Scenic Byway

Exploring the scenery along southwestern Utah’s scenic byways makes a rewarding, memorable vacation

If you would like to go on a vacation full of spectacular scenery, come to Panguitch, Utah and explore the national parks, state parks, and other scenic areas along southwestern Utah’s scenic byways. U.S. 89 from Panguitch to Kanab, as scenic byway itself, is the route from which all of southwestern Utah’s scenic byways emanate. The beginning of State Highway 12, an All-American Road, lies only five miles south of Panguitch. Highway 12 passes through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on its way to Torrey, Utah, which is just outside Capitol Reef National Park.

One of southern Utah’s least crowded scenic options, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument lies approximately 75 miles from Panguitch. The most popular route into the monument is the Hole-in-the-Rock Road, which turns off Scenic Byway 12 approximately 10 miles east of the town of Escalante. This gravel road, suitable for passenger cars for approximately three-fourths of its length, provides access to many natural wonders, including Devils Garden, as well as Spooky and Peek-a-boo slot canyons. Devils Garden is a collection of sandstone formations in a variety of shapes and sizes that make you feel like you have arrived on another planet. The slot canyons are extremely narrow crevices that are exciting to explore because you wonder if you can even proceed further at times.

Wherever you want to go along southwestern Utah’s scenic byways, whether it is to see Grand Staircase-Escalante’s slot canyons, Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos or Capitol Reef’s sandstone domes, your first source for information should be the Garfield County Travel Council, located in downtown Panguitch. We will provide you with up-to-date information and brochures that will help you plan your itinerary for an unforgettable vacation in the Grand Circle region!