How long is the Abajo Loop Scenic Backway in Utah?
The Abajo Loop Scenic Backway is a 62.7-kilometer (39-mile) high-mountain gravel route located in San Juan County, southeastern Utah, USA. Crossing the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the unpaved mountain road connects the towns of Monticello and Blanding, climbing through the forested Abajo Mountains and topping out at North Creek Pass.
| Road facts: Abajo Loop Scenic Backway | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan County (Manti-La Sal National Forest), Utah (USA) |
| Distance | 62.7 km (39 miles) |
| High Point | 3,149 m (10,331 ft) at North Creek Pass / near 11,000 ft peaks |
| Surface | Single-lane dirt and graded gravel road |
| Vehicle Recommendations | High-clearance vehicle; strictly not recommended for RVs or trailers |
| Access Status | Seasonal (Late spring through fall; impassable in winter and when wet) |
Where is the Abajo Loop Scenic Backway located?
The backway climbs through the Abajo Mountains between Blanding and Monticello in southeastern Utah. Running through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the road transitions from the desert floor and red rock canyons into high-altitude pine forests, offering scenic viewpoints over the southern sector of Canyonlands National Park.
What are the road surface conditions on the Abajo Loop?
The 39-mile drive consists of a narrow, single-lane dirt and graded gravel track. The road surface is rough and rocky in high sections, with tight twists and hairpins. While standard 2WD passenger cars can complete the route in dry conditions during late spring and summer, high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended to navigate deep ruts and exposed rocks.
Can you drive RVs or trailers on the Abajo Loop?
No. Large RVs, motorhomes, and travel trailers are strictly discouraged from entering the route. The combination of narrow single-lane widths, steep mountain grades, sharp switchbacks, and lack of turning room makes heavy vehicle transit extremely hazardous.
How does weather affect driving on the Abajo Loop?
The road is completely impassable during winter snow accumulation and becomes a slick mud track immediately following rainstorms. Clay-heavy dirt sections lose all traction when wet, creating slip hazards along unshielded drop-offs. Drivers should check local road conditions in Blanding before committing to the mountain ascent.