Worth a DetourNatureScenic DrivesRoad trips

Utah Scenic Byway 12

Utah

An 'All-American Road' through red rock country between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, with a narrow ridge called the Hogback.

Photo: A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation · Public domain

This 124-mile road links Bryce Canyon with Capitol Reef National Park, through the Grand Staircase-Escalante region, and is one of America's most dramatic stretches of pavement.

Slot canyons, petrified forests and Calf Creek Falls lie just off the road.

Best Time
April to June, September and October
Time Needed
1–2 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
From Panguitch or Torrey, Utah; about four hours from Las Vegas.

What to See

1 of 4 are free
Free20 minutes

The Hogback

A narrow knife-edge ridge with drops on both sides.

4 hours

Lower Calf Creek Falls

A 126-foot waterfall at the end of a sandy desert hike.

2 hours

Kodachrome Basin

Colorful rock spires in a state park.

1.5 hours

Hell's Backbone Grill

A renowned farm-to-table restaurant in Boulder, Utah.

Know Before You Go

  • Services are sparse: fill up in Escalante.
  • Boulder Mountain gets snow in winter.
  • Dry slot canyons can flood quickly.

Where to Stay

Stay in Boulder, Escalante or Torrey.

Where to Eat

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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southwest list.