Utah State Road 95: The Bicentennial Highway: A Spectacular Drive Through the
Heart of Red Rock Country
The arid beauty of Southern Utah is a landscape of extremes, where vast swathes
of red sandstone rise from the desert floor and ancient rivers have carved
intricate pathways through the stone. At the heart of this rugged tableau lies
Utah State Road 95, known as the Bicentennial Highway, a journey that weaves its
way through some of the most remarkable scenery the American West has to offer.
Beginning in the town of Hanksville, the highway unfurls to the west,
introducing you to a world where the work of millions of years of geology is
laid bare. The barren, wind-swept plains give way to the grand spectacle of red
rock country, with buttes and mesas rising in stark contrast against the blue
desert sky.
The highway invites you to immerse yourself in the landscape at every turn.
Highlights include the surreal, otherworldly Hite Crossing Bridge—a 1,600-foot
steel arch bridge that spans the Colorado River—and the jagged edges of the
Henry Mountains, which loom on the horizon, their peaks often capped with snow.
The jewel in the Bicentennial Highway's crown is undoubtedly Natural Bridges
National Monument. Here, immense sandstone bridges, formed over millennia by the
power of water and wind, span across the canyons. The monument also serves as an
International Dark Sky Park, where, far from any light pollution, you can gaze
up at a stellar panorama that will leave you breathless.
Further west, the road skirts the edge of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
and Lake Powell, with viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the water's
shimmering expanse against the rugged canyon walls. The nearby town of Blanding
provides a convenient stopover and gateway to more spectacular sights, such as
the ancient cliff dwellings of Bears Ears National Monument.
Whether you're an adventurer looking for your next challenge, a geology
enthusiast ready to explore Earth's history, or a traveler seeking to disconnect
from the bustle of everyday life, Utah State Road 95 offers an unforgettable
journey through a landscape that's as beautiful as it is ancient. The
Bicentennial Highway isn't just a road—it's a passage through time, a
celebration of natural wonder, and a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of
the American West.
Historic and Named Trails and Roads
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