The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway


State: Utah
Length: 85.92 mi / 138.3 km
Time to Allow: 1.5 hours or a whole day

While this byway has one of the bulkier names on this list, don’t let the title intimidate you. This byway takes you to elevations of up to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and allows you to experience the wonder of the Utah countryside from a bird’s eye view. The byway winds through Manti-LaSal National Forest and gives visitors a breathtaking view of mountain foliage, high-elevation lakes, and incredible cliff faces that are begging to be scaled and appreciate.

This byway takes only two hours to travel in full, making it an ideal route for a casual drive through the hills. However, there are plenty of entertainment options available along the way, including recreation locations for camping, picnicking, hiking, and more. Those looking to cast their line into one of the many lakes nearby this byway will find plenty of fishing spots along the way. However, it is advised that visitors dress for warm weather in the busy season (summer to fall), as the temperature can be quite high at greater elevations.

For those interested in experiencing American history, one of the most well-preserved Mormon settlements can be visited along this route, allowing you to get a better appreciation for the settlers who made their way west to Utah. Those looking to explore wilderness locations will find themselves at home at Manti-LaSal National Forest and will find themselves falling in love with Huntington Canyon and Wasatch Plateau, a 10,000-foot (3048-meter) plateau that baffles the mind and leaves you reeling.

There are countless hiking trails available along this byway, making it a great starting point for all manner of adventures during your visit to Utah. However, those looking to simply relax and enjoy the ride will find themselves able to enjoy the foliage from the comfort of their car. While some trails may be inaccessible during the winter months, the majority of this byway is available year-round, allowing you to see the different sides of Utah as the seasons change. Those brave enough to visit Utah during the colder months will find plenty of skiing, snowmobiling, and winter fishing opportunities available to them, and will avoid the crowds that make their way to the area during the busy months.

For those looking to explore the history of the state of Utah, this byway offers a jaunt through historic mining towns and locations, as well as old coal-fired power plants. Of course, these locations are largely inactive, but they are incredible to visit for the historic perspective and for a glimpse into the industry that shaped Utah as it developed. Rest assured, these side locations do not take away from the natural world surrounding this byway, but instead serve to highlight the beauty of the natural wilderness and the importance of appreciating the natural world around you.

No matter what brings you to The Energy Loop and Huntington/Eccles Canyon Scenic Byway, you’re sure to find yourself leaving with a new appreciation for the unique landscape that makes up Utah, as well as a few favorite trails and incredible pictures to bring back with you. If you’re looking to plan a trip that you’ll remember for a lifetime, you’ll want to add this byway to your itinerary.

More Utah Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Utah by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Utah Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.