Energy Loop Scenic Byway

Huntington to Helper

Central Utah · Utah · United States

Key measurements

Distance

74.4 miles

Elevation gain

5,656 ft

Elevation loss

4,252 ft

High point

9,788 ft

Low point

5,816 ft

Net change

1,407 ft (5,817 ft to 7,224 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

The Energy Loop Scenic Byway crosses Utah’s Wasatch Plateau from Huntington toward Helper, linking the dry country of Castle Valley with the high forests, reservoirs, and mining landscapes of central Utah. Over 74.4 miles, the route climbs from 5,817 feet in Huntington to a high point of 9,788 feet in the Manti-La Sal National Forest before descending toward Carbon County.

Following SR-31, SR-264, and SR-96, the road changes character quickly as it gains elevation. Desert scrub and sandstone give way to aspen, conifer forest, open high-country basins, and alpine reservoirs before the route drops back into the coal and railroad country near Helper. With more than 5,600 feet of cumulative climbing, it is a compact but varied mountain ride that shows the full transition from central Utah’s arid valleys to the top of the Wasatch Plateau.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Huntington Canyon Ascent — Miles 0.7–39.2

Leaving the farmland of Huntington, UT-31 immediately enters Huntington Canyon, tracking Huntington Creek upstream into the Wasatch Plateau. The lower canyon is defined by carved sandstone walls and desert riparian vegetation. As the road gains altitude, the canyon narrows and steepens, transitioning through pine forest into subalpine fir and aspen groves. The road reaches its highest point near mile 34.3 at 9,788 feet, where the canyon opens into wide, high-elevation alpine meadows near the top of the plateau.

Eccles Canyon & Ridge Traverse — Miles 39.3–54.6

Turning onto UT-264, the route cuts north across the high spine of the plateau. The terrain here is dominated by dense forests, steep ridgelines, and views down to Electric Lake. Passing through Eccles Canyon, this segment sits firmly in working coal country. The landscape balances scenic forest terrain with active industrial haul routes, carving a tight line through steep drainage corridors before dropping into the high valley surrounding Scofield Reservoir.

Scofield Basin to Price River Corridor — Miles 54.6–74.4

The final leg picks up UT-96, heading north along the eastern shore of Scofield Reservoir through open sagebrush and mountain rangeland. After clearing the reservoir basin, the road turns east along Pleasant Valley, following the railway line down toward the Price River corridor. The landscape dries out again as the route drops back toward 6,000 feet, terminating near Helper where steep canyon walls and industrial rail yards mark the historic heart of Carbon County's mining district.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Because nearly half the route sits above 8,000 feet, seasonal windows are strictly defined by snow pack. UT-31 and UT-264 can experience winter closures or heavy snow accumulation well into late spring; the optimal window for this ride generally runs from mid-June through September.

Even in midsummer, ambient temperatures at the 9,780-foot summit can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than in Huntington or Helper. Afternoon thunderstorms are common over the Wasatch Plateau in July and August, bringing abrupt temperature drops and localized rain in the canyons.

Logistics & Services

Fuel, food, and full commercial services are readily available at the start in Huntington and the terminus in Helper/Price. Between these two points, services are practically non-existent; there are no reliable fuel stops along UT-31, UT-264, or upper UT-96, making it essential to start with a full tank.

Cellular coverage is unreliable once inside Huntington Canyon and remains spotty through Eccles Canyon and parts of the Scofield basin.

Important Considerations

Heavy commercial vehicle traffic is a defining characteristic of UT-264 through Eccles Canyon due to active coal mining operations in the area.

Open-range livestock are common throughout the Manti-La Sal National Forest, particularly near forest boundaries and unfenced meadow stretches along UT-31 and UT-264.