Discovering Highway 12 – Utah’s Unforgettable Scenic Route

2018/08/24

Highway 12 in southern Utah – photo by Road Travel America on Flckr CC

Discovering Highway 12 – Utah’s Unforgettable Scenic Route

Constructed in 1914, Highway 12 began as forest road that connected Bryce Canyon to the small town of Tropic. When they extended it with a connection to Boulder, it became a major highway that connects many beautiful attractions. Simply put, Highway 12 is a route you’ll want to take.

Scenic views and hikes

The drive itself is spectacular, but it’s the attractions along the way that truly make the experience. The following are some of the many stops you’ll want to make:

Dixie National Forest – You’ll surely want to stop and visit the largest national forest in the state with nearly 2 million acres. Here, you’ll enjoy scenic views from Boulder Mountain at 11,000 feet high. This park is an outdoor adventurer’s dream with hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, hunting, ATV riding, and hunting.

Bryce Canyon – photo by Nicolas Vaollmer

Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park features a series of amphitheaters carved into the edge of a high plateau. Bryce Amphitheater is the most famous of them, and it’s possibly the most interesting. Bryce Amphitheater is filled with irregular rock spires called hoodoos.

You could spend a lifetime marveling at nature’s beauty here, but fortunately, all the main attractions can be found within the first few miles. You’ll want to visit Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunset Point and Sunrise Point.

You may also want to venture inward to Red Canyon, which offers closeup views of sculpted limestone and a gorgeous view of the geographical features of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Kivva Koffeehouse – Have you ever wished you could just sip your coffee in the middle of nowhere with amazing 360-degree views and complete silence? That’s what you’ll get at Kivva Koffeehouse when you take your coffee onto their covered deck. We all need a good coffee break on a long trip, right?

Burr Trail – You’ll find Burr Trail where the pavement ends. It is a lovely detour with magnificent views. Drive to the end of Long Canyon (about 18 miles), stop to take in the sights, and head back on your way. Rental cars typically aren’t covered for dirt road travel, so proceed with caution.

escalante national monument – photo by dfbphotos on Flckr CC

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) – This land is conserved to protect wildlife and keep ecosystems intact, so you’ll be gazing at pure and natural beauty (and maybe some interesting wildlife).

With 1.9 million acres, you can spend weeks here, but be sure not to miss the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits Plateau and Devil’s Garden. The Grand Staircase is a set of massive geological steps descending to the Grand Canyon. Kaiparowits Plateau has many mesas and canyons, including the Canyons of the Escalante.

Devil’s Garden is one of the most accessible sights in GSENM, but that doesn’t mean it’s ordinary. You’ll drive down a low-clearance road to a place where you can wander through breathtaking rock formations.

entrance to Dixie National Forest – photo by jared422_80 on Flckr CC

Where to eat

One of the greatest things about Highway 12 is that it’s full of nature trails and beautiful views. You aren’t likely to find chain restaurants along your trek. Instead, you can find some really awesome independently owned cafes and restaurants. Here are a few to try:

Milts Stage Stop – This one is nearly a 10-mile drive from Dixie National Forest, but it’s one of the best options in the area. They’re known for their steaks and fast service and salad bar.

Escalante Outfitters Café – They have a varied menu from muffins to burritos, but guests consistently rave about the pizza. No matter how you slice it, it’s a must-try around your visit to the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

Bryce Canyon Pines – Bryce Canyon Pines is a rustic American restaurant with a fantastic reputation that you have to experience to believe. They serve up large portions of breakfast, lunch and dinner with great service. If you’re lucky, you may even get a small loaf of homemade bread with your meal.

If you’ve ever been one to take the scenic route, Highway 12 will be like a dream. As you drive down this scenic highway, you may be tempted to stop for a hike at every turn. And that’s perfectly acceptable!

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