Old Highway 91 traces the original paved route through southern Utah, offering a historic corridor through BLM-managed lands near the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area. This 1920s-era roadway provides access to remote desert terrain ideal for photography, with dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic geology and the transition zone between the Mojave Desert and Great Basin ecosystems.
The paved road makes access straightforward for most vehicles, though side routes onto BLM land may require higher clearance. Dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent BLM lands, allowing visitors to set up camp away from developed sites. Look for existing pullouts and previously disturbed areas to minimize impact. Various facilities are available along the corridor, remnants of the tourist camps that once served travelers before Interstate 15 bypassed this route.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for camping and exploration, while summer brings intense desert heat. Winter can be mild but occasionally sees cold snaps. Photographers will find the best light during golden hour, when the desert terrain takes on rich, warm tones against distant mountain backdrops.
Explore Nearby
- Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
- Nebo Loop Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Utah Lake State Park — State Park in Utah
- Little Sahara State Park — State Park in Oklahoma
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument — Dark Sky Site in Utah
