High-Country Alpine Escape
35 Miles of Alpine Peaks and Desert VistasWhen the desert heat of southern Utah peaks, Highway 72 is your escape valve. Climbing straight out of the Fremont River Valley to nearly 9,000 feet, this beautifully paved, uncrowded scenic state highway trades the red rock and sand for cool mountain breezes, dense aspen groves, and sweeping alpine vistas. It’s the ultimate scenic detour for travelers looking to experience Utah's surprising high-country beauty.
Highway 72
This 35-mile mountain corridor serves as an elevated gateway into the lush reaches of the Fishlake National Forest. It offers an incredible change of pace for travelers, providing a serene high-altitude escape filled with peaceful waterside recreation at Mill Meadow Reservoir, rugged backcountry access along the Great Western Trail, and breathtaking views over the deep sandstone monoliths of Cathedral Valley.
Curated Experiences
High-Country Splendor
Where the forest meets the desert sky.More Things To Do
- Mill Meadow Reservoir Recreation: Located right near the southern entrance of the scenic drive near Fremont, this pristine reservoir is a local favorite for peaceful boating, lakeside camping, and excellent fishing. Its calm waters are well-stocked and renowned for yielding trophy-sized rainbow trout, brown trout, and splake.
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Great Western Trail Access: Highway 72 directly intersects rugged sections of this massive, multi-state trail system. The high-country corridor serves as an ideal staging area for hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders looking to unload their rigs and explore deep into the remote backcountry of the Fishlake National Forest.
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Cathedral Valley Overlook Detour: Near the southern end of the highway, high-clearance vehicles can access rugged forest roads leading toward the stark overlooks of Capitol Reef's northern desert—providing an incredible visual boundary where alpine forest suddenly drops into massive sandstone monoliths.
Know Before
You Go
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Is the road paved? Yes, Highway 72 is a fully paved, high-quality state highway. However, because it climbs straight through a rugged national forest, the road features a steep gradient (up to 9% in some sections) and sweeping high-altitude curves.
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Are there services along the highway? No. Aside from the rest area at the I-70 junction, there are zero services, gas stations, or amenities along this 35-mile stretch. Be sure to fill up your tank in Loa, Fremont, or along the interstate before making the drive.
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What is the best time of year to drive this route? Late spring through autumn is ideal. Summer offers a beautifully cool escape from the desert heat, while late September and October feature spectacular fall foliage. Because the highway crosses a high-altitude pass, it can experience severe winter conditions, making travel best suited for the warmer months.