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UT-12, a state highway in Utah, is also known as Scenic Byway 12. It runs from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon, and partially through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Along the byway, we stopped and enjoyed a few overlooks with spectacular views. We couldn’t make all the stops but we know we could have spent the entire day along the road.
Larb Hollow Overlook
The first stop was at Larb Hollow Overlook. It provides some great views of the Henry Mountains to the east.
The Hogback
Next, after visiting Anasazi State Park Museum, which is also along UT-12, we drove over the Hogback. The road passes over an extremely narrow ridge of slickrock with canyons on either side.
With nothing on either side of the road, it can be a hair-raising but exciting experience.
Boynton Overlook
Our third stop was at the Boynton Overlook for a view of the canyon cut by the Escalante River.
Head of the Rocks Overlook
Our fourth and final stop was at Head of the Rocks Overlook. From there, we were able to see the Henry Mountains to the east and the winding path of Scenic Byway 12.
We were also able to spot a colorful hawk flying above us, which made it an even more memorable stop.
Other Stops
Other stops we didn’t make were at Upper Valley Graineries to see an Ancestral Puebloan granary, the Powell Point Overlook, and Red Canyon, which is past Bryce Canyon National Park. There are also numerous hiking and camping opportunities along Scenic Byway 12.
