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AMERICA’S BYWAYS
SCENIC BYWAY 12 UTAH’S FIRST ALL-AMERICAN ROAD Take time to explore National Scenic Byway 12 and discover the scenery, culture, archaeology and recreational opportunities that have made it an All-American Road. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 has been designated a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration. All-American Roads have one-of-a-kind features so exceptional that they qualify as a destination “unto themselves.” Only a few byways achieve the status of an All-American Road, making Scenic Byway 12 one of the most unique roads in the United States. Spanning a route of more than 124 miles, Scenic Byway 12 travels through some of the most diverse and ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the country. It winds past slickrock canyons, red rock cliffs, pine and aspen forests, alpine mountains, national parks, state parks, a national monument, and quaint rural towns. Numerous pull-outs located along the route provide opportunities to photograph, watch wildlife, or relax and enjoy the scenery. This Scenic Byway 12 route guide travels from west to east through Garfield and Wayne Counties, home to three national parks, three state parks, a national recreation area, and a national monument. Scenic Byway 12 begins at U.S. Highway 89 (US 89), seven miles south of the city of Panguitch and eight miles north of the town of Hatch. From the junction, the byway quickly bisects the beautiful red rock formations of Dixie National Forest’s Red Canyon. A Forest Service campground, visitor center, and hiking and biking trails are in the canyon. The route
continues eastward, crossing the top of the Paunsaugunt Plateau through the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. The main section of the park, with campgrounds, visitor center, overlooks and hiking trails, is just a short drive from Scenic Byway 12. Continuing eastward, the byway passes through a combination of private and public lands including Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Spectacular views along Scenic Byway 12 include Powell Point and geologic formaYour Free Guide tions like The Blues. Prehistoric TO SCENIC ATTRACTIONS stone storage structures called AND ACTIVITIES ALONG granaries can also be seen along the SCENIC BYWAY 12 route. Travelers pass through the • National Forests communities of Tropic, • National Parks & Monuments Cannonville, Henrieville and • Utah State Parks Escalante. Kodachrome Basin State • BLM Lands Park and Grosvenor Arch in Grand • Campgrounds Staircase-Escalante National Monu• Scenic Backways ment are short drives from Scenic • Local Communities Byway 12. And Escalante Petrified • Winter & Summer Recreation Forest State Park is well worth • Information Guide (continued on next page)
Produced by: Garfield County Travel Council, Dixie National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Utah State Parks, Utah Department of Transportation, and local business leaders.
Recreational opportunities are plentiful along Scenic Byway 12. (Top): ATV riding on the Dixie National Forest. (Bottom, left to right): Fly fishing on Boulder Mountain. Mountain biking on forested high plateaus. Backpacking through canyon country. Snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross country skiing are popular winter sports in the higher elevations.
the visit. Visitor centers and businesses located along Scenic Byway 12 have additional information about the area. From Escalante, the road continues east winding through vast expanses of slickrock country and across the Escalante River on the way to Boulder, Utah. Along the way, travelers are rewarded with views of the Escalante River Canyon, Calf Creek, The Hogback—where Scenic Byway 12 crosses a narrow ridge with steep dropoffs on both sides and magnificent views of the surrounding slickrock canyon country, as well as Boulder Mountain. Many of these areas are located inside Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Other areas inside the monument can be accessed via Scenic Backways that branch from Scenic Byway 12. The Hole-in-the-Rock Road and the Burr Trail are two of these backways that provide opportunities for hiking, camping or sightseeing. Another optional side trip from Scenic Byway 12 is the spectacular Hell’s Backbone Road in the Dixie National Forest. At Boulder, visitors can get a firsthand look at life in a prehistoric village at Anasazi State Park Museum. North from Boulder, Scenic Byway 12 crosses the eastern flank of Boulder Mountain with spectacular views of Capitol Reef National Park, the Waterpocket Fold, Henry Mountains, Circle Cliffs, and Navajo Mountain. On a clear day (and there are lots of them), travelers can see more than 100 miles into Colorado and Arizona. Hiking trails, campgrounds and side roads along the way provide numerous opportunities to further explore the area. Scenic Byway 12 ends at its northernmost point where it joins Highway 24 at Torrey. Travelers can take the short drive east along Highway 24 to Capitol Reef National Park, thus adding to the Scenic Byway 12 All-American Road experience.
Recreational opportunities abound around every turn of the scenic byway’s 124 miles. Travelers will find everything from hiking and fishing to excellent photographic opportunities. Some may wish to soak their feet in a cool mountain stream after a picnic lunch. Whatever your interests, you have come to the right place—Scenic Byway 12— where there is something for everyone. Camping can be found year-round along Scenic Byway 12, although many facilities are only open during the summer. U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, State Park and private campgrounds provide facilities for recreational vehicles and tents. Backcountry campers seeking solitude and beautiful scenery can find many opportunities throughout the area. Backcountry permits are required in many areas. For additional information on camping facilities, please refer to the map on pages 6 and 7. For rainbow or brook trout fishing, stop at one of the many lakes or streams near Scenic Byway 12. Anglers can try their luck at local hot spots such as Wide Hollow, Barker or Tropic Reservoirs, or venture on to the top of Boulder Mountain. Be sure to get a license and check the fishing regulations before you go. Many of the dirt roads that intersect Scenic Byway 12 such as Hole-inthe-Rock, Smoky Mountain and North Creek/Main Canyon provide great mountain biking opportunities. Check with any visitor center for trail locations and degree of difficulty. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) can use the Fremont ATV Trail that stretches from the town of Circleville to Tropic Reservoir. Travelers will find lots of adventure along the 50-mile trail. Connecting trails from Panguitch provide ATV riders direct access into town. Segments of the Great Western Trail and the Pine Lake ATV Trail provide additional opportunities. When the seasons change, snow-covered Forest Service roads and trails are perfect places to cross country ski or snowshoe. For a change of pace, try snowshoeing or cross country skiing at Bryce Canyon National Park on the trails that pass near the fascinating red rock formations. Snowmobiling is popular on Dixie National Forest lands near Scenic Byway 12 but is not permitted in the national parks. With all the possibilities, don’t forget to take a minute to pull off at one of the many turnouts and absorb the scenery, take a picture, or catch a glimpse of a deer, elk or wild turkey.
Utah Travel Council
Frank Jensen/UTC
Utah Travel Council
Steve Howe
Brett Jorgensen
Brett Taylor
Something for Everyone
Horseback riding is a fun way to explore the area’s scenery. Guide and outfitter businesses are located in most communities along Scenic Byway 12. 2
SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
Scenic Backways
A East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway Double and single lane gravel road / passenger cars / fair weather only
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for seeing pronghorn, deer, prairie dogs, and elk. Features: East Fork of the Sevier River, Tropic Reservoir, Great Western Trail, Dixie National Forest and King Creek Campground. Distance 17 miles one way (1-1/2 hours).
B Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Backway* Graded dry-weather road. Do not travel this route if storms are threatening.
Janet Reffert
A photographer’s dream. Features: Kodachrome Basin State Park (camping and picnicking facilities), Grosvenor Arch, Cockscomb and Paria River. Paved to Kodachrome State Park, dirt thereafter. Distance 49 miles (2 hrs).
Cottonwood Canyon Road Scenic Backway
C Griffin Top Scenic Backway Narrow single lane dirt and gravel road (closed in winter) / passenger cars
This 32-mile gravel road crosses the Table Cliffs Plateau on the Dixie National Forest. Features: secluded lakes, excellent wildlife viewing, and vistas from the high plateau. The road is closed in winter and open to snowmobiles. Distance 32 miles (1 hour).
*Indicates the road is inside Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
F Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway* Gravel and graded dirt road / passenger cars in good weather; 4-wheel drive required for last 7 miles.
Step back in time and travel the route that Mormon pioneers took on their historic journey to San Juan country. Access to Devils Garden, Dance Hall Rock, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Hole-in-the-Rock and several hiking trailheads. Last seven miles requires a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Distance 57 miles one way (8 hours round trip).
G Burr Trail Scenic Backway* Hard surfaced, graded dirt and gravel road / passenger car in good weather; high clearance vehicle recommended.
Beautiful scenery can be found around every turn! Access to Deer Creek Campground, Long Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Lake Powell and Bullfrog Marina. May be impassable when wet. Distance 66 miles (3 hours).
H Hell’s Backbone Road Gravel and dirt road (closed in winter) / high clearance vehicles recommended
Although this is not a designated scenic backway, Hell’s Backbone is one of the most dramatic roads in the area. The road makes a loop connecting Escalante with Scenic Byway 12, three miles west of Boulder. From the Posey Lake Scenic Backway, Hell’s Backbone heads east, passes Blue Spruce Campground and circles Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area. Hell’s Backbone Bridge is an engineering feat. Distance 44 miles (2 hours).
I Notom Road Scenic Backway
D Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway* Dirt and gravel / impassable in bad weather / high clearance vehicles
This rugged corridor between Scenic Byway 12 and US 89 requires a high clearance vehicle. Spectacular views of the top of the Kaiparowits Plateau, Navajo Mountain, and Lake Powell can be seen while traveling this backway. Distance 78 miles (5 hours).
E Posey Lake Scenic Backway Double and single lane dirt and gravel road (closed in winter)
Camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and mountain biking opportunities abound on the road through the Dixie National Forest. This backway provides access to Posey Lake and campground with beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The backway starts in Escalante and ends on Highway 24 at Bicknell. Distance 40 miles (2 hours). AREA CODE IS 435
Some of the Scenic Backways are gateways to Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument. Stop at the Interagency Visitor Center in Escalante or at the Cannonville Visitor Center in Cannonville for information and maps of the area. When driving in the back country, please remember that driving off road is not permitted.
Dry weather road (open all year) / passenger cars in good weather
Janet Reffert
As you travel Scenic Byway 12, take time to explore the designated scenic backways. A scenic backway is a paved or dirt road that reaches less traveled, but breathtaking areas. Check with the nearest visitor center or any local business for road and weather conditions. Be sure to have plenty of gasoline, food and water as there are usually no facilities along these beautiful corridors.
Grosvenor Arch
Notom Road parallels the Waterpocket Fold of Capitol Reef National Park. It passes through the eastern section of Capitol Reef between Highway 24 and the Burr Trail. Views of the Henry Mountains and Waterpocket Fold Monocline are among the highlights. May be impassable when wet. Distance 35 miles (2 hours).
J Bull Mountain Road Scenic Backway Single lane dry weather road / 4-wheel drive vehicles recommended
Vistas of the Colorado Plateau can be seen along the Bull Mountain Road. It climbs from the desert floor to 10,500 feet as it crosses the Henry Mountains. Splendid scenery includes beautiful canyons, red cliffs, forests and mountains. Impassable in winter and when wet. Distance 68 miles (6 to 7 hours).
CONTACT INFORMATION
UTAH IS ON MOUNTAIN TIME
Dixie National Forest
National Park Service
Utah State Parks
Visitor Centers
Dixie Nat’l Forest Supervisor’s Office .... 865-3200
Bryce Canyon National Park ................... 834-5322
Kodachrome Basin State Park ................. 679-8562
• Red Canyon Hwy 12 (USFS-seasonal) • Bryce Canyon National Park Hwy 63 • Cannonville Visitor Center 10 Center St (GSENM) • Escalante Interagency Visitor Center (GSENM) 755 W Main (Hwy 12) • Boulder Anasazi State Park Museum, Hwy 12 • Wildcat/Boulder Mountain Hwy 12 (USFS-seasonal) • Torrey Jct Hwy 12 & 24 • Capitol Reef National Park Hwy 24
1789 N. Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, UT 84721
Powell Ranger District ............................. 676-9300 225 E Center St, PO Box 80, Panguitch, UT 84759
Bryce Canyon, UT 84717
Capitol Reef National Park ...................... 425-3791 HC-70, Box 15, Torrey, UT 84775-9602
Escalante Ranger District ........................ 826-5400
Glen Canyon Nat'l Rec Area .................... 826-5499
755 W Main St, PO Box 246, Escalante, UT 84726
Escalante Ranger Station 755 W Main St, PO Box 511, Escalante, UT 84726
Teasdale Ranger District ......................... 425-9500 138 E Main St, PO Box 99, Teasdale, UT 84773
Bureau of Land Management GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NAT’L MONUMENT
Escalante Interagency Visitor Center ...... 826-5499 755 W Main St, PO Box 246, Escalante, UT 84726
Cannonville Visitor Center ....................... 679-8981
PO Box 238, Cannonville, UT 84718-0238
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park ...... 826-4466 Hwy 12, PO Box 350, Escalante, UT 84726-0350
Anasazi State Park Museum .................... 335-7308 Hwy 12, PO Box 1329, Boulder, UT 84716-1329
Travel Councils Garfield County Travel Council .... 1-800-444-6689 PO Box 200, Panguitch, UT 84759 www.brycecanyoncountry.com
Wayne County Travel Council ...... 1-800-858-7951 PO Box 7, Teasdale, UT 84773 www.capitolreef.org
10 Center St, Cannonville, UT 84718
SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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1 Dixie National Forest / Red Canyon
FEATURES ALONG SCENIC BYWAY 12 This Route Guide follows Scenic Byway 12 from west to east. Each of the features (scenic attractions) is numbered to make it easy to follow. Towns are included in the travel sequence. See the map on pages 6 and 7 for locations of the numbered attractions. If you are traveling westward on Scenic Byway 12, please follow the Route Guide in reverse. Stop at any Scenic Byway 12 visitor center or local business for additional information on the area, weather, backway road conditions, activities, and events. *Indicates that site is part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
PANGUITCH
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Travelers heading south on US 89 en route to Scenic Byway 12 will drive through the city of Panguitch, the county seat of Garfield County. Panguitch, meaning “big fish” in the Paiute Indian language, was settled in 1864. It is now the largest city in the county and has the only hospital in the Scenic Byway 12 area. Automotive repairs and other services are available including public and private campgrounds. Garfield County Travel Council office is located in Panguitch. Check for local events and activities. From the junction in the center of Panguitch, Scenic Byway 143 travels west and climbs through the Dixie National Forest, passing Panguitch Lake, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Brian Head on its way to Interstate 15. Travelers en route to Scenic Byway 12 will continue south from Panguitch on US 89 for seven miles to the Scenic Byway 12 turnoff.
HATCH
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Visitors heading north on US 89 en route to Scenic Byway 12 will drive through the small town of Hatch, which was settled in the 1870s by the Hatch family. Services are available year round, and public and private campgrounds are in the area. Scenic Byway 12 travelers will drive north on US 89 following the Sevier River for eight miles to the Scenic Byway 12 turnoff.
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SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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Vermilion-colored rock formations and stands of ponderosa pine greet you as you enter Red Canyon. While many visitors think they are already in Bryce Canyon National Park, Red Canyon is actually a part of the Dixie National Forest, which stretches from the Nevada border to Capitol Reef National Park. At the first parking area along Scenic Byway 12, you can access the Thunder Mountain Trail and the 5.5 mile paved bike trail. The Red Canyon Bicycle Trail parallels Scenic Byway 12, allowing hikers and bicyclists to experience the sights and sounds of Red Canyon. The Red Canyon Visitor Center has information on sightseeing, picnicking, and other recreational activities in the national forest. A Forest Service campground is located one-half mile east of the visitor center. The visitor center and campground are open from late April to early October, weather dependent. For a close-up look at the fantastic hoodoos and spires, try one—or several—of the trails in Red Canyon. The mile-long Pink Ledges loop takes you behind the visitor center to spectacular views of Red Canyon and the Sevier River valley. Arches Trail is a beautiful short (.7 mile) hike that starts at the bottom of Losee Canyon and reveals 15 different arches. Mountain bikers will love the challenging eight-mile Thunder Mountain Trail. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can explore the 78-mile Grand View Trail that is accessed from the Thunder Mountain Trail Head. OHV use is allowed on the Casto Canyon Trail. Please check with the visitor center for trail use. Trails in Red Canyon are open year-round. Services are available at the junction of Scenic Bway 12 and US 89, in the nearby towns of Panguitch and Hatch on US 89, and 15 minutes east on Scenic Byway 12.
2 Tropic Reservoir / East Fork of the Sevier River wteXao ypBgUNRlnl From Red Canyon, Scenic Byway 12 climbs to the top of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The area offers spectacular wildlife viewing and several roads just off Scenic Byway 12 are designated “watchable wildlife viewing areas.” Among these are the East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway, and Dixie National Forest roads 111, 117, 194 and 091. Expect to see mule deer, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, rabbits and numerous species of birds. In addition to wildlife watching, scenic areas adjacent to Scenic Byway 12 offer other activities like photography, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway heads south from Scenic Byway 12 and follows a broad valley accented with ponderosa pine and red rock outcrops. Numerous Forest Service roads in the area provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, 4-wheel driving and ATVs. The highlight of the East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway is Tropic Reservoir, located seven miles south of Scenic Byway 12. The lake is popular for fishing and picnicking. King Creek Campground is located on the west side of the reservoir and includes a group area. There are numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, and horseback riding, and snowmobilers will discover excellent groomed and marked trails in the East Fork area. Mill Creek and Crawford Pass trail heads can be accessed from the East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway, and connect with Red Canyon. Services, and public and private campgrounds are available along Scenic Byway 12 and in the Bryce Canyon area.
Janet Reffert Janet Reffert
Janet Reffert
Brett Jorgensen
(Left): A bus drives through one of the tunnels in Dixie National Forest’s Red Canyon. (Center): Unique hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park radiate with color especially at sunrise and sunset. The park is open all year. (Top right): Powell Point and Table Cliffs Plateau can be seen for miles along Scenic Byway 12. (Bottom right): Tropic Reservoir and the East Fork of the Sevier River are popular recreation sites on the Dixie National Forest.
3 Bryce Canyon National Park
(& Area)
4 Pine Lake / Powell Point
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Bryce Canyon National Park is the jewel of Scenic Byway 12. Located three miles south of Scenic Byway 12 on Highway 63, the park rises to an elevation of 9,100 feet at its southern end. The park is open year-round. Magnificent salmon pink and red colored pinnacles and spires can be seen from viewpoints along the pine-covered rim of Bryce’s natural amphitheaters. There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Interpretive programs and trail rides are available. The park has two campgrounds, and the visitor center has an excellent museum and a 22-minute award winning video. Lodging is available in the park April through November, and outside the park year round. All services are available locally. Public and private campgrounds are in the area. Winter is an excellent time to visit the park. There are no crowds and new recreational opportunities emerge. You could be the first person to set tracks on cross country ski trails; or test your agility on a pair of snowshoes that are loaned to visitors free of charge. Check at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center for details. Annual events held in the Bryce Canyon area include the Winter Festival in February and the Rim Run in August.
At the junction of Highways 12 and 63, turn north onto Highway 22 and drive 11 miles to the Pine Lake and Powell Point turnoff. The lake is another six miles along Dixie National Forest Road 132. Highway 22 is the first access to the Powell Point area; another route is through Main Canyon near Escalante. Pine Lake has excellent fishing and a Forest Service campground. High clearance vehicles are recommended on the dirt and gravel road to Powell Point. The area offers mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and ATV trails. Picnicking and photographic opportunities can be found on the Table Cliffs Plateau where Powell Point reaches 10,188 feet above sea level. Named for Major John Wesley Powell, the landmark was used by mapping expeditions in the late 1800s. Services are available along Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 63 in the Bryce area.
TROPIC
Back on Scenic Byway 12, the route passes through the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park and descends to Bryce Valley and the town of Tropic. The town lies just below the park’s brilliant crimson peaks and provides access to the lower elevations of Bryce Canyon National Park across a small section of land just west of town. Tropic was settled in 1892 and was named for its mild climate. The Ebenezer Bryce Festival in September has become an annual community event. Stop at Ebenezer Bryce’s old cabin along Scenic Byway 12 in Tropic. All services are available year round. Public and private campgrounds are in the area.
Janet Reffert
CANNONVILLE
The new Cannonville Visitor Center has information on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and surrounding areas.
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This rural farming community is located on Scenic Byway 12, five miles southeast of Tropic. Cannonville is the gateway to Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grosvenor Arch, the Cockscomb and the Paria River. Stop at the Cannonville Visitor Center for information on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Cannonville was settled by 200 families in the early 1880s. It is home to the annual Old Time Fiddlers and Bear Festival. Please check with local businesses for the date and time of the annual event. Public and private campgrounds are nearby. SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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Stop at any Visitor Center along Scenic Byway 12 for detailed maps and area information. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Janet Reffert
Garfield County Travel Council
PO Box 200 • Panguitch, UT 84759
1-800-444-6689 www.brycecanyoncountry.com email:
[email protected]
Escalante Mountain and Powell Point are visible along much of Scenic Byway 12. Nearby Pine Lake is a popular fishery and campground.
For information on Capitol Reef Country, contact
Wayne County Travel Council PO Box 7 • Teasdale, UT 84773
1-800-858-7951 www.capitolreef.org email:
[email protected]
1 Washington
New Mexico
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SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
PANGUITCH
Panguitch Lake Recreation Area
PANGUITCH LAKE
143
3
Brian Head Ski Resort
CEDAR CITY
CEDAR BREAKS NAT’L MON
To St. George To Las Vegas MARKAGUNT SCENIC BYWAY U-14
Tropic Reservoir
MARKAGUNT PLATEAU
CEDAR BREAKS SCENIC BYWAY U-148
14
LONG VALLEY SCENIC BYWAY US89
Duck Creek
12
1
89
East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway
PAUNSAUGUNT PLATEAU A
To Grand Canyon To Zion • To Lake Powell
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the jewels of Scenic Byway 12. Photography, hiking, trail rides, sightseeing, and showshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter are among the activities. There is a visitor center, a museum, lodge and two campgrounds in the park. Services are also available nearby.
Scenic Byway 12 Scenic Byway Scenic Backway Interstate Highway Major paved Road Unpaved Road
1
A
National Park National Monument National Forest National Recreation Area State Park Feature Point of Interest Visitor Center / Information
Upper Valley
TROPIC
Smoky Mtn Road Scenic Backway
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BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
HENRIEVILLE NRIEVILLE
3 CANNONVILLE
Kodachrome Basin State Park
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5
D
9
Grosvenor Arch
Cottonwood Canyon Road Cottonwood Scenic Sce ic Backway
GR
B
Prehistoric Indian ruins are found along Scenic Byway 12 and throughout the Monument.
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Kodachrome Basin State Park offers unique rock formations, hiking trails and a modern campground. Mountain biking, trail rides and photography are among the activities. The park is open all year. Kodachrome is located 9 miles south of Cannonville.
ESCALANTE
The Blues
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Janet Reffert
MAP LEGEND NOTE: MAP IS NOT TO SCALE
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8
Powell Point
Johns Valley Road
11
Hell's Backbone
Box-Death Ho E Wilderness A
Escalant Escalante Petrified Forest State Pa Park
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Pine Lake
Red Canyon
HATCH
148
TABLE CLIFF PLATEAU
BRYCE 63 BRYC
Garfield County Travel Council
Scenic Area Hiking Interpretive Trail Biking Wildlife Viewing Migration Area Horse Rides Off Highway Vehicles Swimming Fishing Small Boats Only Power Boats Permitted Boat Ramp Pets on Leash Cross Country Skiing / Snowshoeing Snowmobiling Cattle Drive
143
H
110
Posey Lake Ro Road Scenic Bac Backway
Widtsoe Parowan
AQUARIUS P PL
C ESCALANTE MOUNTAINS Posey Lake
BRIAN HEAD-PANGUITCH SCENIC BYWAY U-143
ACTIVITIES
B g j U N ( l R g y s p o u l n
s
Garfield County Travel Council
Food / Restaurant Lodging Campground Water Toilet Facilities Showers Accessibility Dump Station Picnic Area Store Gasoline Auto Repairs Visitor Center / Information Public Telephone Post Office Clinic / Hospital } Bank / ATM q Ranger Station
Griffin Top Scenic Backway
22
Dixie Nat’l Forest
Open all year, Red Canyon is a favorite photo stop. There are multi-use trails, a campground, and a seasonal Forest Service Visitor Center.
ICON INDEX SERVICES
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Janet Reffert
Arizona
Janet Reffert
California
Boulder Mtn Recreation Area
Dixie Nat’l Forest
Black Canyon
s
Dixie Nat’l Forest
BOU MOU
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s
SEVIER PLATEAU
20 Colorado
Otter Creek Reservoir R
ANTIMONY
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Utah
62
62
Otter Creek State Park
Idaho
Nevada
H L w X a Z c t e J P C S D F G
To Salt Lake City To I-70
To Salt Lake City To I-70
Montana
Wyoming
Deer and other wildlife are abundant in the Dixie National Forest. Posey Lake is a popular fishery and Hell’s Backbone is not for the faint of heart!
Petrified wood and dinosaur bones can be viewed along the trails at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, located one mile west of Escalante along Scenic Byway 12. Fishing is popular at Wide Hollow Reservoir.
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Brett Jorgensen
Garfield County Travel Council
Janet Reffert
4
For information on Scenic Byway 12 and Bryce Canyon Country including national parks, monuments and more, contact:
Oregon
11
Grosvenor Arch is located south of Kodachrome Basin State Park along Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Backway in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This road may become impassable when wet. The Cockscomb is one of the unique geologic features along the backway.
CAUTION: Please check locally for road and weather conditions before driving on any dirt road or Scenic Backway. No services are available along the routes and many are impassable when wet. Make sure you have plenty of gasoline, and take food, water, and emergency supplies with you. Watch for flash floods in canyon areas.
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Frank Jensen / Utah Travel Council
Garfield County Travel Council
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A 6 mile (round-trip) hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls in the Calf Creek Recreation Area is well worth the effort. It is located between Escalante and Boulder on Scenic Byway 12. To I-70
24
Hanksville
SCENIC BYWAY 12
17 BOULDER ULDER
HENRY MOUNTAINS
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
I
Anasazi State Park Museum
ollow Area
95 Notom Road Scenic Backway
Bull Mountain Scenic Backway
G Burr Trail Scenic Backway
JJ
276
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13 Head of the Rocks
GRAND STAIRCASEESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT
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Hite To Blanding
TICABOO GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Devils Garden
12
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Burr Trail Scenic Backway
Lake Powell
BULLFROG
Hole in the Rock Road Scenic Backway
John Atlantic Burr Ferry
F
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Anasazi State Park in Boulder has a museum and a partially excavated prehistoric village, believed to have been occupied by the Anasazi from A.D. 1050 to 1200.
Hole-In-The-Rock
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Kelly Rigby/ BLM
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12
Bryce Canyon Weather
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AVE TEMP IN °F MAX-MIN
Janet Reffert
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BLM
East of Escalante, Scenic Byway 12 travels through slickrock canyons and The Hogback enroute to Boulder.
Metate Arch is one of the unique rock formations in Devils Garden. Slot canyons are located off Hole-In-The-Rock Road — a pioneer trail of major historic value. Check at the visitor centers in Cannonville or in Escalante for additional information.
Frank Jensen / Utah Travel Council
RAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE CASE-ESCALANTE SE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL TIONAL MONUMENT ONUMENT
Hall’s Crossing H
Jerry Sintz / BLM
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14 Calf Creek 15 Hogback Rec Area
R ado or
Garfield County Travel Council
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er
Dixie Nat’l Forest
LATEAU
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
BICENTENNIAL SCENIC BYWAY U-95
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK I
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Dixie National Forest / Red Canyon Tropic Reservoir / East Fork of the Sevier River 3 Bryce Canyon National Park 4 Pine Lake / Powell Point 5 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument* 6 Kodachrome Basin State Park / Grosvenor Arch* 7 The Blues* / Upper Valley 8 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park 9 Smoky Mountain Road* 10 Posey Lake 11 Hell’s Backbone / Box-Death Wilderness Area 12 Hole-in-the-Rock Road* / Devils Garden* / Dance Hall Rock* / Hole-In-The-Rock* 13 Head of the Rocks* 14 Calf Creek Recreation Area* 15 The Hogback* 16 Burr Trail* 17 Anasazi State Park Museum 18 Boulder Mountain 19 Capitol Reef National Park *Part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
LOA LOA-HANKSVILLE SCENIC BYWAY U-24 SCENI
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Features along Scenic Byway 12
Capitol Reef National Park is open all year. The park has a scenic drive, hiking trails, campground, visitor center and museum. Pioneer history as well as unique rock formations are in the park.
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are accessible from Scenic Byway 12 via the Burr Trail, a Scenic Backway. The Burr Trail is a partially dirt road. High clearance vehicles are recommended.
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Weather A dry climate with lots of sunny days is normal for this area of the country. Weather can change quickly, however, and thunderstorms are common during the summer months. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the summer; nights are generally cool. Winter brings snow to the high country and exceptionally clear skies throughout the area.
SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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Janet Reffert
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Garfield County Travel Council
Brett Jorgensen
(Clockwise from left): Approaching the Cannonville/Henrieville area from Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Backway. Petrified geysers and chimneys are some of the unusual rock formations at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Grosvenor Arch is located 8 miles south of Kodachrome along Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Backway—a dry weather road. Petrified wood at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and Wide Hollow Reservoir. Metate Arch in Devils Garden is located along the Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway.
