The Scenic Drive In Utah That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Blanding
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 04, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are dozens of scenic byways and backcountry roads that take you to charming small towns, reservoirs, state parks, and more. Roads like Highway 12 and the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway are quite popular as you can enjoy many attractions and capture breathtaking views without ever leaving your car. Bicentennial Highway is one scenic drive that also takes you to incredible attractions but it just doesn’t get the attention it deserves. In fact, on this road, you can explore the small town of Blanding, a beautiful area with red rock views and so much history.
Bicentennial Highway begins at the intersection of Utah Highway 24 and Utah Highway 95 in Hanksville. It takes you through the desert and near the Colorado and Utah state line.
This drive is breathtaking with red rock landscapes and Utah’s beautiful desert surrounding you on all sides. You will pass remarkable attractions like the Colorado River and Natural Bridges National Monument …
Blanding is the largest town in San Juan County and is home to approximately 3,300 people. It has a rich pioneer history as it was settled by pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For history buffs, Blanding is a must-visit stop. There is something for everyone in and around this small Utah town. For example, it is home to Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, where you’ll find the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan pottery.
This is a seasonal museum and is typically open from April to October each year.
Outdoor lovers can tackle one of the many trails in the area including the various ATV and UTV trails. And if you love a beautiful night sky, just a short drive away are two International dark sky parks: Natural Bridges National Monument and Hovenweep National Monument.
Before you leave Blanding, make sure to stop at Cedar Mesa Pottery, a gift shop where you will find authentic Native American pottery. In fact, each piece is signed by a Navajo pottery artist.
Go on a journey to experience an incredible part of Utah on the Bicentennial Highway. With so much to see and do, including visiting the small town of Blanding, this is one bucket-list drive I highly recommend you make.
For more information on this small town in Utah, visit the official Blanding, Utah website.
Have you ever visited this small Utah town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Blanding? Have you traveled on the Bicentennial Highway? Let us know in the comments.
While we love road trips and scenic drives in Utah, it is crucial that you are prepared. Check out our road trip packing list so you are ready for anything that comes your way during your adventure.
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