Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route27 midifficulty: easy

North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway — overland route near Fairview, Utah, Utah
Intermountain Region US Forest Service, via Wikimedia Commons
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
27mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance helpful but not required in dry conditions; the road is graded gravel.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty.
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North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway is a 27-mile graded-gravel road along the high spine of the Wasatch Plateau between US-6 (near Tucker) and SR-31 (near Fairview), on the northern half of Manti-La Sal National Forest. The route runs at 9,000 to 10,000 feet through aspen meadows and conifer forest, with pullouts overlooking Sanpete Valley to the west and Castle Valley to the east.

The surface is graded gravel suitable for high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. The route is fall-color famous in late September. Snow keeps it closed roughly November through May.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal snow closure. November to May.
  • Mud after rain. Postpone driving after storms.
  • Wildlife. Elk and deer common.
  • Cell service. Spotty.
  • Heavy fall traffic. Late September weekends draw crowds.

Location

27 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 39.641, -111.479

Current conditions

Live weather

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townFairview, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/manti-lasal/recreation/north-skyline-drive-state-scenic-backway
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Approx. location39.641, -111.479

Getting there

Directions

From US-6 (north access). From Tucker, take Forest Road 011 / Skyline Drive south at the signed junction. The road climbs immediately to the plateau.

From SR-31 (south access). From Fairview, take SR-31 east and then turn north on Forest Road 011 at the marked junction.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The backway runs north-south along the Wasatch Plateau between US-6 at Soldier Summit and SR-31 near Fairview. Manti-La Sal NF's Sanpete Ranger District manages it. The route is the lower-traffic alternative to North Slope and Mirror Lake for high-country aspen viewing within driving distance of the Wasatch Front.

Trail Overview

Twenty-seven miles of graded gravel, point-to-point. Total drive time is two to three hours including stops at the overlooks. There are no technical hazards, but the road gets muddy after rain and holds snow into June at the higher segments. The aspens light up in late September; the route can be packed on fall weekends.

Where to Camp

Flat Canyon, Gooseberry Reservoir, and Twelvemile Flat Campgrounds (all USFS developed) sit along or near the route. Dispersed camping is allowed on Manti-La Sal NF land off the main road.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Confirm road status with the Sanpete Ranger District (435-283-4151). Snow keeps it closed roughly November to May.
  • Fall color is the headline attraction. Plan around late September weekends.
  • Cell service is spotty.
  • Pair with the Skyline Drive south extension or the Nebo Loop for a multi-day plateau trip.
  • The road sees mountain bike, OHV, and pickup traffic. Yield with care on blind curves.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway?
North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway is rated easy. The route runs 27 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway?
High-clearance helpful but not required in dry conditions; the road is graded gravel.
When is the best time to visit North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Is there cell service at North Skyline Drive Scenic Backway?
Spotty.