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument weXa BygUNlRln
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast area of sandstone canyons, plateaus, unique rock formations, rivers, and cliffs in southern Utah. In September, 1996, this 1.9 million acres of public land became the nation’s first national monument administered by the Bureau of Land Management (not the National Park Service). The monument extends eastward from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It extends northward from the Arizona state line to the Dixie National Forest. Scenic Byway 12 winds through the northern portion, and backways branching from Scenic Byway 12 provide access to roads, hiking routes, and prominent features in the monument.
The monument is partly named for the Escalante River Canyons, which begin on the edge of Boulder Mountain and end at the Colorado River. Deep side canyons and gorges have been carved over eons of time. These sandstone labyrinths with unusual rock shapes and slot canyons offer some of the best hiking and backpacking in the world. When early geologists saw the series of cliffs and plateaus rising 6,000 feet from the North Rim of Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon, they called it the Grand Staircase. Three billion years of geologic history make up the layers of sedimentary rocks. Each of the five “steps” has been eroded, revealing cliffs of distinctive color. Travelers can see portions of the Grand Staircase from several of the viewpoints in Bryce Canyon and from US 89. The monument is a natural treasure of geologic wonders, fossils, animal, plant and insect life. It was home to the Anasazi and Fremont cultures and remains of their civilization are scattered throughout the area. It is a place of breathtaking vistas, desert flowers, canyons and plateaus, and scenery that changes with every turn. It is a place of solitude, color and light. It is also a recreational paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking, backpacking, fishing, 4-wheel driving, camping, horseback riding, ATV riding and mountain biking. Guided hikes and pack trips are available locally, as well as horseback riding, ATV, llama, and jeep tours.
Janet Reffert
When visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
A hiker enjoys views of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from a trail at Kodachrome Basin State Park. 8
SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
• The easiest way to see the monument is to drive Scenic Byway 12. The route offers a good visual experience from your vehicle. • The best way to experience the beauty of the monument is to get out of your vehicle and explore. The area is hot in the summer, so plan accordingly, carry water, wear a hat and use sunscreen. • Stop at the Interagency Visitor Center in Escalante (435-826-5499) or at the Cannonville Visitor Center (435-679-8981). Or call for current information, road conditions, maps, hiking information, etc. • Many of the roads inside the monument are dirt and may become impassable when wet. Some roads require high clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicles. • No services are available inside the monument. Have plenty of gasoline in your vehicle, and take food, water, and emergency supplies with you.
Kodachrome Basin State Park weXaZJcD BgUNRlj
Located nine miles south of Cannonville along paved roads, Kodachrome Basin State Park is a vividly colored geological area made up of numerous spectacular sand pipes or “petrified” geysers. This picturesque park has hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, a small store, and a modern campground. Named by the National Geographic Society, Kodachrome Basin is also a photographer’s dream. The northwest section of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument starts near the entrance to Kodachrome Basin via Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Backway. The road travels south for 8 miles to Grosvenor Arch, then continues through Cottonwood Canyon and follows the Paria River. The unpaved section of the scenic backway is recommended for dry weather conditions.
HENRIEVILLE
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Three miles east of Cannonville on Scenic Byway 12, Henrieville offers splendid, uncluttered scenery with nearby fossil beds and a pioneer hiking trail to Kodachrome Basin. Henrieville was settled in 1878; farming, stock raising, and fruit orchards were the principal industries. This rustic little town has retained its proud heritage throughout the years.
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Many of the Scenic Backways throughout the area have historical significance. The Hole-in-the-Rock Road played a major role in the settlement of the San Juan area east of the Colorado River. The Burr Trail, linking Boulder with Lake Powell, was used by cattlemen during the early 1900s.
ESCALANTE HLwteJPCSDFq Escalante is called the “Heart of Highway 12” because it is geographically located near the midpoint of Scenic Byway 12. The Anasazi and Fremont lived in the area hundreds of years before the first explorers appeared. The town was originally called Potato Valley for a wild species of potato that grew there when settled in 1875. It was later renamed Escalante to honor early explorer Silvestre Velez de Escalante. In 1776, Franciscan priests Escalante and Dominguez led the first recorded exploration party through parts of what is now southern Utah, looking for a route from Santa Fe to California. Travelers can access Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area from Scenic Byway 12 via backways in the Escalante area. Stop at Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at the west end of town for information on the monument, national forests as well as area information. All services including public and private campgrounds are available in Escalante.
The Blues / Upper Valley wea BNygUR(n
Powell Point and Table Cliffs Plateau are visible as travelers drive east from Henrieville on Scenic Byway 12. The route climbs past a rocky section with unusual colored clay hills, called “The Blues.” Be sure to stop at the scenic overlook at the top of The Blues. Continue through Upper Valley—a primary elk herd migration corridor. Watch for wildlife, especially in the fall and winter. About 20 miles east of Henrieville, Forest Service Road 17 starts north of Scenic Byway 12 and continues northwest through Main Canyon. The dirt road accesses Table Cliffs Plateau and the Pine Lake area to the west, and Griffin Top to the north along the Griffin Top Scenic Backway. From the same Scenic Byway 12 turnoff, North Creek Canyon road leads to excellent fishing at Barker Reservoir. Many of the Forest Service roads in this area connect. A Dixie National Forest Travel Map should be consulted before traveling these routes. Public and private campgrounds are available in the area. When snow falls, snowmobilers can ride 40 miles of signed trails that start in Widtsoe, at Bryce, and near Escalante. Cross country skiers should stop in Escalante and ask about the area’s trails.
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Olinda Reynolds Drawing
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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park weXac BNysggUjuln
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is located one mile west of Escalante along Scenic Byway 12. Visitors to the park may want to fish for trout, boat or swim at Wide Hollow Reservoir, or examine petrified wood dating back 160 million years. An interpretive trail that winds through the park’s foothills provides information about the colorful mineralized wood and dinosaur bones. The park’s campground is open year round. All services including public and private campgrounds are available in Escalante.
