The route begins 25 miles west of Blanding near the junction of Utah Highways 95 and 275. It ascends through the "Bears Ears" to the spine of Elk Ridge at an elevation of 8,700 feet in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The Backway crosses the Blue Mountains and ends in the high desert at Utah Highway 211. Panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park; Dark Canyon Wilderness Area; Arch, Allen, and Hammond Canyons; and the Henry and La Sal Mountains open at unexpected view points along the route. The route accesses many well maintained and signed hiking trails of varying difficulty. High clearance and stiff suspension are recommended during good weather. Rain storms and winter weather make the route impassable. The Backway is approximately 50 miles long. Allow 4 hours driving time.