If you’re the kind of person who believes that a good road trip should come with epic views, the windows rolled down, and a playlist that’s at least 30% classic rock, then congratulations, you’re officially in the right part of the country. Southern Utah was practically designed for scenic drives. And when it comes to Utah scenic drives, the areas near St. George are punching well above their weight. We’re talking about high-elevation plateaus, lava fields, sandstone cliffs, tucked-away reservoirs, and a series of roads so good they should be illegal. (They’re not, but they will ruin you for flat, boring interstates forever.)
So if you’re staying at Settlers Point or passing through town with a cooler full of snacks and a camera full of storage, let’s talk about the best routes to hit this summer. Whether you’ve got an hour or an entire day, these drives offer a front-row seat to Utah’s red rock magic without making you hike twelve miles uphill for it.
Kolob Terrace Road: Underrated, Undeniably Gorgeous
Let’s start with one that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: Kolob Terrace Road. This isn’t your average “Zion traffic jam” type of route. It starts just outside of Virgin and winds its way through some of the most quietly stunning backcountry Zion has to offer. And the kicker? Hardly anyone’s on it.
The first stretch follows a gentle incline past pastoral farmland and desert shrub, but give it ten minutes and boom, you’re in high desert heaven. Jagged sandstone ridges jut up beside the road, and as you climb in elevation, the temperature drops just enough to make you feel like you’ve escaped summer itself.
You’ll pass by the turnoff for Kolob Reservoir, which is a perfect place to stretch your legs or eat a snack while pretending you’re in a high-altitude Patagonia ad. This route is especially striking in the early morning when the light rakes across the ridgelines, or late afternoon when shadows start to crawl across the valley floor. Just don’t expect any major rest stops or stores out here, this is a bring-your-own-granola-bar kind of drive.
For photographers, Kolob Terrace delivers shot after shot of unspoiled Zion terrain without the crowds. And if you’ve got time, you can even take a quick detour to the Hop Valley Trailhead for a casual stroll or a few peace-and-quiet photos of lava flows and wildflowers.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: Dramatic and Classic
If Kolob is the indie film of Southern Utah drives, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is the big-budget summer blockbuster. And yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype.
This stretch of Highway 9 takes you straight through Zion National Park, connecting the South Entrance near Springdale with the East Entrance near Mt. Carmel Junction. If you’ve seen iconic photos of the red tunnel carved into a cliff or the jaw-dropping switchbacks clinging to a canyon wall, that’s this road. It’s the one with personality.
But here’s the thing. Timing matters. Drive this route during peak hours, and it’s less “glorious escape” and more “glorified parade float.” If you want to really enjoy the curves, the tunnels, and the endless rock formations without feeling like you’re stuck behind a Winnebago, aim for early morning before 9 AM or late afternoon around 5 PM.
The drive itself is only about 12 miles, but you’ll want to budget time for stops. There are several pullouts with scenic overlooks, each more jaw-dropping than the last. Don’t miss the Checkerboard Mesa on the eastern side, it looks like someone took a chisel and carved a giant waffle into the sandstone.
If you’re looking for a walk-and-snap combo, the Canyon Overlook Trail near the tunnel entrance is a short hike with a massive payoff. It’s not too difficult and offers a panoramic view that feels like Zion is giving you a standing ovation.
Gunlock to Veyo: Small Towns, Lava Fields, and Reservoirs
For something a bit more low-key but still packed with scenery, the loop from Gunlock Reservoir to Veyo is an underrated gem. You’ll start just northwest of St. George and make your way past Gunlock State Park, which is ideal if you want to pair your drive with a quick dip in the water or a lazy shoreline picnic.
The road from Gunlock to Veyo twists through ancient lava fields, yes, actual cooled lava, and contrasting patches of green farmland that feel totally out of place (in the best way). It’s one of those routes where you blink and suddenly you’re in a different landscape. Cactus one minute, pine trees the next.
Veyo itself is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of town, but make sure you don’t miss it. This is where you’ll find Veyo Pies. You haven’t really done a Southern Utah road trip until you’ve eaten a slice of their apple crumble and then tried to justify driving all the way back just to get another one. Spoiler: it’s worth it.
If you keep looping around through Diamond Valley, you’ll end up back in St. George with enough photos, snacks, and scenery to make you feel like you’ve actually been somewhere.
When to Drive: Don’t Roast Yourself
Summer in Southern Utah is gorgeous, but it’s also like living inside a toaster oven if you’re not careful. The best time to tackle these Utah scenic drives is early morning or late afternoon. Not only is the lighting better (your Instagram grid will thank you), but you’ll avoid the worst of the heat and most of the traffic.
Midday drives can work if you’re sticking to higher elevations like Kolob Terrace, but down lower, around Zion or Gunlock, temperatures can creep into triple digits by lunchtime. AC is your friend. So is a full tank of gas and a cooler of drinks. Don’t mess around with summer heat here, it’s not shy.
Stop for Snacks, Photos, and Sanity
Let’s be real: part of the joy of a road trip is the stuff between the views. Pull over often. Bring snacks that don’t melt. (Looking at you, chocolate-covered pretzels.) Carry extra water even if you don’t plan to hike. And always keep your phone or camera handy, you never know when the lighting will hit just right and suddenly you’re staring at a calendar-worthy shot.
Each of these drives offers little slices of adventure, whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment hike, a roadside fruit stand, or a lonely viewpoint that makes you feel like the entire desert showed up just for you.
Scenic Drives Worth Bragging About
Here’s the bottom line: not all scenic drives are created equal, and Southern Utah knows how to deliver the good stuff. From high-elevation roads that feel like you’re driving across Mars to winding canyons carved by time and the occasional dinosaur (probably), these routes are a reminder that you don’t have to go far to find wonder.
So gas up the car, queue up the playlist, and don’t forget the pie. The Utah scenic drives around St. George are more than just pretty views, they’re an excuse to slow down, breathe deep, and remember why road trips are still one of the best ways to travel.
