Route 12 encompasses four distinct life zones that you must traverse.
Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park are both accessible along this 122-mile road that passes through some of the most breathtaking vistas in southern Utah.
The road travels through terrain that was formerly so wild that it required horses and ropes to traverse it. It runs from the highway in the desert to the forests in the mountains, and it follows old trails that were utilized by Native Americans and Mormon pioneers.
In a nutshell, Route 12 is not merely another enjoyable vehicle ride. You absolutely must make this drive in the year 2025.
Named as an All-American Road by the Official Designation
It was in 2002 when Route 12 was designated as an All-American Road due to the fact that it recounts stories that are distinctly American. In the 1800s, Mormon pioneers dug stairs into cliffs in order to transport their wagons. The route follows the tracks that these pioneers left behind.
Hell’s Backbone Bridge, which spans a ravine that is 1,500 feet deep and was constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, will be passed by you as you travel your vehicle. Remains of the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition, which took place in 1859, can be found in the vicinity of Boulder. Reportedly, the pioneers spent many weeks during the winter months constructing a wagon track that down a 45-degree precipice.
It used to take weeks to travel across these breathtaking landscapes, but today you can do so in complete safety thanks to this new roadway. What’s the latest? Throughout the course of this year, there are plans to organize guided fossil searching outings at certain locations along this route.
Carry You Through the Canyons of the Red Rocks and into the Alpine Forests
Your adventure along Route 12 starts with the orange hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, which are located at an elevation of 7,500 feet. As a result of water and ice cracking the limestone over the course of millions of years, these rock spires were produced. The tallest hoodoo measures in at a height of 150 feet.
Red Canyon’s pink cliffs give way to Grand Staircase-Escalante’s striped mountains as you drive east through the terrain. This transformation occurs throughout the entire journey. Travel via Boulder Mountain, which is located at an elevation of 9,400 feet and is surrounded by groves of spruce, fir, and aspen trees.
The route descends once more to the white stone domes and tiny gorges that are seen at Capitol Reef. Keep an eye out for the Red Rock ATV Jamboree that will be held close to Kanab in September if you are traveling through south Utah.
Provides Access to a Number of National Parks
In Utah, there are five national parks, and Route 12 connects two of them directly.
The trip into Bryce Canyon, which is 18 miles long, will take you through enormous amphitheaters that are packed with thousands of orange granite spires. Capitol Reef National Park is home to the Waterpocket Fold, which is a 100-mile stretch of water pockets that were utilized by early settlers to traverse this difficult terrain.
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which encompasses total land area of 1.87 million acres, is located between two parks. You will also travel through the petrified forest of Escalante State Park, which contains trees that are 150 million years old, as well as the 67 sand pipes of Kodachrome Basin.
It is recommended that you make a stop at Rainbow Point, which is located at the southernmost end of the main park road and is 9,115 feet tall. All of these sights deserved to be photographed. Visit the Escalante Heritage Center this year to take a look at the displays that have just been constructed there.
Geological formations such as hoodoos, arches, and slickrock formations that are absolutely breathtaking
In the vicinity of Route 12, the Grand Staircase-Escalante exposes a geologic history that spans two hundred million years. Over a distance of forty miles, you will observe five different colored cliffs that lower themselves.
The pink cliffs have lake deposits that date back 55 million years, while the grey cliffs below them have dinosaur fossils that date back 80 million years. The orange limestone in Bryce Canyon was broken by water and ice, which resulted in the formation of hoodoos that can reach heights of up to 150 feet.
The Waterpocket Fold featured in Strike Valley Overlook reveals layers of granite that are inclined in a way that demonstrates how an old fault raised one side of the Earth to a height that is 7,000 feet higher than the other. Participate in a night sky session or a trek that takes place during the full moon utilizing cutting-edge telescopes.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is accessible to visitors.
Canyons, arches, and rock formations can be found across 1.87 million acres of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park. The name of the monument comes from a series of cliffs that descend and reveal a different colored rock stratum. These cliffs are arranged in a manner similar to a big staircase.
Over nine hundred different plant species have been identified as existing within its limits. Both the Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons include narrow passageways that are only ten inches wide in several places. Rare rocks that are perfectly balanced and natural arches can be seen in Devil’s Garden.
Lower Calf Creek Falls plunges 126 feet into a pool that is reminiscent of a desert paradise. There are now larger cabins available at the extended Ofland Escalante, which was originally known as Yonder Escalante. These cabins come equipped with en-suite toilets, making them ideal for a comfortable overnight stay while you are traveling.
Viewpoints that are truly breathtaking, such as the Head of the Rocks Overlook
The Head of the Rocks Overlook is located at mile 69 and is perched on top of a gigantic slickrock dome that provides views in every direction across millions of acres.
The Henry Mountains, which are the final mountain range to be mapped in the lower 48 states, may be seen from this vantage point with great clarity. Boynton Overlook offers a view of the Escalante River canyon, which features fall of one thousand feet. If you are feeling feeling daring, you should go on a helicopter tour.
