Traveling the All-American Road: Utah's Scenic Byway 12
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is also known as the All-American Road. It’s a remarkably beautiful highway, one of the most scenic in the United States. The highway stretches for 119 miles across southern Utah from Panguitch to Torrey, passing through amazing canyons, red rock spires, alpine forests, and slick rock. This is one of those roads that will make you want to stop every few miles to take yet another picture. Take your time as this journey will be special. Are you ready? Here are 5 amazing things to see along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12. Don’t miss them!
5 Amazing Things to See along Utah's Scenic Byway 12:
Red Canyon
The Red Canyon, essentially a few miles east of Panguitch, will be the first special place to stop at on your journey along Highway 12. Two beautiful arches will welcome you to a a land of red hoodoos and great hiking. There are multiple camping opportunities here, so if you have time, explore this area before moving on.
Bryce Canyon National Park
One of my favorite national parks, Bryce Canyon is, in essence, an otherworldly place. When you visit the park, you’ll transplant yourself into a world of remarkably eroded orange spires, various arches, and beautiful hoodoo amphitheaters. I recommend spending several days here getting to know this park. If you can’t, at least visit the overlooks. You will be amazed!
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
This is a great stop to explore beautiful pieces of petrified wood. These fossilized trees that are millions of years old will amaze you with their spectacular colors. Definitely make some time to hike either the one-mile loop Petrified Forest Trail, or the steeper and slightly longer Sleeping Rainbow Trail. This trail has more pieces of petrified wood and takes you into a beautiful canyon. We definitely enjoyed it! As a reward, after the gorgeous hike, take a dip in the Wide Hollow Reservoir. On a hot day, it will undoubtedly feel great to cool down in the water.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
This fascinating national monument presents a number of amazing recreational opportunities to engage in. I highly recommend driving the Hole in the Rock Road off of highway 12 for two reasons. Number one – to hike the amazing slot canyons. We did Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch and loved the experience. Number two – to visit the fascinating Devils Garden. The incredible land formations will provide a great environment for hiking, playing, and taking pictures. You will certainly be glad you did.
Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Head of the Rocks Overlook
Scenic Byway 12 offers a number of amazing overlooks. One of the more popular ones is the Head of the Rocks Overlook. This view is frequently featured in brochures and flyers advertising this amazing area. The expansive vistas of colorful slick rock dotted with an occasional tree are unforgettable. They will make you want to come back here again and again.
An added bonus - Capitol Reef National Park
Once you get to Torrey, you are only 5 miles away from one of the most amazing landscapes in the world – Capitol Reef National Park. I highly recommend that you stop there and do at least one hike. I have written extensively about the amazing trails at Capitol Reef, so click on the link and choose at least one of the longer or shorter hikes. The scenery here is absolutely stunning.
Other things to do along Utah's Scenic Byway 12
In addition to these 5 amazing things to see along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, there are several other attractions we haven’t done. Because Utah is one of my favorite states and I am virtually there at least once a year, I will definitely make my way to this area again soon. Here is what else I will want to see:
- Kodachrome State Park and Grosvenor Arch
- Zebra slot canyon
- Calf Creek waterfalls
