Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway
Local Visitor Information
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Explore Resources
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Byway Overview
Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway travels for 9.25 miles between Rockville and Apple Valley, Utah, just south of Zion National Park. The Back County Byway transports visitors from the Virgin River floodplain, through pinyon-juniper woodlands, to sagebrush desert at the Big Plain Junction of Highway 59. Spectacular views along the route include Smithsonian Butte, Eagle Crags, Vermilion Cliffs within the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, and the prominent sandstone pinnacles of Zion National Park. East of the Byway, Gooseberry, Grafton, and Wire Mesas provide an extensive network of trails for non-motorized recreation.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- BLM
- Location
- UT
- Total Length
- 9.25 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
From Rockville, UT (north): Turn south on Bridge Road. After 0.3 miles, continue around sharp righthand turn onto 250 South/Grafton Road. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway. From Apple Valley, UT/State Hwy 59 (south): Turn north onto Main Street. Proceed 2.9 miles onto Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway.