Scenic Byway 12, also known simply as Route 12, is one of the most breathtaking and diverse highways in the United States. Stretching for 122 miles through southern Utah, it connects Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park and passes through a variety of unique landscapes, from towering red rock cliffs to alpine forests and high desert plateaus. It’s an adventure for outdoor lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Utah's rugged terrain.

Key Stops & Places to Visit

Red Canyon

• Location: Just before entering Bryce Canyon
• Why Visit: Red Canyon offers a preview of Bryce’s rock formations, but with fewer crowds. It's a great place for hiking and biking.
• Highlights: Scenic red rock formations, Pink Ledges Trail.

Bryce Canyon National Park

• Location: Eastern end of Route 12
• Why Visit: Famous for its stunning amphitheater of red rock hoodoos (tall, thin rock spires), Bryce Canyon is a must-see. The park offers numerous hiking trails like the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trail, plus scenic viewpoints such as Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point.
• Highlights: Hoodoos, stargazing, sunrise views.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

• Location: 15 miles south of Route 12 via Cannonville
• Why Visit: Known for its vibrant colors and unique rock formations (especially the spires called "chimneys"), this park offers solitude and scenic beauty. It’s great for photography, hiking, and stargazing.
• Highlights: Chimney Rock, Angel's Palace Trail, camping.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

• Location: Near the town of Escalante
• Why Visit: The park features colorful petrified wood and offers a glimpse into Utah’s ancient past. There are also excellent hiking trails, camping sites, and a scenic reservoir for swimming and fishing.
• Highlights: Petrified wood, Escalante Reservoir, interpretive trails.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

• Location: Accessible from several points along Route 12
• Why Visit: Covering nearly 1.9 million acres, this monument is a vast and rugged wilderness. Notable areas include the Escalante River Canyons, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and Coyote Gulch. It's an outdoor adventurer's paradise with opportunities for hiking, canyoneering, and exploring slot canyons.
• Highlights: Slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch, scenic hikes, remote beauty.

Calf Creek Falls

• Location: Along Route 12 between Escalante and Boulder
• Why Visit: The Lower Calf Creek Falls hike is one of the most popular and rewarding along Route 12. It’s a moderate 6-mile round-trip hike that leads to a stunning 126-foot waterfall nestled in a desert oasis.
• Highlights: Waterfall, petroglyphs, lush riparian landscape.

Hell's Backbone Road

• Location: Starts in Boulder, connecting to Escalante
• Why Visit: For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Hell’s Backbone Road is a scenic (and sometimes nerve-wracking) drive through rugged terrain with jaw-dropping views. Make sure you have a high-clearance vehicle and check weather conditions.
• Highlights: Hell's Backbone Bridge, narrow roads with dramatic drop-offs, remote landscapes.

Anasazi State Park Museum

• Location: Boulder
• Why Visit: Learn about the ancient Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the region over 1,000 years ago. The museum offers exhibits, artifacts, and an archaeological site.
• Highlights: Ancient ruins, hands-on exhibits, educational experience.

Boulder Mountain & Dixie National Forest

• Location: Just north of Boulder
• Why Visit: At an elevation of over 11,000 feet, Boulder Mountain is a stark contrast to the desert landscapes. The high mountain terrain features aspen groves, alpine lakes, and cool temperatures. Great for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
• Highlights: Scenic views, fishing in alpine lakes, cooler climate.

Capitol Reef National Park

• Location: Western end of Route 12
• Why Visit: Known for its massive rock formations, Capitol Reef offers impressive hikes, scenic drives, and opportunities to explore the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth's crust.
• Highlights: Scenic drive on the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway, Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch.

Recommendations

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers can be very hot, especially in the lower elevations, and winters bring snow to the higher areas.

Where to Stay:

• Torrey: A great base for Capitol Reef National Park, with cozy inns and cabins.
• Escalante: Central to many attractions, with good options for motels and campgrounds.
• Boulder: A more remote option with lodges and B&Bs.
• Bryce Canyon City: Perfect if you're focusing on Bryce Canyon, with plenty of hotels and RV parks.

Dining:

• Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm (Boulder): Farm-to-table cuisine, known for fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
• Escalante Outfitters Café (Escalante): Great for pizza and sandwiches after a day of hiking.
• The Burr Trail Grill (Boulder): Tasty burgers, salads, and more in a casual setting.

Safety & Preparation:

• Always carry plenty of water, especially in the desert areas.
• If you’re hiking, start early to avoid the midday heat and bring sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate shoes.
• Be aware that cell service can be spotty or non-existent in some remote areas.
• If you’re driving off-road (e.g., Hole-in-the-Rock Road or Hell’s Backbone), make sure you have a high-clearance vehicle and check conditions ahead of time.

Scenic Byway 12 offers a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes Utah has to offer. From red rock deserts and deep canyons to alpine forests and high plateaus, the diversity of scenery and activities is sure to impress any traveler. Whether you're into hiking, photography, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, Route 12 promises an unforgettable adventure.