The 3 Best Scenic Drives Around Sanpete County

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In Sanpete County, the journey is often as beautiful as the destination. Winding through canyons, over ridgelines, and past historic small towns, the county’s scenic drives showcase the very best of central Utah’s natural beauty. The Best of Sanpete County contest celebrated the routes that turn Sunday drives into soul-soothing adventures — the ones where you roll the windows down, lose cell service, and remember what fresh mountain air really smells like.

Skyline Drive

Arguably Utah’s most breathtaking backroad, Skyline Drive lives up to its name. Stretching more than 80 miles along the Wasatch Plateau, this high-elevation route connects mountain passes and panoramic viewpoints that seem to touch the clouds. In summer, it’s a paradise for ATV riders and campers; in fall, it becomes a painter’s palette of gold and crimson aspens. Whether you start from Fairview or Ephraim Canyon, Skyline Drive offers a front-row seat to Utah’s alpine wilderness — no ticket required.

Fairview Canyon

Fairview Canyon is where Sanpete’s rugged charm meets high-country tranquility. The scenic byway climbs from farmland into forest, revealing views of lakes, peaks, and endless blue sky. It’s a favorite for anglers, hikers, and anyone who loves a good photo stop — or several dozen of them. Wildlife sightings are common, and the air carries that crisp mountain scent that city dwellers drive hours to find. Whether you’re chasing fall colors or snow-dusted serenity, Fairview Canyon never disappoints.

Manti City

You don’t have to climb a mountain to enjoy a beautiful drive — sometimes, a cruise through Manti’s historic streets does the trick. The city’s tree-lined roads frame the majestic Manti Utah Temple, while nearby hills and farmlands create postcard-worthy vistas at every turn. With its mix of pioneer architecture and panoramic backdrops, Manti offers the perfect slow roll for those who appreciate both history and horizon. It’s not just a drive — it’s a glimpse into the soul of Sanpete County.

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