Are you looking to drive one of the best scenic drives in Utah? A scenic drive is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the Beehive State’s beauty; it requires little effort and everyone can enjoy the trip.

Utah has plenty of scenic byways, but there’s one in the northern part of the state that’s particularly pretty. Hop on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, stop at Samak Smoke House & Country Store for some snacks, then enjoy some of the best scenery in the country. If you find yourself asking, “I want to go on one of the best scenic drives near me. Where should I go?” – then here is your answer!

Start your scenic byway adventure from the town of Kamas. You’ll hop on UT-150 (a.k.a. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway) and will soon see the sign for Samak Smokehouse & Country Store.

Samak Smoke House & Country Store/Facebook

A stop here is part of the experience! The store is just 2.5 miles from Kamas, so it’s the perfect place to stock up on snacks.

Meredith Reed/Google

You’ll find all kinds of tasty treats here, including cold drinks, candy, nuts, and more..

Trevor Morgan/Google

…but what you really need to get while you’re here is some fresh jerky. Samak smokes its jerky in the smokehouse next door, and it’s made using cherrywood chips instead of liquid smoke. Try the beef, turkey, or trout jerky in several flavors.

Meredith Reed/Google

Stop by on a Sunday during the summer for the Samak BBQ. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., they offer cherrywood-smoked cheddar burgers and organic fries, served on picnic tables in the fresh, mountain air.

Samak Smokehouse and Country Store/Facebook

If you’re heading up the road for a camping trip, the store also carries groceries as well as camping, hiking, and fishing items. You can also rent a canoe here!

Samak Smokhouse & Country Store

After you’ve stocked up on everything you need, head on up the highway. Make a stop at Provo River Falls. It’s one of the prettiest places in Utah.

ISLANDGIRL6969/Tripadvisor

Marvel at the vista from Bald Mountain Pass. You’ll see some of the best views in Utah along this drive.

Cherylzbarrel/Tripadvisor

Take in the scenic beauty of the many lakes along the way, including the iconic Mirror Lake.

lindafosters/Tripadvisor You can read more about the natural attractions along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway here.

Visit Samak Smoke House & Country Store’s website, and make sure to give its Facebook page a follow to see what’s new there!

Samak Smoke House & Country Store/Facebook

Meredith Reed/Google

Trevor Morgan/Google

Samak Smokehouse and Country Store/Facebook

Samak Smokhouse & Country Store

ISLANDGIRL6969/Tripadvisor

Cherylzbarrel/Tripadvisor

lindafosters/Tripadvisor

You can read more about the natural attractions along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 1937 UT-150, Kamas, UT 84036, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christy A March 13, 2022 Best Scenic Drives In Utah When is the best time of year to drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway? This highway is beautiful year-round, but many people feel that the best time to drive it is during the fall. This is one of the prettiest places in Utah when the leaves are changing and you’ll be amazed at the bright and vibrant autumn colors. Also, keep in mind that much of this scenic byway is closed in the wintertime; heavy snowfall makes the high elevation parts of the highway impassable. Besides driving the scenic byway, what else is there to do along the way? The 42-mile Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is chock full of great activities for adventurers of all kinds. You might spend some time swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, camping, or wildlife viewing on your journey. In the winter, many people enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in this area as well. What are some of the best hikes in this area? There are dozens of great hikes that begin from trailheads just off the byway. If you’re looking for an easy hike, try the Mirror Lake Loop Trail. If you’d rather try a moderate hike, many people recommend the Duck Lake Trail or the Bald Mountain Trail for starters. Is there a fee for driving along this scenic byway? No! Driving the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is absolutely free. However, if you plan to stop and use any of the recreation areas along the way, you’ll have to pay the park fee.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christy A

March 13, 2022

Best Scenic Drives In Utah

When is the best time of year to drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway? This highway is beautiful year-round, but many people feel that the best time to drive it is during the fall. This is one of the prettiest places in Utah when the leaves are changing and you’ll be amazed at the bright and vibrant autumn colors. Also, keep in mind that much of this scenic byway is closed in the wintertime; heavy snowfall makes the high elevation parts of the highway impassable. Besides driving the scenic byway, what else is there to do along the way? The 42-mile Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is chock full of great activities for adventurers of all kinds. You might spend some time swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, camping, or wildlife viewing on your journey. In the winter, many people enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in this area as well. What are some of the best hikes in this area? There are dozens of great hikes that begin from trailheads just off the byway. If you’re looking for an easy hike, try the Mirror Lake Loop Trail. If you’d rather try a moderate hike, many people recommend the Duck Lake Trail or the Bald Mountain Trail for starters. Is there a fee for driving along this scenic byway? No! Driving the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is absolutely free. However, if you plan to stop and use any of the recreation areas along the way, you’ll have to pay the park fee.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

This highway is beautiful year-round, but many people feel that the best time to drive it is during the fall. This is one of the prettiest places in Utah when the leaves are changing and you’ll be amazed at the bright and vibrant autumn colors. Also, keep in mind that much of this scenic byway is closed in the wintertime; heavy snowfall makes the high elevation parts of the highway impassable.

Besides driving the scenic byway, what else is there to do along the way?

The 42-mile Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is chock full of great activities for adventurers of all kinds. You might spend some time swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, camping, or wildlife viewing on your journey. In the winter, many people enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in this area as well.

What are some of the best hikes in this area?

There are dozens of great hikes that begin from trailheads just off the byway. If you’re looking for an easy hike, try the Mirror Lake Loop Trail. If you’d rather try a moderate hike, many people recommend the Duck Lake Trail or the Bald Mountain Trail for starters.

Is there a fee for driving along this scenic byway?

No! Driving the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is absolutely free. However, if you plan to stop and use any of the recreation areas along the way, you’ll have to pay the park fee.