2 Best Sights in Northern Utah, Utah

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway

Fodor's choice
Connecting the Cache Valley and Logan to Bear Lake, the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway (U.S. 89) is perhaps best known for its vibrant fall colors. A photographer’s dream in autumn, the canyon also thrills snowmobilers in the winter and wildflower watchers in spring. Towering limestone walls follow the path of the Logan River through the Bear River Mountains and provide ample opportunity for rock climbing. Hiking, fishing, biking, and horseback riding are also popular all along this route. High in the canyon’s mountains, Tony Grove Lake and its campground provide a serene escape, and a trail from the lake leads to Naomi Peak, the highest point in the Bear River Mountains.

Tony Grove Lake and Naomi Peak

Fodor's choice

From Logan, U.S. 89 continues for 30 miles up Logan Canyon before topping out at the crest of the Bear River Range (from which it continues another 10 miles to Bear Lake). For a particularly satisfying excursion that leads to awesome hiking and mountain biking, drive the well-signed 7-mile side road to Tony Grove Lake. At more than 8,000 feet, this subalpine jewel is surrounded by cliffs and meadows filled in summer with a stunning profusion of wildflowers. A short trail circles the lake. Mountain bikers and hikers alike can access a prime wilderness area via the 3.3-mile one-way route from the lake to the 9,984-foot summit of Naomi Peak, which offers 80-mile views on clear days. With a gain almost 2,000 feet in elevation, the hike passes through conifer forests and open meadows and along subalpine basins and rocky ledges. A shorter hike to White Pine Lake, which begins on the same trail and splits after a quarter of a mile, is also lovely.