Scenic Drives USA

Silver Island Mountains byway is 120 miles west of Salt Lake City in northwest Utah. It begins north of Wendover and is accessed from Exit #4 on I-80. It forms a loop drive of 54 miles and follows Silver Island Mountains Road, a graded gravel and dirt road that requires a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Travelers in large RVs or pulling a trailer should inquire with the BLM about any vehicle limitations and current road conditions. Portions of the byway become muddy after periods of rain, otherwise it remains open year-round.

Silver Island Mountains Back Country Byway takes travelers around the rugged and isolated Silver Island Mountains. The byway is surrounded by the vast expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats; deposits of salt and minerals left behind by the evaporated and ancient Lake Bonneville. Views can often become distorted with distances running together or becoming disguised in the heat.

Numerous side roads will take you into the rugged mountains for exploring. A four-wheel drive vehicle is a must if you wish to drive into the mountains. The mountains do, however, provide excellent opportunities for hikers. These bumpy roads also provide challenges to experienced mountain bikers.

The Silver Island Mountains have seen mountain men, explorers, and wagon trains cross its peaks and valleys. Pilot Peak, eleven miles to the northwest, was named by John C. Fremont in 1845. This mountain peak became a beacon for later travelers passing through the area. The Donner-Reed Party attempted this route on their way to California but abandoned their wagons in the soft mud east of here. You can see part of their fateful route near Donner-Reed Pass.

By the 1930s, Bonneville Salt Flats had become known as the place to be for setting world land speed records. Some of the surrounding mountain peaks are named for famous racers associated with the salt flats.

Logan Canyon Highway travels between Logan and Garden City in northern Utah. It follows US 89 for 40 miles. US Highway 89 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. It usually remains open year-round. Caution is needed when traveling in winter, especially in the higher elevations.

The byway takes travelers through a beautiful canyon carved by the clear waters of Logan Creek. The creek accompanies you for most of the byway’s journey eastward from Logan. You’re likely to see many anglers along the creek attempting to pull trout from its water. The nearly vertical limestone walls and rock formations contain fossils that speak much of the geological history of the canyon. The byway begins in Logan at an elevation of 4,525 feet and climbs to Bear Lake Summit, nearly 7,800 feet, then quickly descends through a series of switchbacks to end in Garden City.

Mount Naomi Wilderness is a 44,964-acre wilderness area, home to the region’s tallest peak at 9,980 feet. A side trip west of the byway near Turner Campground leads to scenic Tony Grove Lake. From here you can hike a nearly five-mile trail to White Pine Lake within the wilderness area. Limber Pine Trail is a one-mile loop at Bear Lake Summit near Sunrise Campground. It is a pleasant walk with scenic vistas of Bear Lake ten miles away. Another one-mile trail near the Cottonwood Picnic Area will take you to Logan Canyon’s Wind Caves. The caves offer an outstanding example of a series of arches and rooms formed by wind and ice erosion.

Malibu-Guinavah is the largest campground offering 40 sites for tents and RVs up to 25 feet long. Sunrise is the next largest and has 27 campsites. Bridger, Lodge, and Turner Campgrounds each have ten sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Twelve campsites for tents and RVs await the byway traveler in Red Banks and Spring Hollow Campgrounds. Preston Valley offers eight sites while Wood Camp has six. All the campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet except Malibu-Guinavah. The campgrounds have a seven day length of stay limit.