meggies

I notice on our map that Route 14 from Cedar City, Utah to Navajo Lake Lodge and Alton passes through a forested area close to Brian Head. Is Route 14 an easy drive without drop-offs and hairpin turns? We are not fond of heights for driving. We do love beautiful scenery. On one of our Panguitch days after Bryce Canyon, we want to drive a "circle" from Panguitch, south on 89, west across route 14 to route 15, south to Hurricane, then across route 9 east through the tunnel to visit Zion, back to 89 north and Panguitch. Thanks for all advice.

StantonHyde

It's in the mountains so you go up and down in elevation but it's not like a mountain pass. Check weather conditions before you go--14 can get closed at times

meggies

Thank you Stanton for another helpful reply. Would route 143 from Panguitch past Cedar Breaks National Monument to route 14 be similar, or is that road a definite mountain pass with more exposed heights? We would like to visit Cedar Breaks along the way, if it is easily accessible.

emalloy

A few April's ago, we drove from Parawan on 143 to Panguich to Bryce. We were planning on stopping down at at Cedar Breaks but the road was not plowed, had about 8 feet of snow on it.

As StantonHyde said it does go up and down but 143 was dry, nicely cleared of snow. As I recall the part up to Brian Head was the steepest with some curves.

StantonHyde

I don't know 143. This is mountain and plains country. You will go up and down. There is a hefty drop off between I-15 and Panguitch on Route 20. I drive it almost every year. It's not like the Hog's Back between Boulder and Escalante but there is height to it. I think you have to allow for some ups and downs and just go for it. If nothing else, 14 is shorter than 143.

meggies

Thank you emalloy and Stanton. The map I'm viewing shows a stretch of 143 heading south from Panguitch to 14. That's the particular section that is of interest to us as it would give us a look at Cedar Breaks. We have driven the Hog's Back and we really want to avoid situations like that, narrow roads with steep dropoffs. Though Trail Ridge Road in RMNP was high, we did not find it intimidating because the decline on each side of the highway was gradual. So we will be grateful to know in advance what to expect on 143 south to 14. Thanks.

InSandy

I replied on your separate post, but reiterating here that though rte 143 is mountainous it is not scary, with no drop offs to worry about. You wind your way up a canyon to the plateau and pretty much stay there the rest of the way.

meggies

Thank you, Sandy!