Scenic Byway 143 - Utah's Patchwork Parkway
Places to Visit
-
The bare rock face of this peak towers 11,000 feet above sea level and is the most prominent landmark on SR-143.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Located about 14 miles from Parowan. Travellers can reach the top of the peak via a 3-mile drive on a gravel road which starts just south of Brian Head Ski Resort.
-
Brian Head is the highest elevation ski resort in North America. Vistas from the slopes extend for hundreds of miles.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Mileposts 13 to 16 on SR 143.
-
Brian Head Ski and Summer Area, a year-round recreation destination, offers a wide variety of dining establishments, accommodations, activities, and outdoor recreation - particularly mountain biking and skiing.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Mileposts 13 to 16 on SR 143.
-
Cedar Breaks National Monument (UT)
Cedar Breaks National Monument offers views of a huge natural amphitheater eroded out of the variegated Pink Cliffs.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Take U-148 south a few miles to reach the monument's visitor center.
-
The Dixie National Forest lies in patches across southwestern Utah. It surrounds Highway 89, Scenic Byway 12, and a small stretch of I-15.
Location: Located in southwest Utah
-
Dr. Meeks was the first doctor in Southern Utah. He came with his family to Parowan in May of 1851 and built his home and office just west of the original fort in 1853. He later moved to other communities being settled by Parowan families before settling permanently in Orderville.
Location: North of Center St. on 400 West, Parowan
-
The Hidden Haven Trail winds through an interpretive natural area, then traverses a granite rock fall to a waterfall.
Location: Located between mileposts 8 and 9 on the east side of SR-143.
-
Markagunt Plateau Lava Flows (UT)
Wide expanses of basalt deposited by volcanic eruptions not more than 1000 years old are evident near Panguitch Lake. Native American legends note “smoking hills” near the lake. These lava flows surround unique islands of flora and fauna separated from the rest of the plateau.
Location: Milepost 27 on SR-143; also found throughout the Markagunt Plateau.
-
A quaint town east of Scenic Byway 12, Panguitch, meaning 'big fish' in the Paiute Indian language, was settled in 1864. It is now the largest city in the county and has the only hospital in the region.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Panguitch is the eastern gateway city to this byway.
-
Panguitch Historic District (UT)
On November 16, 2006, the Panguitch Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The District includes the historic town plot of Panguitch, which is only slightly smaller than the current city limits.
Location: At the intersection of US 89 and SR 143 (or Main St. and Center St.)
