This is what happens when a little bit of research leads to an extremely satisfying road trip. I didn’t know much about the Bicentennial Highway Scenic Byway except I thought the name was vague and rather dull. It comes from when it was completed, 1976, the year of America’s 200th birthday. Perhaps patriotically rousing but not very illuminating about what the highway really showcases. In fact, the drive has much more to do with history that greatly predates the existence of the United States. Starting in Blanding, this byway runs 133 miles northwest to Hanksville, mostly on UT 95. The entire Four Corners area – southeastern Utah, southwestern Colorado, northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico – is rich in ancient human culture. Ancestral Puebloans lived in this area from about 500 BC until around AD 1270. They built cave dwellings, towers, granaries and other buildings. Not far off the byway, numerous ruins are easily accessible, if you know where to look. At mile marker 102, a short detour heads to Mule Canyon. Then, an easy half-hour hike up the canyon leads to the stunning House on Fire. Many ruins lie in Mule Canyon but this is the most remarkable. It’s named for the flame effect created by the overhanging rock. Back on UT 95, a short backtrack and hike leads to the Cave Tower Site, where several stone towers overlook a truly picturesque canyon. Another 11 miles northwest on UT 95 leads to the turnoff for Natural Bridges National Monument. It features three dramatic bridges cut from stone by running water, as well as cliff dwellings. Back on the Bicentennial Highway Scenic Byway, the trip continues to Glen Canyon where it crosses the Colorado River. But that’s a story for another day as this Wide Open Ride continues...

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Keep in Mind

This area is remote and sparsely populated, with limited resources and hours of operation, particularly in the winter so pay close attention to conditions.

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Best Time to Visit

Southeastern Utah gets cold and icy in the winter and excruciatingly hot in the summer. That said, all of these spots are incredible any time of the year so plan accordingly.