state route 279 is a state highway in the u.s. state of utah. the highway was constructed in 1962–1963 to service the cane creek potash mine and processing plant southwest of moab. the highway was named one of the most beautiful highways opened to traffic in 1963. the entire length of sr-279 has been designated the potash – lower colorado river scenic byway by the utah state legislature, however is known locally as potash road.