Utah Scenic Byway 12: Things to Do Along Scenic Byway 12, UT
Utah Scenic Byway 12: Things to Do Along Scenic Byway 12, UT
Plan Your Trip
Planning a drive on Utah Scenic Byway 12?
This 120-plus-mile road in southern Utah is the state's first All-American Road, and it links two national parks, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. Along the way, it winds past pink hoodoos, slot canyons, petrified wood, waterfalls, and tiny pioneer towns, then crosses the famous Hogback ridge and climbs over Boulder Mountain at more than 9,000 feet.
Add ancient villages, starry skies, and some of the best hiking in the West, and Scenic Byway 12 is a road trip worth taking slowly.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Scenic Byway 12's Epic Driving Tour—A self-guided audio drive from Bryce Canyon to Torrey.
2. Visit Bryce Canyon National Park—See the world's biggest collection of hoodoos.
3. Hike to Mossy Cave—Walk an easy trail to a waterfall and a shady cave near Tropic.
4. Explore Escalante Petrified Forest State Park—Hike among colorful pieces of petrified wood.
5. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls—Walk about 6 miles round trip to a 126-foot waterfall.
6. Drive the Hogback—Cross a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides.
7. Visit Anasazi State Park Museum—See a village where Ancestral Puebloans lived nearly 900 years ago.
8. Explore Capitol Reef National Park—Pick fruit in historic orchards and see petroglyphs near the end of the byway.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Scenic Byway 12's Epic Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at Bryce Canyon Resort and ends at the Wayne County Tourism office in Torrey. Along the way, it passes Tropic, Escalante, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Calf Creek, the Hogback, Boulder, and the overlooks of Boulder Mountain. The drive takes about three hours without stopping, but most people take a full day or two.
Free Things to Do
1. Mossy Cave Trail—A short hike to a waterfall (part of Bryce Canyon, but outside the main entrance).
2. Scenic overlooks—Head of the Rocks, Boynton, and the Boulder Mountain viewpoints.
3. The Hogback—One of the most thrilling stretches of road in America.
4. Upper Valley Granaries—Spot ancient stone storage rooms in the cliffs.
5. Hole-in-the-Rock Wayside—Read the story of the 1879 pioneers.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Bryce Canyon National Park—$35 per vehicle, plus a $100 per person surcharge for non-U.S. residents age 16 and older in 2026.
2. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park—$10 per vehicle.
3. Calf Creek Recreation Area—$5 per vehicle for day use.
4. Anasazi State Park Museum—Usually $8 per adult, but free while it's being remodeled.
Food!
Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm
A famous farm-to-table restaurant in Boulder, known for dishes made with food from its own farm.
Kiva Koffeehouse
A solar-powered coffee shop built into the cliff near Boynton Overlook, with huge views.
Escalante Outfitters
A popular stop in Escalante for pizza, coffee, and supplies.
Where to Stay
Near Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon Resort—a hotel right on Highway 12, where the tour begins. Roughly 120-250/night.
Boulder
Boulder Mountain Lodge—a peaceful lodge next to Hell's Backbone Grill. Roughly 150-300/night.
Torrey
Capitol Reef Resort—a resort near the end of the byway, close to Capitol Reef. Roughly 150-300/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Start Scenic Byway 12's Epic Driving Tour at Bryce Canyon Resort, with a stop at Mossy Cave.
Afternoon: Visit Escalante Petrified Forest, then hike Lower Calf Creek Falls.
Evening: Cross the Hogback, then dinner at Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Visit Anasazi State Park Museum, drive over Boulder Mountain to Torrey, and explore Capitol Reef National Park.
Extra Time: Spend a morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, or explore the slot canyons off Hole-in-the-Rock Road with a high-clearance vehicle.
FAQ's
1. How long is Scenic Byway 12?
About 120 miles, from near Bryce Canyon to Torrey.
2. How long does it take to drive?
About three hours without stops. Plan a full day, or two, to hike and explore.
3. Is Scenic Byway 12 open year-round?
Yes, but the road over Boulder Mountain can be snowy in winter. Check road conditions before you go.
4. Should I fill up on gas?
Yes. Gas stations are far apart. Fill up in Tropic, Escalante, Boulder, or Torrey.
5. What should I bring?
Water, snacks, sunscreen, layers, and offline maps. Cell service is spotty.
6. Is the Hogback dangerous?
It's safe if you drive slowly and carefully. There are steep drops and no guardrails, so don't stop on the ridge.
7. When is the best time to drive Scenic Byway 12?
Late spring through fall. Fall colors on Boulder Mountain are beautiful in late September and October.
8. Do I need a pass?
Only for the parks. Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef charge entrance fees, and state parks charge their own.
9. Is it good for families?
Yes. Kids love the waterfalls, the petrified wood, and the Anasazi village.
10. Where should I stay?
Tropic and Bryce Canyon City at the start, Escalante or Boulder in the middle, and Torrey at the end.
Recommended Tours
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