Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway climbs from Cedar City's red canyon mouth to over 10,000 feet in about 40 miles, passing Zion Overlook, Navajo Lake, and lava fields before descending to Long Valley Junction on US-89. Few drives anywhere deliver this much elevation-driven scenery change — desert canyon to alpine forest — in under an hour.
| Category | Scenic Drive |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Cedar City |
| Top activities | Zion Overlook viewpoint, Navajo Lake and Cascade Falls side trips, Fall aspen color touring, Wildlife spotting in mountain meadows, Connecting to SR-148 for Cedar Breaks |
| Best time to visit | Late May through October for full access; late September to early October for one of Utah's best aspen fall-color displays. Plowed in winter but carry chains/snow tires in storms. |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| Permits | None. Paved year-round highway; winter storms bring snowpack and occasional chain requirements at the upper elevations. |
Visitor tip: Stop at the signed Zion Overlook about 16 miles up — it looks down on Zion's peaks from above, a perspective most Zion visitors never see, and it's free.
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