10 Excellent Adventures on Utah’s Scenic Byway 12

I’ve done bits and pieces of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 throughout my life. But it wasn’t until this summer that we made a day trip out of driving the full length of this famous and beautiful highway. It would take more than a single day to explore all of the stops along the way, but I’ve put together a list of 10 adventures you should experience along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12.

Scenic Byway 12 stretches 123 miles from Torrey (near Capitol Reef National Park) to Highway 89 (just west of Red Canyon). It includes some of the most iconic landscapes of Utah, from beautiful waterfalls to narrow slot canyons.

Starting from Torrey, Utah, here are the 10 excellent adventures you should explore – either in a multi-day trip or in individual day trips from home.

1. Camping, Hiking and Overlooks in the High Mountains

Head south from Torrey, Utah, and you’re on the infamous Scenic Byway 12. As the road winds up and over the lush green mountains, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful views and overlooks. But if you’re looking for something more to do than drive through, here are a few stops you can make, for either camping or hiking.

Three overlooks worth stopping at include Homestead, Heritage and Larb Hollow. You don’t need to plot them out on a map. Just pull over into the areas designated Scenic Viewpoint. You don’t have to do them all, but I recommend at least one to see the beauty of the green hills.

If you’re wanting to hike, enjoy the trail to Deer Creek Lake (2.7 miles each way). You can actually camp at the lake, but that’s more backpacking than hiking. Chriss Lake is another trail you can enjoy. The 2-mile hike (each way) rises nearly 900 feet. So it’s a little tougher of a climb than the one to Deer Creek Lake.

There are at least three designated campgrounds along this first stretch of Scenic Byway 12: Singletree Campground, Lower Pleasant Creek Campground, and Oak Creek Campground.

2. Anasazi State Park and Museum

As you make your way through the city of Boulder, stop by the Anasazi State Park and Museum. Your visit can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. You can walk through a replica dwelling. You’ll have to duck, as the entry ways are not meant for tall people.

In addition to the replica dwelling, you can walk through the foundations of the actual dwellings from back in the day. Inside the museum area, you’ll find artifacts recovered from the area and your kids can learn more about the people who called this area home. There’s also a Jr. Ranger program for any kids interested in earning a badge.

3. Lower Calf Creek Falls

It’s hard to think of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 without picturing this iconic waterfall. Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls to see the waterfall or swim in the pool of water at the end of the trail. During peak summer months, parking can be a little tough. But weekdays will give you the best chances of parking.

The six-mile trail includes wonderful foliage – from cacti to blooming wildflowers, too. The terrain is pretty flat, so there’s no technical requirements. But bring plenty of water with you, as temperatures in the summer months can reach 100+.

4. Devil’s Garden and Metate Arch

Just east of the city of Escalante is a dirt road that heads south toward some of the most popular slot canyons. It’s known as the Hole in the Rock Road. Along the way, you can stop for a picnic at Devil’s Garden. My kids loved climbing around and exploring all the rock formations. It was a great chance to get out of the car and enjoy the beauty of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

5. Zebra, Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyons

Slot canyons can be amazing – they can also be dangerous. Be mindful of the weather if you plan to explore a slot canyon. And be sure to have plenty of water with you. Utah’s summer weather can be merciless, and unpredictable.

Along Hole in the Rock Road are three of the most popular slot canyons in Utah – Zebra, Spooky and Peek-a-Boo.

Zebra Slot Canyon trailhead is about six miles from the point you turn off of Scenic Byway 12. The trailhead is on the western side of the street. The 5.2 mile, round trip hike isn’t challenging getting to and from the canyon. But the canyon itself poses more of a challenge. Depending on any rainfall, you may find pools of water, ranging from ankle to chest deep. Narrow areas make it challenging to squeeze through.

Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons are a little more tricky to find. Roughly 26 miles along Hole in the Rock Road is a turnout to the trailheads. It might be a good idea to set your odometer so you know when you hit that 26-mile mark. Don’t expect to see a sign that says either of the slot canyon names. The sign is for the Dry Fork Trailhead. The loop trail through both of these slot canyons is 3.5 miles. Bring lots of water with you, especially in the summer months.

6. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park offers several activities. I’m always impressed with Utah State Parks campgrounds, and this one does not disappoint. There are showers, flushing toilets (which my wife enjoys having), and easy access to hiking, fishing and boating.

The reservoir nearby is excellent for kayaking, swimming or paddleboards. It’s also stocked, so you can try your luck at landing a big one. If hiking is your thing, there’s a trail that takes you to large chunks of petrified wood. Visit the park for a quick hiking stop, or reserve a campsite for a couple of days to enjoy more of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

7. Kodachrome Basin State Park

Once you enter Kodachrome Basin State Park, the Paul Simon song Kodachrome will likely be stuck in your head the entire visit. It was stuck in mine, and just came back as I wrote this portion of the article. Haha!

Kodachrome is a short seven-mile drive off of Scenic Byway 12. Signs in Cannonville will direct you to the the state park via Cottonwood Canyon Road.

This Utah State Park also offers camping and hiking. Our family enjoyed a few of the trails and loved the rock formations and scenic overlooks the park has to offer. There are some trails with steep drop offs. Be sure you and your kids are cautious on those parts of the trails.

8. The Pizza Place in Tropic, Utah

I’ve often enjoyed the restaurants in Bryce Canyon Village. But during our last visit to the area, we took a friend’s recommendation and grabbed pizzas at The Pizza Place in Tropic. We were not disappointed.

During the summer months, the restaurant can be busy during dinner time. Every family has the same idea of grabbing a pizza for the family to enjoy. You can order food to go, or dine in. It all depends on how you want to enjoy your time.

Whether your just driving through or camped out in the area, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy some delicious pizza.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park

I’ve enjoyed several trips to Bryce Canyon National Park. But earlier this year, I explored more of the park than ever before. Two of my boys joined me on the Fairyland Loop Trail – an 8-mile loop over and through the hoodoos of the area. The other kids enjoyed the shorter hikes like Mossy Cave and Navajo Loop.

Bryce Canyon National Park is popular in the summer. But I LOVE visiting it in the winter, too. The orange rock, contrasted with the white snow makes it a scene you won’t soon forget. My kids enjoyed winter in Bryce Canyon, too. We hiked a few trails down into the hoodoos, as well as the rim trails.

10. Red Canyon – Biking, Hiking and More

Disneyland fans love driving through Red Canyon. The iconic scenery puts you smack dab in the middle of Big Thunder Mountain. And as a child, I only ever drove through the canyon on our way to Escalante for their annual Pioneer Day parade. It wasn’t until this year that I took the time to explore it further.

We enjoyed hauling our bikes down and cycling through the canyon. There’s a paved trail that takes you through the canyon and over to Bryce Canyon National Park. It may be uphill to get up and out of Red Canyon, but the drive back to the car (downhill) reminded me of tearing through the twists and turns of Big Thunder Mountain, which I think is one of the best rides at Disneyland.

The short canyon also provides several hiking trails. They are short, though a little steep, but something the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs while making your way through Utah’s Scenic Byway 12.

Summary

I’ve listed 10 stops I think people should visit along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12. However, there are several other stops and adventures along the route. If you’ve got any recommendations or questions about these stops or others, put them in the comments below.

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