High-Alpine Forests & Shimmering Waters

A Fully Paved Mountain Escape Through Utah’s Largest Aspen Groves

When you are ready to trade the desert heat for crisp mountain air and pristine alpine scenery, the Fish Lake Scenic Byway is your perfect drive. Starting from Highway 24, this beautifully paved route climbs smoothly to nearly 9,000 feet, winding through massive, ancient aspen forests and high-mountain meadows. It reveals stunning views of sweeping volcanic ridges before dropping you right along the shores of a spectacular, deep blue glacial lake. It’s an effortless, scenic journey for travelers looking to experience the lush, high-elevation majesty of the Fish Lake Plateau.

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Fish Lake Scenic Byway
ALPINE OASES & PANDO SKYLINE

The Fish Lake Scenic Byway

This beautifully maintained 30-mile corridor serves as a refreshing, high-altitude link between the red rock desert of Central Utah and the cool, forested peaks of the Fish Lake National Forest. Originally used by indigenous tribes and early pioneers as a summer hunting ground, this route now offers modern explorers a relaxing mix of smooth cruising, awe-inspiring lake overlooks, and premium mountain recreation.

Things to Do
Curated Experiences

Alpine Peaks & Aspen Groves

Stunning aspen groves meet deep blue waters.
More Scenic Drives
Pando Aspen GroveDrive right through the largest living organism on Earth. Composed of over 40,000 genetically identical trees sharing one massive underground root system, this ancient grove blankets the mountainside in brilliant greens during summer and a blazing sea of gold every autumn.
The Twin Creeks ViewPull over at the panoramic vistas to marvel at the sweeping scale of Fish Lake. Spanning six miles long and 175 feet deep, this pristine alpine gem is beautifully framed by forested volcanic ridges.
Pelican Point PeninsulaStroll onto this dramatic rocky peninsula for premier high-altitude birdwatching, stunning photography, and peaceful mountain sunsets.
Lakeside RecreationThe crown jewels of the valley floor. Rising hundreds of feet out of a completely flat desert basin, these immense, standalone Entrada Sandstone monoliths glow with a fiery, brilliant orange—especially under early morning light.

More Things To Do

Trails & Shaded Walks: If you want to stretch your legs, you can take a peaceful walk right through the historic Pando Aspen Grove to stand inside the world's largest living organism. For sweeping waterfront views, the flat Lakeshore Trail hugs the eastern edge of the water and perfectly reflects the volcanic ridges above. If you prefer a quiet escape into the woods, the shaded Doctor Creek Trail follows a rushing alpine stream through lush pine forests and mountain meadows.

Lakeside Picnics & Water Activities: Beyond the trails, you can pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the shaded lakeside picnic areas, taking in the crisp mountain air while you eat. Afterward, head down to the water to rent a pontoon or fishing boat at the local marinas, or simply find a quiet spot along the gravel shores of Pelican Point to skip stones and watch the mountain sunset reflect off the lake.

Logistics

Know Before
You Go

  • What are the road conditions like? The entire 30-mile Fish Lake Scenic Byway is beautifully paved and well-maintained, making it a smooth, effortless drive for all passenger vehicles and RVs. However, because it climbs to nearly 9,000 feet, winter weather can bring heavy snowpack, so always check seasonal closures if traveling between late autumn and early spring.

  • What should you pack for the elevation? Warm layers and plenty of water. The temperature on the high plateau is significantly cooler than the surrounding desert valleys below—often by as much as 20°F to 30°F. Packing a light jacket or windbreaker ensures you stay comfortable while exploring the shorelines.

  • Is there cell service along the drive? Coverage is highly spotty. While you may catch a weak signal near the local mountain resorts and marinas, large stretches of the forested highway have zero connectivity. Be sure to download your offline maps, navigation tracks, and travel guides before leaving the main highway.

Spotty Service Cell coverage vanishes entirely along large stretches of the highway. Expect zero signal to call for help or look up directions. It is important to download all offline maps, GPS tracks, and travel guides before leaving the main highway.
Seasonal Access Sitting at nearly 9,000 feet, this high-alpine route is subject to heavy winter snowpack. The road is beautifully maintained during summer, but you should always check local weather updates and road closures from late autumn to early spring.

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