National Scenic Byway

When you explore a national scenic byway in southern Utah like State Highway 12, you will experience one-of-a-kind scenery and outstanding recreation!

An All-American Road, Utah’s highway 12 is as national scenic byway that supplies some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Bryce Canyon National Park lies on one end of the route while Capitol Reef National Park is located at the other end. Along the 124-mile road, you will find other scenic treasures such as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Red Canyon and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park.

Panguitch is an ideal headquarters for your explorations of this national scenic byway. Located only 24 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, Panguitch is at the head of two other national scenic byways, U.S. Highway 89, which runs south to Kanab, and State Highway 143, which passes by Panguitch Lake and Brian Head Resort on its way to Parowan. If you need information about the attractions and recreation available along these routes, contact the Garfield County Travel Council, located in downtown Panguitch. We will provide you up-to-date information to help you build your itinerary and make your trip an exciting, memorable one.

One of the activities you will want on your itinerary while exploring southern Utah’s national scenic byways is hiking. Some of the most popular trails in the region are the Navajo Trail and the Queen’s Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park, the most popular routes descending below the rim into the park’s main amphitheater. The trail provides an up-close view of many of the park’s hoodoos, including Thor’s Hammer and Queen Victoria. Another popular trail is the three-mile journey to Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The trail leads through a scenic canyon to a 126-foot waterfall emptying into a pool that makes an excellent swimming hole on hot summer days. For information on these and other area trails, call or visit the Garfield County Travel Council first.