Highway 12 Scenic Byway

Scenic Byway 12 is a 120-mile All-American Road in southern Utah that connects some of the region’s most iconic destinations, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park.

Widely considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States, this route winds through red rock canyons, alpine forests, rugged desert landscapes, and small rural towns across Bryce Canyon Country.

Scenic Byway 12 is one of the few drives where you can experience multiple national parks, a national monument, and dramatically different landscapes all in a single day.

Parts of Scenic Byway 12 are under construction, with completion anticipated in Summer 2026. Before you go, check current construction conditions on Highway 12.

Scenic Byway 12 Overview

Rated among the top ten Scenic Byways in America by Car and Driver Magazine, Scenic Byway 12 iScenic Byway 12 begins at U.S. Highway 89, just south of Panguitch and north of Hatch. From there, the highway travels east across Garfield County, a region known for its remarkable concentration of public lands including national parks, state parks, and protected monuments.

The drive offers a continuous journey through some of Utah’s most diverse landscapes, making it one of the most memorable road trips in the region.

Highlights Along Scenic Byway 12

One of the most unique aspects of Scenic Byway 12 is the variety of landscapes and experiences along the route. Each section of the drive offers something different, from towering cliffs to quiet desert canyons.

Red Canyon

Shortly after leaving Highway 89, Scenic Byway 12 passes through the striking red rock formations of Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest. This area features a visitor center, campground, and several hiking trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park Access

Scenic Byway 12 provides convenient access to Bryce Canyon National Park. Just a short drive from the highway, visitors can explore hoodoos, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

Continuing east, the byway travels through portions of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a vast and remote landscape covering more than 1.7 million acres.

Scenic Byway 12 is one of only two paved highways that cross the monument, offering rare access to dramatic rock formations, expansive desert terrain, and archaeological features.

Highlights along this section include Powell Point and a series of colorful badlands known as the Blues, where layers of blue-gray and purple clay create a striking contrast against the surrounding red rock landscape.

Travelers may also spot historic granaries built into canyon walls, small stone structures once used for food storage by ancestral peoples. These features provide a glimpse into the long human history of the region.

Small Towns Along the Route

Scenic Byway 12 passes through several rural communities that offer dining, lodging, and access to nearby attractions.

• Tropic, located near Bryce Canyon National Park
• Cannonville, a gateway to Kodachrome Basin State Park and Grosvenor Arch
• Henrieville, surrounded by scenic red rock landscapes
• Escalante, a popular base for exploring slot canyons and desert hikes
• Boulder, a historic town near Grand Staircase–Escalante

These towns are ideal places to stop for meals, fuel, and local recommendations. You can explore more nearby communities and services throughout Bryce Canyon Country.

Scenic Stops and Viewpoints

Several iconic viewpoints make Scenic Byway 12 one of Utah’s most memorable drives.

The Hogsback

One of the most dramatic sections of the route, the Hogsback follows a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides and panoramic views of the surrounding canyon country.

Calf Creek Canyon

A popular hiking destination with access to Lower Calf Creek Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in southern Utah.

Escalante Canyons

The Escalante area offers access to desert canyon hikes, slot canyons, and scenic overlooks throughout the region.

Side Trips and Scenic Backways

Scenic Byway 12 connects to several well-known backcountry routes that lead to even more remote landscapes.

• Hole-in-the-Rock Road, offering access to desert scenery and archaeological sites
• Burr Trail, a scenic route that connects to Capitol Reef National Park
• Hell’s Backbone Road, a forested drive through Dixie National Forest

Boulder Mountain and Capitol Reef Views

North of Boulder, Scenic Byway 12 climbs Boulder Mountain and offers expansive views across southern Utah.

On clear days, travelers may see:

• Capitol Reef National Park
• The Henry Mountains
• Circle Cliffs
• Lake Powell
• Distant landscapes stretching into Arizona and Colorado

This section provides some of the most expansive viewpoints along the entire byway.

End of the Route

Scenic Byway 12 ends where it connects with Highway 24. From there, travelers can continue east to Capitol Reef National Park, extending the drive into another of southern Utah’s most scenic landscapes.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Scenic Byway 12?

Driving the full length of Scenic Byway 12 takes about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. Most visitors spend a full day or longer exploring viewpoints, hiking trails, and nearby attractions.

What to Expect on Scenic Byway 12

Scenic Byway 12 offers a mix of paved driving, scenic overlooks, hiking access, and small-town stops. The route passes through a wide range of elevations and landscapes, so conditions can vary depending on the season.

Before your trip, it is a good idea to check weather and seasonal conditions. Services can be limited in some areas, so planning ahead is recommended.

Tips for Driving Scenic Byway 12

• Allow extra time for stops, viewpoints, and short hikes
• Fuel up before long stretches between towns
• Check weather and seasonal conditions before traveling
• Start early or drive later in the day for the best lighting 

Plan Your Scenic Byway 12 Adventure

Scenic Byway 12 is more than just a drive. It is one of the best ways to experience southern Utah, connecting parks, landscapes, and communities along a single route.

Whether you explore a short section or spend several days along the byway, taking time to stop, hike, and explore nearby areas will make the experience more memorable.

Before your trip, plan your stops along Scenic Byway 12:

• Explore restaurants near Bryce Canyon and along the route
• Browse hotels and lodging near Bryce Canyon and Escalante
• Find campgrounds and RV parks throughout the region
• Discover more scenic drives in southern Utah, including Scenic Byway 143

Check out our full itinerary for your Highway 12 drive and plan your trip to enjoy this beautiful part of Southern Utah.