Twin Falls to Orderville: Guide to Utah's Scenic Byways

This 4.5-hour, 280-mile journey from Twin Falls, ID (42.5708° N, 114.4629° W) to Orderville, UT (37.3058° N, 112.6420° W) follows US-93 south and then UT-14 into Dixie National Forest. You begin on the Snake River Plain, cross the Great Basin, and end amid the red rock canyons of Kane County.

Locals note that between Almo and Oakley, ID, the highway climbs 500 feet over 10 miles — a subtle but noticeable transition from farmland to sagebrush steppe.

US-93 is mostly two-lane with occasional passing lanes; speed limit 65-70 mph. Watch for deer and cattle on the road, especially at dawn and dusk. The remote stretch between Almo and Snowville has no cell service for 40 miles. Carry a paper map or download offline maps.

Family-friendly stops: City of Rocks has a visitor center, picnic areas, and easy hikes. The Idaho-Utab border sign is a popular photo spot. At the Beaver KOA (Exit 109 on I-15), there's a playground and clean restrooms. In Panguitch, the historic Main Street has a bowling alley and ice cream shop. For older kids, the Frontier Homestead State Park in Cedar City (slight detour) offers pioneer exhibits.

Pet-friendly: Most rest stops allow pets on leash. The US-93 rest area near Jackpot, NV (just west of the route) has a designated pet area. In Orderville, the Ponderosa Inn and many motels accept dogs. National Forest lands permit pets but must be leashed in developed areas.

Fatigue management: Driving straight can be monotonous. Break the trip into 90-minute segments. Rest zones include the Idaho-Utab border rest area (no facilities), the Snowville trading post, and the Beaver Canyon Scenic Overlook just south of Beaver on I-15. If drowsy, pull into any pullout that's at least 50 feet from the road.

Hidden off-route spots:

• Minersville Reservoir (5 miles off UT-21) — a quiet fishing spot.
• Mammoth Cave, UT — a lava tube near Fillmore, 20 miles east on I-15.

US-93 is a well-maintained two-lane highway through southern Idaho and northern Utah. After crossing into Utah at the Idaho-Utab border (41.9968° N, 114.0735° W), the road becomes US-93 Alternate, merging with I-15 near Beaver. From Beaver, take UT-20 to US-89 south to Panguitch, then UT-14 east to Orderville.

Fuel stations are concentrated in Twin Falls, Burley, Almo, and then sparse until Beaver. Between Almo and Beaver (105 miles) there are only two gas stations: one in Snowville, UT (75 miles from Beaver) and one at the junction of US-93 and I-84. Plan to fill up in Twin Falls or Burley.

• Fuel efficiency: Expect 25-30 mpg on this mostly flat route. A 10-gallon tank yields ~300 miles range.
• Alternative fuel: No EV charging stations between Twin Falls and Beaver; the nearest Supercharger is in St. George, far south.
• Road conditions: Snow possible October to April; chains may be required on UT-14 (climbs to 9,000 ft).

For a deeper dive into discovering stops along any route, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route crosses four distinct ecoregions. Near Twin Falls, irrigated farmland gives way to sagebrush steppe around Almo. The City of Rocks National Reserve (best stops Twin Falls, ID to Orderville, UT) features granite spires popular with climbers. From there, the road descends into the Great Basin, with volcanic buttes and the expansive Sawtooth National Forest on the horizon.

After crossing into Utah, the landscape opens into the Escalante Desert, a high-elevation basin dominated by juniper and pinyon pine. Near Beaver, the Tushar Mountains rise, the third-highest range in Utah. South of Panguitch, UT-14 enters Dixie National Forest and climbs to 9,100 feet at the summit, offering views of the Markagunt Plateau. Descending into Orderville, the red Navajo sandstone of Zion's east side appears.

Local commerce: Twin Falls is home to Chobani yogurt plant; Orderville's economy relies on tourism and cattle. Along the way, roadside stands sell cherries and peaches near Panguitch (July–September). The town of Almo has a small mercantile and cafe. No major malls or chain stores; this is rural America at its most authentic.