Scenic Byway 12
A nationally recognized scenic highway linking Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. It passes through the rock arches of Red Canyon, runs along the knife-edge Hogsback ridge, and then climbs over Boulder Mountain.
Scenic Byway 12 is Utah's most famous highway. It runs from Route 89 south of Panguitch in the west to its junction with Route 24 near Torrey in the east. It is 123 miles (198 km) long, was designated an All-American Road in 2002, and is billed as a journey through time. Heading east: the two rock arches of Red Canyon; the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park; the town of Tropic; the spur road to Kodachrome Basin; the town of Escalante on the edge of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, along with the Petrified Forest; the Head of the Rocks overlook; the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail; and then the most thrilling stretch, the Hogsback, where the road runs along a narrow mountain ridge with cliffs on both sides. Next comes the town of Boulder, with Anasazi State Park and Hell's Backbone Road. The highway climbs through the aspen forests of Boulder Mountain at about 2,926 m, overlooking the folds of Capitol Reef, before descending to Torrey. Driving straight through takes about 3 hours. Plan for 1 to 2 days, and combine it with a loop of Utah's Mighty 5 national parks if you can. The Hogsback has no shoulders or guardrails, so take extra care in strong winds and in snow or ice. Gas stations are few, so refuel in Escalante or Boulder.