Explore Utah Scenic Byway 12
One of America's Most Scenic RoadsEmbark on a Scenic Adventure
Route Overview
Capitol Reef & Torrey
Whether you are launching your adventure from the red rock cathedrals of Capitol Reef National Park or completing a cross-state trek, you have arrived at the definitive heart of the All-American Road. The town of Torrey serves as the premier basecamp where historic emerald orchards collide with a Mars-like landscape of sun-drenched domes and towering monoliths. As the entryway to the surreal, this terrain offers a glimpse into the vast, silent beauty of Cathedral Valley and serves as your jumping-off point to explore the ancient geologic marvels that make Highway 12 the most spectacular drive in the American West.
Boulder Mountain & Dixie National Forest
The road ascends the massive eastern flank of Boulder Mountain, entering the high-alpine wilderness of the Dixie National Forest. Climbing to over 9,000 feet, the landscape transforms into a cool sanctuary of lush aspen groves and ancient pine forests. A must-stop is Larb Hollow Overlook, providing a bird’s-eye view of the Waterpocket Fold and the distant, jagged peaks of the Henry Mountains.
Hogsback
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Serving as the wild heart of your journey, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers nearly 1.8 million acres of rugged backcountry adventure and prehistoric beauty. From the town of Escalante, you can access the legendary Hole-in-the-Rock Road, the primary gateway to world-famous slot canyons like Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch, and the whimsical sandstone hoodoos of Devil’s Garden. Whether you’re trekking to the towering Escalante Natural Bridge, hiking to the emerald oasis of Lower Calf Creek Falls, or navigating narrow stone corridors, this section represents the raw, untamed spirit of Capitol Reef Country
Bryce Canyon National Park
You don’t have to travel far to see the "silent city" of stone. The entrance to Bryce Canyon is located just a few miles off the byway. Even before you reach the main gate, you can experience the park's magic at Mossy Cave, a roadside trailhead that features a hidden waterfall and a natural ice-filled alcove.
Red Canyon
Pass through the majestic gateway of Red Canyon, a high-desert corridor where crimson hoodoos meet deep-green Ponderosas. Whether it’s the vivid first glimpse or the stunning conclusion to your journey, Red Canyon and its iconic roadway arches serve as the ultimate threshold to the rugged wonders of Capitol Reef Country.
