USA Mesa Road

The steep and very narrow Mesa Road winds it way up to the top of Hurricane Mesa and Smith Mesa. At a half dozen points along the road, there are dirt pullouts carved onto the side of the road primarily for the purpose of pulling off to allow passage of oncoming vehicles. Since oncoming traffic is extremely sparse, they’re also convenient for a quick stop to photograph the valley far below. At this particular spot the parking area is large enough to park your vehicle and explore the washes and drainages without worrying about hindering traffic. In the Spring, the area is full of wildflowers. During winter, the occasional snow blankets the high desert landscape.

From the intersection of SR9 (State Street) in LaVerkin, Utah turn right to continue on SR9 and drive 4.9 miles (7.88 km) to Mesa Road. Turn left and drive .9 miles (1.45 km) and park on the left side of the road. There is ample room for several vehicles to park there. For most of the year, it’s possible to drive the dirt Mesa Road as it winds across Smith Mesa all the way to the Kolob Terrace section of Zion National Park. During winter, it’s usually safe to drive to the top of the mesa but shortly after you get to the top, the pavement ends and the road becomes a rutted, slushy, and snow covered quagmire. A lot of vehicles try it every year and get stuck.