On Utah 12 Panoramic Road

On Utah 12 Panoramic Road, you can take a road trip from the city of Panguitch to Capitol Reef National Park. This road trip is 227 kilometers long and will take approximately one day to complete. The best time to take this trip is in the spring when the weather is mild and the landscape is rich with colorful wildflowers. Along the way, you will pass through Bryce Canyon City, Escalante, and Boulder. All of these towns offer a variety of attractions, from stunning natural formations to charming local restaurants. The road is in good condition and is suitable for all drivers. This road trip offers a unique experience and will leave you with unforgettable memories. Plus, it can be enjoyed on a moderate budget.

Panguitch is a small town located in the south-central part of Utah State. It is a great starting point to explore the beauty of the region, offering easy access to the "On Utah 12 Panoramic Road", one of the most scenic drives in the US. The town itself is a great place to discover the history and culture of the area. The Panguitch Lake, located only 8 miles away, is a great spot for fishing and a refreshing dip in the cool waters. The nearby National Parks and Monuments are a must-see for nature lovers. You can enjoy the beauty of the Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada (IATA: LAS). Car rentals are available at the airport for extra convenience. Panguitch is the ideal starting point for a road trip along the Utah 12 Panoramic Road. With its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and friendly locals, this area is sure to create unforgettable memories. So, come to Panguitch and start your journey along the Utah 12 Panoramic Road!

Embark on a road trip from Panguitch to Bryce Canyon City and explore some of the most remarkable places in the area! This 21 mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and will leave you with some unforgettable memories. Start your journey in Panguitch, where you can visit the Panguitch Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Dixie National Forest. From there, you can drive to Red Canyon, a stunning canyon with unique red rock formations and a variety of trails that will take you through its breathtaking scenery. Continuing on your journey, you will reach Bryce Canyon City, the gateway to the Bryce Canyon National Park. Here, you can explore the park’s incredible hoodoos and hike its many trails, including the Navajo Loop Trail, a must-see for any road-tripper. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Bryce Canyon City to Escalante! This 47-mile journey will take you less than 2 hours, but you will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes during the whole ride. Along the way, you can explore the Red Canyon, a scenic area with stunning red rock formations and many hiking trails. In Escalante, you can take a tour to the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and experience the beauty of the petrified wood. For those who are seeking adventure, there are plenty of opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Don't forget to make a stop in Kodachrome Basin State Park, a unique geological area with striking rock formations and panoramic views. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

Welcome to the Escalante to Boulder road trip stage! This is an exciting leg of the tour, taking you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States. You will travel for 28 miles and it should take you less than an hour to get to your destination. First, you will pass through Escalante, a small town in Utah that is known for its breathtaking views of the Escalante River. Here, you can explore the Canyons of the Escalante, a unique geological formation and a great place for hiking and camping. Next, you will drive through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a vast expanse of canyons and mesas. Here, you can take in the stunning views and enjoy some of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see. Finally, you will arrive in Boulder, a charming mountain town in Colorado with plenty of things to do. Here, you can explore the nearby mountains and lakes, or take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown. No matter what you choose to do, this road trip stage will be an unforgettable experience. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

Hey road-trippers! Get ready for a fantastic 46mi journey from Boulder, United States to Capitol Reef National Park! This is one of the stages of an amazing tour, so make sure you don't miss out on the incredible sights and attractions that await you! In Boulder, don't forget to visit the iconic Flatirons, the Chautauqua Park, and the Pearl Street Mall. Then, get ready to drive to Capitol Reef National Park, where you can explore the incredible Waterpocket Fold, the Cathedral Valley, and the Grand Wash. All of these places are a must-see! The whole trip should take you fewer than 2 hours, so make sure to make the most of it! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Capitol Reef National Park is the perfect end to a road trip on the Utah 12 Panoramic Road. Located in south-central Utah, this park is known for its stunning red-rock cliffs, canyons and domes. From the Capitol Gorge to the Waterpocket Fold, visitors are sure to be amazed by the unique landscape. The Capitol Gorge is a two-mile long canyon with narrow walls of red-rock cliffs. Visitors can explore the canyon by car or on foot. Along the way, they can view pioneer inscriptions and petroglyphs, as well as unique rock formations. The Waterpocket Fold is a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust. Hiking trails along the fold offer a chance to explore the multi-colored cliffs and canyons. Capitol Reef National Park also offers a variety of activities. Nature lovers can explore the park's wildlife by taking a wildlife tour. Those interested in geology can take a geology tour, which provides an overview of the park's geologic features. Camping and backpacking are also popular activities. The closest international airport to Capitol Reef National Park is the Saint George Municipal Airport (SGU). From there, visitors can rent a car and take the scenic route to the park through Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Capitol Reef National Park is a must-see destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. From the stunning red-rock cliffs to the unique geologic features, this park offers something for everyone.

Before you set off

The Utah 12 Panoramic Road Trip, also known as Scenic Byway 12, is a breathtaking journey that stretches approximately 227 kilometers (141 miles) from Panguitch to Capitol Reef National Park. This route is often completed in a day but can be extended to allow for deeper exploration. It offers a remarkable experience, showcasing diverse ecosystems, geological wonders, and the rich cultural history of Southern Utah.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Panguitch: This charming historic town, known for its beautifully restored, colorful wooden houses, serves as the starting point and provides a glimpse into the pioneer heritage of Utah.
• Bryce Canyon City: Gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park, this area is celebrated for its otherworldly landscape of crimson-colored hoodoos and expansive vistas. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, ideal for stargazing.
• Escalante: This small town is the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Adventure seekers will marvel at its vast wilderness that includes dramatic cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and prehistoric village sites.
• Boulder: Nestled in the mountains, Boulder offers access to the alpine scenery of the Dixie National Forest and the prehistoric Anasazi State Park Museum, which reveals the area's ancient Native American history.
• Capitol Reef National Park: The journey culminates at this less-crowded national park, celebrated for its geological marvels, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth's crust, orchards of fruit trees planted by Mormon settlers, and petroglyphs left by the Fremont culture.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal time to embark on this Road Trip is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, the crowds are thinner, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Spring brings a profusion of wildflowers, while fall offers a spectacle of autumn foliage.

Potential Risks:

• Weather in this region can change rapidly, with possible flash floods in slot canyons. Always check the forecast and be prepared with appropriate clothing and supplies.
• Some stretches of the Road are remote with limited cell service and amenities; ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, carry extra water and food, and inform someone of your travel plans.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Scenic Byway 12 is one of the few routes designated as an `All-American Road` for its scenic, natural, and cultural qualities.
• Along the route, you will ascend to an elevation of over 9,000 feet at Boulder Mountain, providing awe-inspiring panoramic views.
• The route includes the stunning Red Canyon with its red rock spires and arches, which is a foretaste of the grandeur to come.
• Travelers can delve into the local culture by visiting the small towns along the way, each offering unique dining experiences, artisan crafts, and historical insights.

A good choice for:

The Utah 12 Panoramic Road Trip is an invitation to immerse oneself in an epic landscape that's rich with natural splendor and historical depth. It's a journey that promises to leave lasting impressions and a deeper appreciation for the rugged beauty of the American Southwest.