Running for 12.19 miles (19.62 km) as a two-lane highway, the road was originally placed under state jurisdiction in 1935 (as SR-30),[2] but renumbered to its current designation in 1966.

[1] After less than 1 mile (1.6 km), it leaves the southern end of Wales, the road turns again to the east for approximately 7.4 miles (11.9 km), passing through the town of Chester and crossing US-89 before entering Spring City along 300 North.

[4] In Spring City, the route turns north on Main Street, turning to the northeast after about 0.5 miles (0.80 km), continuing this direction for about 3 miles (4.8 km) before terminating at US-89 in Mount Pleasant, directly opposite the Mount Pleasant Airport.

Route 117 had been freed up four months prior in July when former SR-117 from Bicknell to Boulder was absorbed by former SR-54 (now part of SR-12).

[3] In 1969, the legislature shortened the route by 9.925 miles (15.973 km), moving the western terminus from Fountain Green to Wales.