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UT-12, a state highway in Utah, is also known as Scenic Byway 12. It runs between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks and is known as the Journey through Time.
Introduction to Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 is 122.863 miles long (196 kilometers) and has some unique features that can’t be found anywhere else. The road connects SR-24 near Torrey and US 89 near Panguitch. Part of it passes through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Along the byway, which is designated an All-American Road, we drove from east to west, stopping and enjoying 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
Our 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. Obviously, the pictures are from the overlook and don’t show the road.
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.
An interpretive panel chronicles how the Civilian Conservation Corps built the road between 1935 and 1940. Before that, locals used the Cream Cellar Route, which traveled through slickrock canyons.
We were also able to spot a colorful hawk flying above us, which made it an even more memorable stop.
Other Stops on Scenic Byway 12
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.
