Wind through the heart of central Utah on the Fishlake Scenic Byway, a stunning drive that reveals one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The route climbs through Fishlake National Forest, where dense groves of aspen, spruce, and fir blanket the mountainsides and frame sweeping views of alpine meadows and rugged peaks.

The byway’s centerpiece is Fish Lake, a crystalline high-mountain lake nestled at over 8,800 feet in elevation. Anglers will find some of Utah’s finest trout fishing here, while hikers can explore trails that wind through wildflower-filled meadows and along forested ridgelines. Nearby, the ancient Pando aspen grove—believed to be one of the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth—spreads across the hillside in a breathtaking display of interconnected trunks.

Autumn transforms this drive into a golden corridor as thousands of aspens ignite in brilliant yellows and oranges, making late September through mid-October the most spectacular time to visit. Summer brings pleasant temperatures and endless outdoor recreation. Allow two to three hours for the drive, with extra time for fishing, hiking, or simply pulling over to absorb the views.

This is Utah’s quiet side, and it’s unforgettable.

Explore Nearby

• Yuba State Park — State Park in Utah
• Willard Bay State Park — State Park in Utah
• Fishlake National Forest — National Forest in Utah
• Dixie National Forest — National Forest in Utah
• Wildcat Hills Designated Routes — Public Land in Utah