Salt Lake City, nestled in the heart of Utah’s mountain ranges, offers some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the country. Known for its diverse landscapes that include towering mountains, expansive salt flats, and serene lakes, the area is a paradise for manual drivers who love the feel of the road beneath their wheels. With routes winding through canyons, along rivers, and over mountain passes, Salt Lake City provides plenty of opportunities for car lovers to experience the thrill of driving while soaking in the natural beauty of the region. These scenic routes extend beyond the city proper, giving you an unforgettable driving experience in the greater Salt Lake City area.
1. Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway
One of the most popular scenic drives near Salt Lake City is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway. This route takes you through the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, with stunning views of towering cliffs, lush forests, and alpine lakes. Manual drivers will love the curvy, winding roads that provide an engaging driving experience as they ascend toward Brighton Ski Resort. Along the way, you’ll pass several scenic viewpoints and hiking trailheads, making it a perfect spot to combine your drive with outdoor adventures.
2. Guardsman Pass
For a thrilling mountain drive, head over to Guardsman Pass. Starting from the east end of Big Cottonwood Canyon, this route offers tight curves, steep inclines, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As you navigate through high-altitude roads, you’ll pass wildflower meadows in the summer and snow-capped peaks in the winter. The road eventually connects to Park City, offering an extended scenic route. This drive is perfect for manual drivers who enjoy technical challenges while being surrounded by incredible natural beauty.
3. Mirror Lake Highway
Located about an hour east of Salt Lake City, the Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) is one of the most picturesque drives in the state. The highway winds through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, taking you past shimmering alpine lakes, dense forests, and high-altitude terrain. The road climbs to over 10,000 feet, providing manual drivers with a satisfying mix of switchbacks and smooth stretches. The highlight of the drive is Mirror Lake, a stunning body of water reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. The route is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
4. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is a must for anyone looking for a combination of thrilling driving and majestic scenery. This narrow, winding road takes you through the Uinta National Forest, offering breathtaking views of Mount Timpanogos, lush forests, and wildflower meadows. The route connects American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon, giving you access to waterfalls, like Bridal Veil Falls, and hiking trails along the way. The sharp turns and elevation changes make it a perfect drive for manual car enthusiasts who enjoy a more hands-on driving experience.
5. Antelope Island Causeway
For a different kind of scenic drive, the Antelope Island Causeway offers stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding wildlife. Located just 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, this causeway connects the mainland to Antelope Island, where you can spot bison, antelope, and other wildlife roaming free. The road itself is straight and smooth, providing a relaxing drive with the vast, shimmering salt lake on either side. Once on the island, you can explore the park or take in the incredible sunset views.
6. East Canyon Scenic Byway
The East Canyon Scenic Byway is a lesser-known but equally stunning drive that takes you through rolling hills, lush meadows, and scenic reservoirs. This route, located northeast of Salt Lake City, winds its way through East Canyon State Park and provides a perfect escape from the city. Manual drivers will enjoy the sweeping curves and elevation changes as the road climbs toward the Henefer Divide, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This drive is especially peaceful and less crowded, making it ideal for a leisurely scenic cruise.
Conclusion
Salt Lake City’s surrounding areas are filled with scenic routes that offer manual driving enthusiasts the perfect combination of winding roads and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re navigating the tight turns of Guardsman Pass or enjoying the reflective beauty of Mirror Lake, these drives provide a unique and thrilling experience for car lovers. The diverse terrains—ranging from high-altitude mountain passes to serene lakeside roads—make Salt Lake City a top destination for scenic drives.
If you’re eager to explore these routes but want to sharpen your manual driving skills first, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy in Salt Lake City. Our professional instructors can help you master the art of driving stick, ensuring you’re confident and ready for these stunning drives. Start your manual driving journey here and experience the best that Utah’s roads have to offer!
