Scenic
Byway 12A digital journey through Utah's Highway 12. Experience the red rocks, high mountain passes, and desert vistas.
Start Your Engine
The road less travelled
Embark on a Scenic Adventure
Discover the All-American road that winds through the heart of scenic Bryce Canyon Country and Capitol Reef Country. This isn't just a drive; it's a passage through time, geology, and breathtaking beauty. Scroll on to begin the virtual tour, before you plan your real life version.
Red Canyon
Your Fiery Welcome to Highway 12.Just off the main road, prepare to be wowed by a vibrant preview of Bryce Canyon's wonders. Hike among its brilliant red and orange hoodoos – nature's whimsical sculptures – and feel the desert sun paint the landscape in breathtaking hues. It's a taste of the magic to come!
Winding Roads
Bryce Canyon National Park
A Fairyland of Stone Sentinels.Descend into a breathtaking amphitheater teeming with thousands of delicate, otherworldly hoodoos. Wander through this silent city of vibrant pinks, oranges, and whites, and discover why this iconic stop on Highway 12 feels like stepping into a geological dream. Don't forget your camera – every vista is a postcard!
Steep Drop-Offs
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Unearth Ancient Secrets in a Vast Wilderness.Prepare for an adventure into a truly untamed landscape. This colossal monument unfolds like a geological history book, revealing layers of colorful cliffs, hidden canyons, and dramatic plateaus. Hike to ancient ruins, discover hidden arches, and feel the profound solitude of this rugged and awe-inspiring expanse. Highway 12 cuts right through its heart, offering glimpses into its grandeur.
Open Range
Kodachrome State Park
Where Rainbow Rocks Reach for the Sky.Prepare to be mesmerized by a surreal landscape of towering, multicolored sandstone spires and chimneys. Each formation boasts its own unique palette, creating a photographer's paradise. Wander through this geological gallery and let the vibrant hues of Kodachrome Basin ignite your imagination.
Scenic Detour
Escalante Petrified National Forest
Walk Among Ancient Giants Turned to Stone. Journey back in time as you explore a landscape scattered with the fossilized remains of prehistoric trees. Touch the smooth, stony surfaces of these ancient giants and imagine a long-lost world. Hike the trails and discover the beauty and wonder of this unique geological treasure along Highway 12.
Easy Access
Calf Creek Falls
Discover a Desert Oasis and Cascading Beauty. Take a refreshing detour to this stunning desert oasis. Hike along a picturesque creek-side trail, listening to the gentle murmur of water as you approach not one, but two breathtaking waterfalls plunging into cool, inviting pools. It's the perfect spot to cool off and reconnect with nature's beauty.
Limited Parking
Hell's Backbone
A Thrilling Drive on a Knife-Edge Ridge (High Clearance Recommended!). For the adventurous, this dramatic dirt road offers an unforgettable (and sometimes nerve-wracking!) experience. Traverse a narrow ridge with jaw-dropping drop-offs on either side, rewarded by unparalleled panoramic vistas. This isn't for the faint of heart, but the views are undeniably spectacular.
Steep Drop-offs
The Burr Trail
A Scenic Backway Through Time and Terrain. Embark on a captivating journey along this diverse byway, transitioning from paved roads to graded dirt. Wind through dramatic canyons, ascend slickrock mesas, and pass by striking geological formations. The Burr Trail offers a more intimate and less-traveled perspective of Utah's stunning backcountry.
Steep Drop-offs
Boulder Mountain
Ascend to Alpine Beauty and Panoramic Vistas. Escape the desert heat and ascend to the cool, forested heights of Boulder Mountain. Discover shimmering lakes, lush meadows, and endless hiking trails. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the surrounding landscape – a refreshing contrast to the canyons below.
steep grades
Torrey
Your Charming Basecamp for Capitol Reef Adventures. This quaint and welcoming town serves as the perfect launching pad for exploring Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding wonders. Enjoy local hospitality, find cozy accommodations, and fuel up for your adventures amidst the stunning backdrop of red rock cliffs.
Visitor Services
Capitol Reef National Park
Explore a Geological Wrinkle and Historic Orchards. Discover the unique Waterpocket Fold, a dramatic warp in the Earth's crust, revealing towering cliffs, sculpted canyons, and hidden arches. Explore historic orchards, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and uncover the fascinating blend of geology and human history that defines this captivating park.
Scenic Loop
East of the Reef
Journey to an Alien Landscape. Venture off the beaten path into a surreal and captivating region. Witness the otherworldly, colorful clay formations of the Bentonite Hills, marvel at the stark silhouette of Factory Butte, and explore the dramatic, cathedral-like rock formations of Cathedral Valley. This remote area promises a truly unique and unforgettable desert experience (often requiring 4x4 vehicles).
Desert Expanses
Ready For The Real Thing?
Download our travel guides and start planning your Highway 12 adventure today.