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Smoky Mountain Road* BgUNRl
From Escalante, Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway heads south for 78 miles and ends at Big Water near Lake Powell on US 89. Sections of the dirt road can be impassable when wet and high clearance vehicles are required. Smoky Mountain Road is recommended for dry weather conditions only. Check locally for road and weather conditions. Spectacular views of Navajo Mountain and Lake Powell can be seen along the route. Smoke is sometimes visible from the underground coal fires that have been smoldering for over 100 years — giving Smoky Mountain its name. Sections of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area were the filming sites for the movies “The Planet of the Apes” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” Closest services including public and private campgrounds are in Escalante; no services are available along the backway.
SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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11 Hell’s Backbone / Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area
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Hell’s Backbone Road is one of the most dramatic stretches of road in Utah as it travels along a ridge with a sheer drop on both sides. Hell’s Backbone Bridge spans a crevasse on a narrow ridge no wider than the bridge itself. Plenty of dramatic photos of the area’s breathtaking scenery can be taken along the route. Hell’s Backbone Road starts at Posey Lake Scenic Backway and circles around the rugged Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area, ending three miles west of Boulder. Backpacking, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and 4-wheeling are among the top activities in this area. Check with the local visitor center or businesses for weather conditions before traveling this route. Escalante and Boulder are the closest towns that offer services.
12 Hole-in-the-Rock Road* Devils Garden / Dance Hall Rock / Hole-in-the-Rock
Allysia Angus
Olinda Reynolds Drawing
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Historic drawing of Hell’s Backbone Bridge as it opened in 1935.
10 Posey Lake weXa BNysgURln At the east end of Escalante, Posey Lake Scenic Backway heads north from Scenic Byway 12 and climbs into the timbered high country of the Dixie National Forest. The backway provides access to Griffin Top and Hell’s Backbone, and provides excellent opportunities to fish or explore. It ends at Highway 24 near Loa. Posey Lake is a picturesque mountain lake located 15 miles northwest of Escalante. The lake is popular for trout fishing and has a Forest Service campground. Dirt roads that connect with other lakes, reservoirs and campgrounds in the surrounding Dixie National Forest make excellent mountain bike rides. Closest services from Posey Lake are in Escalante.The road to Posey Lake is closed in winter.
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SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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For a historic drive, explore the Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway which starts five miles east of Escalante on Scenic Byway 12. The dirt road travels 57 miles and dead-ends at Hole-in-the-Rock. Here, in 1880, Mormon settlers who were seeking a shortcut to the San Juan area in southeastern Utah, encountered a 1,200-foot cliff. They cut a passage and lowered their wagons over the cliff to the canyon floor and the Colorado River. After crossing the river, they encountered more obstacles before arriving at their destination. Several side roads along the backway lead to scenic canyons, arches, and attractions like Dance Hall Rock—a gathering place for the original Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. Views of the Straight Cliffs of the Kaiparowits Plateau and Escalante River slickrock country can be seen throughout the drive. Hikers and backpackers will find excellent treks through the slickrock and convoluted sandstone canyons of the Escalante. Stop at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center for maps and information. Devils Garden, one of the highlights along the Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway, is located 13 miles south of Scenic Byway 12. Plan a picnic in the “garden” of unique rock formations and arches. Closest services are in Escalante.
13 Head of the Rocks / Escalante Canyons* BgUNRl Leaving the Escalante area and driving east takes travelers on the “Million Dollar Road to Boulder.” This section of Scenic Byway 12 was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and completed in 1935 (paved in 1971) providing the first year-round access for automobiles to this isolated pocket in southwestern Utah. Before then, mail and supplies were carried to Boulder by mules and pack horses over Hell’s Backbone or the Boulder Mail Trail, both hazardous routes. Scenic Byway 12 winds through vast expanses of slickrock country including part of the Escalante Canyons and other popular hiking areas. Pullouts along the route provide opportunities to view the Escalante Basin, the Henry Mountains and other awesome scenery.
Allysia Angus
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A pullout at Head of the Rocks east of Escalante is a favorite photo stop and a place to take in the beauty of the massive slickrock canyons. Scenic Byway 12 continues to Calf Creek Recreation Area, a perfect place to wade in the creek or take a hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls.
14 Calf Creek Recreation Area* weXa BgNju Fifteen miles east of Escalante, Scenic Byway 12 descends to Calf Creek Recreation Area. This Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument facility is a perfect place to wade in the creek, have a picnic, or take the six mile round-trip nature hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. The sandy trail ends at the 126-foot falls and an enchanting grotto with a deep pool surrounded by shade trees. Calf Creek Recreation Area has a BLM campground and a day use/ picnic area. Other services are available in Escalante and Boulder.
15 The Hogback BgN From Calf Creek Recreation Area, Scenic Byway 12 climbs Haymaker Bench and crosses The Hogback—a ridge with steep dropoffs on both sides. The road is very narrow at the top. Stop at a pullout to take in the sweeping views of the surrounding sandstone country before continuing to Boulder.
17 Anasazi State Park Museum eXaSDc jB Visitors to Anasazi State Park Museum will go back in time to 1050 A.D. when the Fremont and Kayenta Anasazi occupied the area. An estimated 200 people once lived at the site, making it one of the largest Anasazi communities west of the Colorado River. Take a self-guided tour through the partially excavated village and visit the museum to view the artifacts and exhibits. Anasazi State Park Museum also has a contact station for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and information on the area. The park is located in Boulder on Scenic Byway 12 and is open daily year-round. Group and individual picnic areas are available. All services are available in Boulder. Nearby recreational opportunities include: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, ATVs, 4-wheeling, trail rides, camping, backpacking, rock hounding, and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in season. Public and private campgrounds are available nearby.
