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Places you'll see on the Scenic Byway 12

Highway 12 passes through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and over Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest to its conclusion near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park.

The nearly 124 mile byway spans an area with three national parks, three state parks, a national recreation area, and a national monument.

A small community rich in pioneer heritage, Tropic is typical of the other small towns on U-12 East abreast of Bryce Canyon. Near the town of Cannonville, is the northern boundary of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A visitor center in Cannonville may help visitors experience the local culture past and present. A 7-mile paved road leads south from Cannonville to Kodachrome Basin State Park.

One mile West of the town of Escalante is Petrified Forest State Park. The town itself borders the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The road continues through the Escalante canyons with panoramic views over miles of colorful slickrock. After crossing the Escalante River, visitors may picnic at Calf Creek Campground. From here, a six-mile round-trip trail takes visitors to Lower Calf Creek Falls.

Nearing the town of Boulder, Highway 12 twists and turns through the Hogsback, a section of the road where cliffs drop steeply into narrow canyons on both sides of the highway. In Boulder, a museum and remnants of a prehistoric Indian village at Anasazi State Park.

Following the summit of Boulder Mountain, the byway travels a spectacular forested course where views of colorful Capitol Reef National Park, the Circle Cliffs and the Henry Mountains are framed by the trees of the Dixie National Forest.


Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is ranked as one of the best National Parks in the US, and is a must for all who travel. Here they have tons of awesome trails that wind through the beautiful and world famous park. Enjoy the best sunrises and sunsets from the rim. This is the most magical place you will never forget.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

The park has over 67 beautiful sedimentary red sandstone pipes. When visiting people love walking trails and taking photos of the unique area, come and enjoy the awesome views here.

Thunder Mountain Trail in Red Canyon

The Thunder Mountain trail has some of the most spectacular red rock formations in the state. This trail takes you from tree covered washes up to the top of the Clarion Formation that give you Birdseye views of the rock cliffs below. At one point on the trail you will travel across a spin while cliffs drop down on both sides of the trail.

Calf Creek Falls

Head to Calf Creek Falls in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Enjoy a great hike to a great destination.

Escalante River Trailhead

The Escalante River Trailhead is a popular hiking destination located near Bryce Valley RV Park. This scenic trail offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons and leads to the crystal-clear waters of the Escalante River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

Hell's Backbone Backway

Visit Hell's Backbone Backway and see the rugged area with great trails. You won't forget the views as you experience this trail.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Just a half mile north of the town of Escalante, the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park has petrified wood and fossilized dinosaur bones to check out.

Hogback

Hogback is one of the wildest drives and Utah's most scenic highway in the south. This will take you anywhere you want to explore in the area.

Anasazi State Park

Anasazi State Park Museum is a state park and museum in Southern Utah. Ruins of an ancient Anasazi village are located here. Come and enjoy some history at these beautiful sites.

Canyons of the Escalante

Canyons of the Escalante has many trails for your enjoyment. You can even enjoy some of the beautiful slot canyons.

Boulder Mountain

Boulder Mountain is to the west of Capitol Reef National Park. They are occupy over 50,000 acres. With rolling forest and meadows it is a beautiful place to enjoy.

Zion National Park

Zion has some of the most spectacular trails in the National Park System. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest, where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus.

Capital Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a beautiful park with many trails and things to see. Enjoy the interesting layers of colors in the rock.

Grand Staircase National Monument

Grand Staircase National Monument is a magnificent location with trails and stunning views.

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