Utah Scenic Byway 12

Utah's Highway 12 passes red rock at Red Canyon, the edge of Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin and the Grand Staircase before crossing the narrow Hogback ridge and climbing over Boulder Mountain. Most of the best stops are short walks from the road. It suits drivers who want a long day or a relaxed three, and it is a good link between Bryce and Capitol Reef.

The stops

1. Start

   Bryce Canyon Junction (Red Canyon)

2. Hike

   Red Canyon

   Red rock arches over the road and easy trails

3. Viewpoint

   Bryce Canyon (Sunset Point)

   Short walk from the car park to the amphitheatre

4. Park

   Kodachrome Basin State Park

   Sand pipes and rock towers; campground in the park

5. Viewpoint

   Grosvenor Arch

   Double arch just off a short gravel road

6. Town · Overnight

   Escalante

   Gateway for slot-canyon hikes

7. Hike

   Calf Creek Falls

   Hike about 10 km round trip to a 40 m waterfall

8. Town

   Boulder

   Remote village, junction for the Burr Trail

9. Park

   Capitol Reef National Park

   Visitor centre and the historic Fruita orchards

10. Finish

    Torrey

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Escalante

  Escalante Petrified Forest State Park campground

• Night 2

  Boulder / Torrey

  Singletree Campground (Dixie National Forest) · Torrey motels

When to go

Apr-Oct; high sections can have snow in winter

On the road

The Hogback has steep drop-offs and no shoulder, and Boulder Mountain can have ice in cold months. Fuel is limited between Panguitch, Escalante and Torrey.