loop through towering sandstone buttes that have become instantly recognizable symbols of the American Southwest.
Burr Trail, Utah
A remote, winding road through Capitol Reef backcountry that rewards drivers with some of the region’s most untouched scenery.
Highway 163, Arizona/Utah
Famous for its long, straight stretch leading directly toward Monument Valley in the distance, this is one of the most iconic road shots in the country.
Valley of the Gods Road, Utah
A quieter, less crowded alternative to Monument Valley, but every bit as stunning, winding through dramatic rock formations.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
A peaceful drive through orchards, canyon walls, and colorful cliffs tucked inside one of Utah’s most underrated national parks.
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, Zion National Park, Utah
A dramatic route complete with a historic tunnel, winding switchbacks, and views that build anticipation the entire way through.
Capitol Gorge Road, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
A narrow canyon drive that feels intimate and quiet, offering a very different side of Capitol Reef than the main scenic drive.
Why These Drives Never Get Old
I’ve driven every single one of these multiple times, and somehow each trip still feels as special as the first. One of my favorite things about living in and exploring this region is just how much the landscape changes, sometimes within only a couple of miles.
Which one of these drives are you adding to your Southwest itinerary?