Jaunted

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Payson
The Nebo Loop Byway crosses through the Uinta National Forest, between Nephi and Payson, and only takes about an hour and a half to complete. But, what an hour and a half it is! The route climbs to over 9,000 feet in elevation to provide breathtaking views of Utah valley, the Wasatch Mountains and 11,928-foot Mount Nebo, the tallest mountain in the Wasatch Range. The route does close after excessive snow or ice storms so you may want to call the Utah Visitors Bureau at 801-851-2100 before setting out on a drive.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Salt Lake City
The Gilgal Sculpture Garden is so hidden that there are lifelong Salt Lake City residents who don't know its there. The park, which is located at 749 East 500 South in Salt Lake City, is tucked behind houses and businesses and contains 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems and literary texts. They are currently in the process of restoring the garden but it is still accessible to the public daily.

Bingham Canyon Copper Mine, Bingham Canyon
For this last location, you may have to plan a second trip to Utah in the spring but, it will be worth it. Considered the "World's Largest Pit", the hole, which was once a mountain, has been a work in progress for over a century. It is so large that if it were a stadium it would seat nine million people. Kennecott extracts more than 250,000 tons of rock out of the pit every day and you can watch it all from an observation deck up above. The mine is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, entrance fee is $5 per vehicle but, unfortunately, they are usually closed during the winter.

Related Stories:
· Utah Attractions [Roadside America]
· Road Trip Coverage [Jaunted]
· Sundance Film Festival Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Mining-Technology.com]