We live in a state that has some very unique things going on for it. For example, we have a road here in southern Utah, that is classified by several travel magazines as the most beautiful drive in America, and the second-most beautiful drive in the world. That's Highway 12.
Highway 12
To get there, drive to Panguitch on Hwy 89, and then go a little farther south (about 10 miles), and then turn onto Highway 12, the highway that goes to Bryce Canyon. What will you find along the way?
Red Canyon
Stop in Red Canyon and take some pictures of its red rock; you'll find it's a precursor for Bryce Canyon. The visitor center is a great place to stop and find out more about why it wasn't included as part of Bryce Canyon National Park (Hint: it wasn't because it was lacking national beauty or even hoodoos). There is a natural bridge that you will drive through, providing you with many awesome photo opps. There are several hikes and a bicycle trail ride available. Camping is great here as well.
When you head off down the road, before long you will encounter the road that goes off to Bryce Canyon.
We'll cover Bryce Canyon in another article, so instead, continue east on Highway 12, which will take you through the northernmost part of Bryce Canyon. Again, you're going to be awestruck by all the hoodoos and the beauty of the red rock. Coming down off of the hill there, there is a parking lot for the Mossy Cave, which is well worth a stop. The cave has a bit of an incline when you hike in, but one of my favorite things along the way is stopping at Tropic Ditch Falls. It's an easy hike, just not as far as the Mossy Cave and without the climb. Mossy Cave is a somewhat short cave tour and has some great red rock stalagmites and stalactites.
Kodachrome Canyon
Once you leave the Mossy Cave parking lot, head east and drive through the town of Tropic. When you get to Cannonville, you can opt to go to Kodachrome Basin State Park. Watch for the road signs
Kodachrome is an extremely fun place with the trails abound the spires and up to a wind cave, but don't visit in July and early August when it is scorching hot.
The canyon has two campgrounds, and some great hikes and vistas. If you're not going to camp, it's still a wonderful place to stop and spend a few hours. Kodachrome is a lot of fun. If you go, don't forget to find out how all those spears were created by visiting the visitor's center.
Kodachrome Canyon is 7.5 miles from Cannonville, but is a 15- to 20-minute drive from Cannonville, requiring an out-and-back trip along the same route.
Powell Point Vista / Grand Staircase National Monument
Heading east again, there are several different places you can stop and take pictures. One of my favorite places is the Powell Point Vista. To your left is the impressive Grand Staircase National Monument, visible along much of your route from Bryce Canyon. Here is one of the most impressive views to take pictures of it.
You're seeing the grandeur of the Grand Staircase and why they made it a national monument.
Escalante Petrified Forest
When you're getting close to Escalante, the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is on your left. If you have never seen a petrified forest, the small forest is worth a quick stop if you have the time.
Escalante
Just outside of the town of Escalante are Lower Calf Falls and Devil's Garden, which feature several hikes through slot canyons and waterfalls. I suggest spending a day in this area, if you can. Escalante has a couple of visitor centers; one of them is for Hole in the Rock and is very informative. To actually visit the Hole in the Rock, you need a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the unpaved trail. If you venture that way, be aware: it is quite rough, and it takes better part of a day to get there.
After you leave Escalante, heading straight east once again, you will encounter a scenic viewpoint known as the Head of the Rocks Overlook. Stop there; you're going to love the view of the slick rock, multicolored cliffs, and valleys.
Hogsback
Leaving there, you'll take some windy roads to get down to the bottom, and then as you drive along the canyon, you're going to be going uphill again before coming to a razorback area known as Hogsback.<html> The Hogsback is a narrow road that runs right along the top of the mountain ridge, with steep drop-offs on both sides. On one side, it’s a 1,000-foot drop, and on the other, it’s about 500 to 700 feet down. It can definitely be a scary, "white-knuckle" drive if you are afraid of heights or get vertigo. However, there are good places to pull over and stop, and it is totally worth driving across to see the incredible views. As you come down off of Hogsback, by the way, there is a drive-through slot canyon. There are more slot canyons near Hogsback along with horse and walking trails.
Anasazi State Parks
When you get to the bottom of the hill after the Hogsback, you'll drive through a tiny town. At the far edge of town is Anasazi State Park, where you can stop to see some ancient ruins. It is a really informative and interactive place to visit. They've excavated several community structures there (including homes and a community center); very cool.
Then, if you continue on Highway 12, you're going to see lots of great vistas. As you head into the trees, you'll enter the Dixie National Forest. You can follow this road all the way up to a junction that connects you either to I-70 or over toward the Moab area. But Highway 12 itself is incredibly beautiful, especially the section where you drive past red rock, light-colored rock, and slickrock all mixed together in one place.
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