By virtue of its elevation of 10,188 feet above sea level, Powell Point provides a panoramic picture of the five distinct colored rock layers that make up Grand Staircase. From Boulder Mountain Overlook, which is located at an elevation of 9,400 feet, it is possible to see the Navajo Mountains and the white domes of Capitol Reef, which are located thirty miles distant.
There are some exciting sections, such as the narrow Hogback Ridge.
One of the most heart-pounding four miles on the road is the Hogback portion, which is located between Boulder and Escalante. This section has been upgraded with new safety elements and extra vistas, which were built in the early 2025.
A narrow ridge of slick rock and steep slopes is traversed by the two-lane highway, which does not have any guardrails surrounding it. Sand was deposited here by ancient oceans approximately 80 million years ago, which resulted in the construction of this natural feature, which is a section of the Straight Cliffs.
In order to carve this piece, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps utilized hand tools and explosives during the 1930s. They gave it the nickname “Hell’s Backbone” for a good reason: the ridge is only thirty feet wide in some places, and on each side it is surrounded by sheer cliffs that drop one thousand feet at an angle.
Huge Numbers of Outdoor Activities Available Along the Route
Following the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail, one can reach a waterfall that is 126 feet tall and concealed in the desert. The ancient Fremont pictographs that are located throughout the route are perfect for a speedy pullover. You can even participate in a guided tour to get a feel for the way of life in the Fremont town.
Short treks can be taken via Devil’s Garden, which features twisted hoodoos and rocks that are balanced. There are a number of lakes in Boulder Mountain that are located above 10,000 feet and are perfect for fly fishing. A brook trout that weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was taken in 1971 holds the record for the state’s largest brook trout.
On BLM land, camping in dispersed locations is permitted. The majority of campsites are built, such as Calf Creek Campground, which is located along a desert stream. You will be able to descend down Wall Street, a tiny canyon with walls that are 500 feet tall, on the Navajo Loop at Bryce Canyon, which is a four-mile long trail.
Circulates through quaint little towns that have a rich history of pioneering
Boulder continues to be one of the most isolated places in the United States. At an elevation of 6,900 feet in the desert, an establishment known as Hell’s Backbone Grill cultivates cuisine using time-honored methods. Spend some time at Hills & Hollows Market to indulge in the flavors of locally sourced dishes.
The town of Escalante, which was established in 1876 by Mormon pioneers, has intact buildings that were part of the original community. On display in the Escalante Heritage Center is the narrative of the 250 pioneers who, over the course of six weeks, constructed a wagon track that cut through a cliff.
The nearby community of Cannonville was named after the Mormon scout David Cannon, who was the one who discovered the location in the year 1864. Afterwards, there is Torrey. It acts as the western entrance to Capitol Reef, which is the location where Mormon pioneers were able to develop their farmlands.
Amazing Opportunities to View Wildlife
While you are going past Capitol Reef, you will come across desert bighorn sheep that are attempting to climb over cliffs. The forests of Boulder Mountain are home to mule deer and elk, with approximately 3,000 elk residing at elevations greater than 9,000 feet. Even though they are rarely observed, mountain lions are known to hunt on these slopes.
Within the steep walls of Escalante Canyon, golden eagles have made their nests. Over the course of the year, the desert that surrounds Bryce Canyon is home to 400 different species of birds, one of which is the critically endangered California condor. These enormous birds have a wing span of 9.5 feet.
Participate in a raptor-watching trip led by local ornithologists or go on owl prowl treks under the moon if you are someone who enjoys spending the night. Prairie dogs are responsible for the maintenance of complex colonies close to Bryce, while beavers construct dams along the Escalante River.
When compared to other well-known scenic routes, this one is relatively less busy.
The journey on Route 12 is really tranquil. This stretch of road between Boulder and Escalante sees fewer than 500 vehicles on a daily basis. If you have the time, you should consider going on a camping vacation with an astronomy theme.
A combination of factors, including its distant position and extensive protected areas, contribute to the dark sky conditions, making it an outstanding site for stargazing. Due to the fact that the majority of visitors only visit the major parks, the 1.87 million acres that make up Grand Staircase-Escalante are largely unoccupied.
With a distance of more than four hours, the closest airports are located in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Due to the region’s seclusion, traditional land use techniques, such as ranching and sustainable agriculture, have been able to be preserved.
This 122-mile stretch is ideal for a day trip or an adventure that spans multiple days.
It may take approximately three hours to complete the entire journey. However, this is only the case if you’re driving continuously.
The majority of tourists make it a point to spend a whole day exploring Bryce Canyon. You should go on a hike among the hoodoos and check out the amphitheater. The road that connects Escalante and Boulder goes over the Hogback and past a number of slot canyon trailheads that are worth exploring.
The high-elevation trees of Boulder Mountain provide a refreshing escape from the scorching heat of the desert. The historic Fruita district of Capitol Reef, which is noted for being the location where Mormon pioneers planted orchards in the 1880s, serves as an ideal destination.
And what is the most recent information regarding this matter? Several additional principles have been incorporated into the Resource Management Plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Before you embark on your journey, make sure you give it a read.
Here’s Why “All-American Road” Route 12 is the Most Legendary Road Trip You Can Take in 2025.