About Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway
Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway travels for 9.25 miles between Rockville and Apple Valley, Utah, just south of Zion National Park. The Back County Byway transports visitors from the Virgin River floodplain, through pinyon-juniper woodlands, to sagebrush desert at the Big Plain Junction of Highway 59. Spectacular views along the route include Smithsonian Butte, Eagle Crags, Vermilion Cliffs within the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, and the prominent sandstone pinnacles of Zion National Park. East of the Byway, Gooseberry, Grafton, and Wire Mesas provide an extensive network of trails for non-motorized recreation. Camping is prohibited on federally managed lands within 1/2 mile of either side of the Back Country Byway. Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands throughout Gooseberry Mesa. A short side trip of approximately 1.8 miles (3.6 miles round trip) leads to the historic ghost town of Grafton, first settled in 1861(http://www.graftonheritage.org/). Several rehabilitated buildings and interpretive information provide a glimpse into early pioneer life along the Virgin River. Take the Bridge Road out of Rockville and turn right at mile 1.6 of the Back Country Byway for access. PLEASE BE ADVISED: This route often becomes impassable during heavy rain and periods of inclement winter weather. No services are available along the Byway.
How to Get There
From Rockville, UT (north): Turn south on Bridge Road. After 0.3 miles, continue around sharp righthand turn onto 250 South/Grafton Road. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway. From Apple Valley, UT/State Hwy 59 (south): Turn north onto Main Street. Proceed 2.9 miles onto Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway
Heading to Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway?
No central reservation system listed for Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/10301135) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway?
From Rockville, UT (north): Turn south on Bridge Road. After 0.3 miles, continue around sharp righthand turn onto 250 South/Grafton Road. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway. From Apple Valley, UT/State Hwy 59 (south): Turn north onto Main Street. Proceed 2.9 miles onto Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway.
How do I contact Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-688-3200 or email: utsgmail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
