Smith Mesa Road

Just outside Zion National Park, Smith Mesa Road delivers a breathtaking drive. Beginning near the town of Virgin, this route climbs sharply out of the Virgin River Valley and up onto the broad, red colored plateau of Smith Mesa. As described here, driving from southwest to northeast, expansive views unfold, with the West Temple glowing in the distance, the canyons below stretching wide, and the kind of open-space beauty that defines the Zion region.

The route is mostly easy and suitable for any vehicle with high clearance. The most challenging stretch is actually the paved section on the western approach. This narrow, winding climb hugs the mesa wall with steep drop-offs and limited passing room, demanding steady focus and a cautious pace. Once you reach the dirt portion, the drive mellows into a wide, scenic road with a few short sections of embedded rock and mild ruts. It’s a pleasant, slow-paced back road in dry weather, but it becomes impassable when wet or icy. The mesa’s surface turns extremely soft, and ruts can form quickly. Avoid the trail in those conditions to prevent damage and potential recovery situations.

Smith Mesa Road travels through a mix of BLM public land and private property. Always stay on designated routes and be mindful of where you set up camp. Dispersed camping is limited to a handful of designated spots on the BLM sections near the mesa’s cliff edge. These impressive sites offer stunning views overlooking the Virgin River Valley and Zion National Park in the distance — especially at sunset or under a star-packed sky.