Utah Scenic Byway 12, an “All-American Road,” stretches 124 miles from Panguitch to Torrey, weaving through jaw-dropping red rock and desert landscapes. This 3-hour drive (without stops) could take days to explore fully, with national parks, state parks, hiking trails, charming towns, and hidden gems at every turn.
On our day trip, we packed in as many stops as possible, turning a 3-hour drive into a 12-hour adventure. From red rock canyons to alpine forests, here’s your guide to exploring Scenic Byway 12 Utah and its must-see sights and stops!
About Utah Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 is a bucket-list road trip through southern Utah. Starting in Panguitch (check out our guide: Visit Panguitch, Utah), the route passes Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park, plus lesser-known spots like Devil’s Garden and Singing Canyon.
With fun stops and beautiful trails, it’s a perfect for families, hikers, and road trippers!
Top Stops Along Utah Scenic Byway 12
Red Canyon
Just east of Panguitch, Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest greets you with vibrant red rock formations. Visit the Red Canyon Visitor Center for trail information, maps, a gift shop, and restrooms.
Take the 0.7-mile Pink Ledges Trail from the visitor center for a short interpretative hike through the red rocks. For bicycle enthusiasts, the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail is a fantastic 12.9-mile paved path starting at the Thunder Mountain Trailhead and ending at Bryce Canyon City.
Continue your scenic drive through the stunning Red Canyon Tunnels on your way toward Bryce Canyon. Stop at one of the pull-offs to snag photos of the iconic red rock tunnels.
Bryce Canyon National Park
A 30-minute detour from the Byway, Bryce Canyon National Park dazzles with colorful hoodoos. The viewpoints and landscapes in this park are unforgettable! Enjoy views of the Bryce Amphitheater from Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, or Inspiration Point. The Navajo Loop Trail is a popular 1.3-mile moderate hike from Sunset Point.
For a unique adventure, cycle the 3-mile Shared-Use Path to the amphitheater- see our guide, Best Utah National Park Bike Trail: Cycling Amazing Bryce Canyon.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Near Cannonville, Kodachrome Basin State Park features monolithic stone spires, box canyons and vibrant desert landscapes. The 3-mile Panorama Trail offers photo ops of unique geological features, while the 0.5-mile Nature Trail is a great short hike for families.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Just outside Escalante, this hidden gem features colorful petrified wood, lava flows, and fossils. The Wide Hollow Reservoir is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding, with camping available nearby. Popular trails in the park include the 1-mile Petrified Forest Trail and the 0.75 mile Sleeping Rainbows Trail. We can’t wait to visit this cool park on our next trip!
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
This 1.9-million-acre monument spans much of the Byway, offering endless rugged beauty and scenery. The Escalante Interagency Visitor Center is a great stop along the way for short break. We explored the exhibits and had a picnic before continuing the journey.
Utah Scenic Byway 12 Hiking Detours
- Devil’s Garden: Near Escalante- a 12-mile detour down Hole-in-the-Rock Road leads you to Devil’s Garden. A great stop to stretch your legs and explore unique rock formations, hoodoos, and the Metate Arch.
- Lower Calf Creek Falls: Near mile marker 75, the 6-mile round-trip hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls leads to a 126-foot waterfall. The trail winds through a scenic canyon with pictographs and wildlife. Bring water and sun protection for the summer heat and start early to avoid crowds. The pools at the bottom of the falls is a very popular swimming hole in the summer.
- Singing Canyon: Near Boulder, a detour on the scenic Burr Trail Road leads to multiple trailheads. We stopped for a quick walk on the 0.3-mile trail that leads to the beautiful slot canyon, Singing Canyon.
Overlooks and Viewpoints:
- Powell Point Vista: Near mile marker 50 by Henrieville, this fantastic overlook showcases the topmost layer or “stair” of Grand Staircase.
- Head of the Rocks Overlook: Near mile marker 68 by Escalante, enjoy dramatic canyon and plateau views.
- Steep Creek Overlook: Near mile marker 88 by Boulder, take in Escalante’s rugged terrain.
Boulder
In Boulder, stop at the popular Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm for farm-to-table dishes. Enjoy lunch on the patio with stunning mountain views. Reservations are recommended in summer. Visit the Anasazi State Park Museum to explore artifacts and structures from an Ancestral Puebloan village.
As the Byway climbs to nearly 9,000 feet, Boulder Mountain’s scenery shifts from red rocks to evergreen forests. Stop at Larb Hollow Overlook for panoramic views of Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and distant mountain peaks.
The temperature dropped almost 15 degrees at the summit! We jumped out for a quick photo op before heading back down the other side of the mountain.
Capital Reef National Park
The Byway ends near Capitol Reef National Park in Torrey. Explore the Fruita Historic District for fresh pies at the Gifford House. Take the scenic drive through stunning rock formations, stop for a hike on the 2-mile Hickman Bridge Trail or the 2.2-mile Grand Wash Trail, a family favorite.
Tips for Driving Utah Scenic Byway 12
- Timing: Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is warm, perfect for visiting swimming spots, but busy.
- Duration: Plan 6-12 hours for a day trip with stops, or grab lodging along the route for 2-3 days for a deeper experience.
- Essentials: Pack water, snacks, sun protection, and layers for elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Gas up in Panguitch or Escalante.
- Safety: Check road conditions at Utah DOT and trail status at visitor centers, especially in winter.
Sample Itinerary for a Day Trip
- Morning: Start in Panguitch, snap photos at Red Canyon Tunnels, and hike the 0.7-mile Pink Ledges Trail. Visit Bryce Canyon’s Amphitheater.
- Midday: Picnic at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center and hike Singing Canyon or Devil’s Garden.
- Afternoon: Trek to Lower Calf Creek Falls, lunch at Hell’s Backbone Grill, and visit Anasazi State Park Museum.
- Evening: Pause at the Boulder Mountain overlooks to take in panoramic scenery from the summit. Then end at Capitol Reef for a pie at the Gifford House and a beautiful scenic drive through the park.
Utah Scenic Byway 12 Wrap Up
From Panguitch’s quaint charm to Capitol Reef’s rugged beauty, Utah Scenic Byway 12 is a journey through nature and history. Hidden gems like Escalante Petrified Forest and Singing Canyon add unexpected wonder to this epic drive. Plan your adventure today!
Check out more Utah adventures, like our guides to Zion National Park or charming Panguitch!
Happy travels!
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