Brian Head Scenic Drive
U-143 from Parowan to Panguitch
From Parowan and I-15, U-143 moves southeast past Brian Head, skirts Cedar Breaks National Monument, and passes through alpine stretches of the Dixie National Forest.
Brian Head Resort, near 11,305 foot Brian Head Peak, is located 12 miles southeast of Parowan along this byway. The town of Brian Head, (elevation 9,800 feet), is Utah's highest incorporated city. This is a year-round resort with a variety of lodging and dining facilities, shops, and recreational activities including skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking.
About 20 miles east of Cedar Breaks, along U-143, is Panguitch Lake, a popular summer and winter fishing spot and recreational area. The forests of the vast Markagunt Plateau surrounding Panguitch Lake are brilliant with color during autumn, including yellow and orange-red aspen leaves. They have drawn photographers from all over the country. Seventeen miles northeast of the lake is the town of Panguitch.
This scenic byway is 55 miles long. Because of some steep grades, allow 1.5 hours to complete the drive. Parts of the route may be closed seasonally because of snow. Four-wheel drive, snow tires or chains are recommended when driving in this area during winter months.
