Fodor's Expert Review Highway 12 Scenic Byway

Escalante Scenic Drive Fodor's Choice

Keep your camera handy and steering wheel steady along this entrancing 123-mile route that begins at U.S. 89 south of Panguitch and meanders in a generally northeasterly direction through Red Canyon, the south end of Bryce Canyon National Park, and the towns of Escalante and Boulder, before climbing Boulder Mountain and winding through Dixie National Forest to Torrey, just west of Capitol Reef National Park. The roughly 25-mile stretch from Escalante to Boulder is the most spectacular. Allow time to pull off and stop at the many scenic overlooks; almost every one will give you an eye-popping view, and interpretive signs let you know what you're looking at. Pay attention while driving, though. The road is sometimes twisting and steep—the section over Hogback Ridge, with its sheer drop-offs on both sides, will really get your heart pumping.

Scenic Drive Fodor's Choice

Quick Facts

Hwy. 12
Utah  USA

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