The Bicentennial Highway

121 Miles of Raw, Untamed Wilderness
Stretching from the rugged outpost of Hanksville to the red rock canyons of Blanding, Highway 95 is a journey into the heart of the Colorado Plateau. This is a road defined by isolation, crossing the mighty Colorado River at Hite and winding through the sheer-walled canyons of the North Wash—a place where the silence is as vast as the scenery.
Home
Scenic Drives
Highway 95
Iconic landmarks along the Bicentennial Highway.

Highway 95

Highway 95, famously known as the Bicentennial Highway, is a route that demands respect and rewards curiosity. Dedicated in 1976 to celebrate the nation’s 200th birthday, this paved ribbon of asphalt replaced what was once a treacherous, multi-day journey over dirt tracks and river ferries. Today, it serves as a 121-mile gateway into the most isolated reaches of the Colorado Plateau. As you leave the outpost of Hanksville, the landscape immediately shifts into a high-drama theater of geology. To your west, the jagged, snow-dusted peaks of the Henry Mountains rise abruptly from the desert floor, while the road ahead plunges into the deep, pockmarked sandstone of the North Wash.

Traveling this road is an exercise in true desert solitude. Between the gateway towns of Hanksville and Blanding, there are virtually no services, no cell signal, and very few fellow travelers. This silence allows for a deeper connection to the land, where you can explore the prehistoric remnants of Ancestral Puebloan dwellings at Mule Canyon or witness the raw power of the Colorado River at the Hite Crossing Bridge. Whether you’re stopping to hike the hidden falls at Hog Springs or simply pulling over to absorb the vastness of the Dirty Devil river basin, Highway 95 offers a rare glimpse of the American West in its most unedited state.

Things to Do
Curated Experiences

A Billion Years of Erosion

Front-row seats to the carving of the Colorado Plateau.
More Scenic Drives
The Henry MountainsKeep your eyes on the horizon for the last mountain range in the lower 48 to be mapped. These peaks are home to one of the nation’s few free-roaming buffalo herds.
Hite Crossing BridgeCross the only vehicle bridge over the Colorado River for nearly 300 miles. Stop at the overlook for a dramatic panorama of the river carving through Glen Canyon.
Little EgyptJust south of Hanksville, discover a hidden "hoodoo" garden. These whimsical red rock formations are a quieter, more intimate version of the famous Goblin Valley.
Natural BridgesVisit the world’s first International Dark Sky Park. View three of the world’s largest natural stone bridges—Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo—from overlooks or canyon trails.

More Things To Do

  • Hog Springs Rest Area: A desert oasis with a hidden waterfall. A short, half-mile hike leads to a pool fed by a year-round spring, surrounded by towering red walls.

  • North Wash Canyons: A world-renowned destination for technical canyoneering. Canyons like Leprechaun and Shenanigans offer narrow slots that are favorites for experienced adventurers.

  • Mule Canyon & Butler Wash: Explore ancient history along the roadside. These sites feature Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and kivas that are easily accessible via short walks.

Logistics

Know Before
You Go

  • Is the road paved? Yes, Highway 95 is a high-quality paved state highway, though it is very remote.

  • Where is the best place to stop for a break? Hog Springs is the most scenic developed rest stop, offering picnic tables, vault toilets, and a suspension bridge over the creek.

  • Can I see Lake Powell from the road? Yes, you will cross the upper reaches of Lake Powell at Hite, though water levels vary significantly throughout the year.

Total Isolation There are zero services between Hanksville and Blanding. This 120-mile stretch has no gas, no food, and no cell service. Fill your tank and bring a physical map.
Seasonal Access While the road is fully paved and well-maintained, winter storms can make the high passes near Natural Bridges slick. Always check UDOT Traffic before heading out.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Planning Tools
Free Travel GuideDownload it or get it in the mail
Get a GuideHire the experts to help you explore
Trail MapsDownload Offline PDFs