The Energy Loop Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway
Details
- DesignationNational Scenic Byway (2000)
- Intrinsic QualitiesScenic
- LocationUT
- Length86 miles
Overview
The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway winds across the Manti-La Sal National Forest, rising up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Explore the rich history of industrial development as you view coal mining operations, historic mining towns, and coal-fired power plants. Nearby Sanpete Valley contains some of the best-preserved Mormon Pioneer settlements in existence.
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Carbon Corridor
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Visit Utah
Story of the Byway
Dip into the rich pioneer heritage of the National Mormon Heritage Area or follow in their adventurous footsteps and head straight for the hills. The Energy Loop: Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byway (S.R. 96, 264, 31, U.S. 6) carries you over the Wasatch Plateau, capturing Utah’s high-alpine experience with 360-degree views including Mount Nebo to the north and the San Rafael Swell to the east. During the fall, contrasting fields of yellow aspens and deep green conifers line the path.
Driving Directions
From Fairview, take State Highway 31 east to its junction with State Highway 264, at the top of Fairview Canyon. Here, the byway forks. Fork A: Take State Highway 264 east to Scofield. At this point there's a spur down to Clear Creek. Otherwise head north on State Highway 96, which ends at Highway 6 in Colton, the terminus of the byway. Fork B: At the junction of State Highways 31 and 264, stay on State Highway 31 which veers south. Stay on Highway 31 to the end of the byway at Huntington, about 40 miles.
Points of Interest
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Wedge Overlook
The Wedge Overlook provides views of a deep sandstone canyon carved by the San Rafael River known as “The Little Grand Canyon.”
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Desert Lake Waterfowl Management Area
A great place for bird watching. Desert Lake is an important stop for migrating waterfowl.
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Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive (accessed from S.R. 31) is the backbone of the Wasatch Plateau, the dividing line between the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau, and showcases amazing mountain vistas. South Skyline Drive requires high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles; north Skyline Drive is suitable for passenger cars.
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Huntington Reservoir and Mammoth Discovery Site of 8-8-88
Mud surrounding a 10,000-year-old mammoth acted as a refrigerator, preserving the 90 percent complete skeleton until construction of the high-elevation dam unearthed it on August 8, 1988.
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Huntington State Park
A tranquil base camp with leisurely hikes, a beach, grassy campgrounds and great fishing. Partial and limited full hookups available.
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Scofield State Park
Camp, boat and fish at this summer and winter recreation destination situated high in the Manti-La Sal Mountains. Large campgrounds include two reservable teepees
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Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum
Understanding the geological, fossil, and human records of the area.
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Western Mining and Railroad Museum
Housed in the Old HelperHotel.
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Nine Mile Canyon
40 miles in length, known as "the world's longest art gallery."
Itinerary
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High Alpine Excursion
Starting in Fairview, grab a coffee and visit the Fairview Museum of History before heading out for the day. Follow UT-31 E for 13 miles to the Fairview Lakes Overlook. Stop for breakfast or pack a picnic, then continue on UT-31 E for 5 miles to the Huntington Reservoir. Here you can fish for tiger trout. On your way out, visit the Mammoth Discovery Wayside Shop to learn about the archeological history of the area. Continue on UT-31 E for 11 miles to the Stuart Guard Station Visitor Center and an additional 6 miles for the Crandall Canyon Mine Disaster Memorial. Follow UT-31 E for another 18 miles to Huntington State Park. Here you can fish, waterski or catch crawdads. Should you want to make this a multi-day excursion, there are many campgrounds along this part of the byway.
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