Scenic Drives in Box Elder
Scenic Drives in Box Elder
Orchards, Canyons and the Path of the First Transcontinental Railroad
Some of the best ways to see Box Elder County are from behind the wheel. Roll past fruit stands and orchards on Highway 89, follow the road west to where the rails were joined at Golden Spike, wind up a canyon to a mountain reservoir, or take a slow drive through wetlands full of birds. For something truly remote, follow the old railroad grade 90 miles across the desert toward Nevada.
Quick Facts
Easy Paved Drives
Fruit Way, Golden Spike & Box Elder Canyon
Wildlife Drive
Bear River Refuge Auto Tour
Backcountry Route
Transcontinental Railroad Byway
Best Seasons
Spring & fall
Starting Point
Brigham City
Remote Routes
No services, fuel up first
Where to Drive in Box Elder County
Utah's Official Fruit Way
Follow Highway 89 through Willard and Perry, where orchards climb toward the mountains and family fruit stands line the road. It’s at its best from early summer through fall, when cherries, peaches and apples are in season. Learn more about Utah’s Official Fruit Way.
Golden Spike & Promontory
Head west through Corinne on Highway 83, past farmland and the Rocket Garden, to Golden Spike National Historical Park. At the park, two short auto tours follow the original railroad grades where the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.
Box Elder Canyon to Mantua
Climb Highway 89/91 up Box Elder Canyon to the small mountain town of Mantua and Mantua Reservoir. It’s short, scenic and especially pretty in fall, when the canyon turns gold and red.
Bear River Refuge Auto Tour
Drive slowly through the marshes of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, where your car works as a wildlife blind. Pelicans, avocets, swans and raptors are often just yards from the road, depending on the season.
Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this byway follows the original Central Pacific railroad grade west from Golden Spike toward Lucin. Pass old trestles, ghost town sites and more than 30 interpretive markers across country that has barely changed since 1869. There are no services, so bring plenty of fuel, water and a spare tire.
Land Art Drives
Continue past Golden Spike on gravel roads to Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty on the Great Salt Lake, or head to the far west of the county to see Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels. Both are bucket-list stops for art and road trip lovers.
Scenic Drives by Season
Spring
(March–May)
Orchards bloom along the Fruit Way and migrating birds return to the Bear River marshes.
Summer
(June–August)
Fruit stands open along Highway 89. Drive the desert routes early to avoid the heat.
Fall
(September–October)
Canyon colors peak, peaches and apples fill the stands, and tundra swans arrive at the refuge.
Winter
(November–February)
Bald eagles winter near the refuge. Gravel roads can be muddy or impassable after storms.
Before You Go
FUEL UP FIRST
There are no services on the backcountry routes. Fill up in Brigham City, Corinne or Tremonton.
CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS
Gravel and dirt roads can become impassable when wet. Avoid them after rain or snow.
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAP
Cell service is limited on remote routes. Download maps before you leave town.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT VEHICLE
High-clearance vehicles are best for the railroad byway. Long RVs and trailers aren't recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Pick a route, pack snacks and take the long way around. Brigham City is the perfect starting point, with dining, lodging and more to explore.