Located entirely in southeastern Millard County,[2] SR-161 starts at a diamond interchange with the westernmost exit on I-70 before it terminates at I-15.

[8][9] The current route, codified into Utah law in 1965 and designated on signage following the decommissioning of US-91 in the 1970s, was partially a former alignment of US-91.

Once I-70 was completed the 1.07 mi (1.72 km) long segment of US-91 as well as the roadway to the north was designated SR-161 by the Utah State Department of Highways.

[6] SR-161 serves the important function of providing access to the contracted rest area as well as the historic Cove Fort.

As of 2009[update] no new projects are scheduled for SR-161, either through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or the UDOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.