Loading...
Loading...
Highway 12 Scenic Byway, United States
Utah's Scenic Byway 12 runs 124 miles from US-89 near Panguitch through some of the most dramatic canyon country in the American West, connecting Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park. The western end passes through Red Canyon's crimson hoodoos before reaching Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters. The road then crosses the Aquarius Plateau — the highest timbered plateau in North America at over 11,000 feet — before descending through the town of Boulder, one of the last communities in the continental US to receive mail by mule train (until 1940). Between Escalante and Boulder, the Hogback — a razor-thin sandstone ridge with sheer drops on both sides and no guardrails — is one of the most thrilling stretches of paved road anywhere. The eastern end drops through Capitol Reef's slickrock canyons to Torrey. Along the way, the road passes the trailhead for Calf Creek Falls, a 5.5-mile round-trip hike to a 126-foot waterfall plunging into an emerald pool.
explore by interest
Drive east (Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef) to build toward the Hogback as a climax. The 124-mile drive takes about 3 hours without stops; plan a full day. Gas up in Bryce Canyon City, Escalante, or Boulder — distances between stations can be 50+ miles. The Hogback section has no pullouts — drive through without stopping. Some sections have steep 10-12% grades. Not recommended for large RVs or trailers.
April through October. Late September through mid-October for cottonwood gold in the canyon bottoms and warm days with cool nights. Spring (April-May) for wildflowers and Calf Creek Falls at peak flow. Summer is hot (95°F+) in the canyons but pleasant on the Aquarius Plateau. Winter brings snow and possible closures on the plateau section above 9,000 feet.