Blacksmith Fork Scenic Drive

Blacksmith Fork Scenic Drive offers an easy, paved cruise through a stunningly narrow canyon, making it perfect for any vehicle class, including passenger cars, RVs, and tow rigs. Stretching approximately 15.7 miles along Utah State Route 101, this scenic route begins in Hyrum and winds eastward alongside the rushing waters of the Blacksmith Fork River, ascending gently from 4,728 feet to 5,617 feet. Towering limestone cliffs and dense riverside vegetation frame the drive, providing incredible mountain views throughout the journey. It serves as an accessible entry point to the scenic Bear River Range and is highly popular during the autumn months when the canyon foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold. The drive terminates at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area (historically known as Hardware Ranch), a famous wintering ground where hundreds of rocky mountain elk are fed during the coldest months. While the paved scenic drive itself is rated a 1 on the technical difficulty scale and does not require four-wheel-drive, it acts as a primary gateway to a massive network of unpaved forest service roads and rugged trails suitable for OHVs, SxSs, and high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. Though the paved highway is generally well-maintained, winter snowstorms can make driving conditions hazardous, and the dirt trails branching off from Hardware Ranch are frequently impassable until late spring. Visitors should watch for wildlife along the roadway and plan for limited cell service once deep inside the canyon.