Known as the “last frontier in Utah,” Boulder was settled in 1889, and was the last town in the United States to receive mail by mule. The milk and cream carried by the mules on the way to Escalante often turned to butter on the rough road. Boulder is home to Anasazi State Park Museum which has information on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Services, including campgrounds and lodging, are available in the Boulder area.
Frank Jensen / Utah Travel Council
HLweXaJPCSDFq Frank Jensen / Utah Travel Council
BOULDER
Heading southeast from the town of Boulder, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway crosses some of the most stunning wilderness in the southwest. Visitors may envision being on a cattle drive in the Old West as they retrace the path of John Atlantic Burr, a rancher for whom the road is named. The 66-mile Burr Trail starts in Boulder and ends near Ticaboo and the Bullfrog Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. It passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The road is improved on both ends with the exception of 10 miles inside Capitol Reef National Park and 11 miles south on BLM land. This route is recommended for dry weather conditions only. Although the improved sections may be driven in wet weather, other sections can be muddy, rutted and impassable when wet. Check with the local visitor center for road and weather conditions before starting out on this backway. No services are available along the backway. The Burr Trail travels through some striking scenery. Visitors will drive through the bottom of Long Canyon, a colorful gorge. Views of the Circle Cliffs, the Waterpocket Fold of Capitol Reef, and Henry Mountains (the location of the only free roaming herd of buffalo in the country) can be seen from the Burr Trail. Trail heads along the backway provide access to a variety of routes. Mountain biking is another way to enjoy the area. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument maintains the small, rustic Deer Creek Campground, located 6 miles from Boulder. The closest available services are in Boulder and Ticaboo.
A hiker enjoys Lower Calf Creek Falls. Prehistoric ruins at Anasazi State Park Museum. SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
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Driving north from Boulder, Scenic Byway 12 twists through the Dixie National Forest and across Boulder Mountain. This section of road between Boulder and Torrey was paved as recently as 1985. Part of the Aquarius Plateau, Boulder Mountain exceeds an elevation of 11,000 feet, and is the highest timbered plateau in North America. Breathtaking vistas can be seen from the pullouts including views of the Henry Mountains, Navajo Mountain, Fiftymile Mountain, the Waterpocket Fold, Circle Cliffs, and sights more than 100 miles away. Boulder Mountain is a recreation area for all outdoorsmen. This “Land of a Thousand Lakes” is a fisherman’s dream with many secluded mountain lakes and streams producing large rainbow and brook trout. Mule deer, elk, wild turkey and other wildlife can be found in the tall stands of timber and open meadows. Hunting on Boulder Mountain is a popular sport for many people. Access to the top of Boulder Mountain is rugged, often requiring 4-wheel drive, pack trips, ATVs or hiking. The Great Western Trail (GWT) is a scenic corridor that crosses the United States and links Canada with Mexico. Reaching its highest point in Utah atop Boulder Mountain, the GWT offers hikers a rugged look at one of America’s last frontiers. There are five access points to the GWT along Scenic Byway 12 with four located on Boulder Mountain. They are Sunflower Flat Road, Pleasant Creek Road, Deer Creek Road and the North Slope Road. Historic Wildcat Ranger Station, located along Scenic Byway 12, has area information and restrooms. It is open Memorial weekend to October. Dixie National Forest maintains several campgrounds on Boulder Mountain along the byway. Campers can find RV and tent camping at Oak Creek, Upper and Lower Pleasant Creek, Single Tree and Lower Bowns Campgrounds. Services are available in Boulder on Scenic Byway 12, and in Torrey on Highway 24. 12
SCENIC BYWAY 12 • ROUTE GUIDE
Capitol Reef National Park is located nine miles east of the Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 24 junction. The park is open year-round. Named Capitol Reef by early pioneers because the huge domed formations reminded them of the nation’s capitol, the park offers a brilliant array of colored cliffs, domes, canyons, and arches. The Waterpocket Fold, an impressive buckling in the Earth’s crust, stretches for 100 miles. The park has pioneer features including historic orchards, the old Fruita Schoolhouse, and other pioneer structures. Take the park’s scenic drive and marvel at the slickrock scenery that has made it famous. Along the scenic drive, trails lead to overlooks, canyons, arches and slickrock wilderness. Capitol Reef’s Fruita Campground, as well as two primitive backcountry campgrounds are open all year. A free permit is required for all backpacking and overnight horse trips. Services are available in Torrey. Canyonlands National Park is located east of Capitol Reef, via Highways 24 and 95.
Capitol Dome at Capitol Reef National Park and the Fremont River.
© 2003 Garfield County Travel Council • Scenic Byway 12 Route Guide • Design & Production: Janet Reffert/Shaggy Dog Creative • Printed in USA/RR • 06/03 75M
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Utah Travel Council
(Top): View from Boulder Mountain of the Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains. (Bottom, left to right): Drivers along Scenic Byway 12 may encounter occasional cattle drives. Ripgut fence in Boulder. Blazing orange aspen stands on Boulder Mountain.
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At its eastern end, Scenic Byway 12 comes to an end where it intersects Highway 24. Services are available in the town of Torrey, located a mile west on Highway 24. Torrey is called the “Gateway to Capitol Reef National Park.” The town was settled in the 1880s and named Torrey with the opening of a post office in 1898. A Wayne County Travel Council/Forest Service Information Center is located at the junction of Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 24. Private campgrounds and lodging are located in Torrey. Public campgrounds are available along Scenic Byway 12 and in Capitol Reef National Park.
Wayne County Travel Council
Garfield County Travel Council
Allysia Angus
Allysia Angus
Seven miles from the end of Scenic Byway 12 is an isolated farming community called Grover. The community is made up of ranches and summer homes. North on Scenic Byway 12 is the junction accessing Teasdale. A scenic drive leads to this small community, located south of Highway 24 between Torrey and Bicknell. Public campgrounds are available along Scenic Byway 12 on Boulder Mountain and in Capitol Reef National Park. Private campgrounds and services are available in Torrey.
