1. (1) "Scenic backway" is a route that has been designated by the committee in recognition of its intrinsic qualities, as defined for scenic byways, but that does not meet either the width, grade, curvature, paving, or safety criteria necessary to be considered a state scenic byway.

   1. (a) The route must be on a road that is legally accessible to the public.
   2. (b) Preference is given to roads that form a loop or are part of a network of scenic roads or trails.
   3. (c) Travel on a scenic backway route is considered to be reasonably safe, although a certain amount of risk may be involved.

   4. (d) Scenic backways fall into three categories or types, depending on the characteristics of the road. These characteristics are typically outlined in tourist information, but not specified here in the list of designated backways because there may be segments of each type in any given backway.

      1. (i) Type I scenic backways are roads that may be partly paved or have an all-weather surface and grades that are negotiable by a normal touring car. These are usually narrow, slow speed, secondary roads.
      2. (ii) Type II scenic backways are roads that are usually not paved, but may have some type of surfacing. Grades, curves, and road surfaces may be negotiated with a two-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle without undue difficulty.
      3. (iii) Type III scenic backways are roads that are usually not surfaced and have grades, tread surface, and other characteristics that require four-wheel-drive or other specialized off-highway vehicles such as dirt bikes or ATVs.

Terms used in this rule are defined in Title 72, Chapter 4 and in Rules 926-13-3 and 926-14-3. The following additional term is defined for this rule:

KEY: transportation, scenic byways, scenic backways, highways

Date of Last Change: August 22, 2011

Notice of Continuation: May 26, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 72-4-303; 63G-3-201