Considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., Utah's Byway 12 passes two national parks, three state parks, and a national forest all within a national monument. But that’s not all, a drive on this roadway spotlights the unique history and geology of the region. Shaka Guide’s Scenic Byway 12 Tour takes you from Zion to Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef (or in reverse) with stops at hikes, overlooks, forest, parks and quaint towns in between.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park for its iconic hoodoos and otherworldly landscapes that will leave you in awe.
• Stop at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park to marvel at ancient petrified wood and enjoy stunning lake views.
• Drive Hell’s Backbone Scenic Byway, a thrilling route offering jaw-dropping cliffs and panoramic vistas.
• Hike in Dixie National Forest, where towering pines and vibrant wildflowers create the perfect escape into nature.
• Explore the charming town of Torrey, Utah, a gateway to Capitol Reef National Park with local art and cozy eateries.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Recommended Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Tour Starting Point(s): Kanab to Torrey (Zion National Park to Capitol Reef National Park), Torrey to Kanab (Capitol Reef National Park to Zion National Park)
Time to complete: 3-8 Hours
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Scenic Byway 12 in Utah stretches from Panguitch to Torrey, covering about 124 miles. Without stops, it usually takes around 2-3 hours, but with scenic stops, expect closer to 4-5 hours. In winter, icy conditions can make it 5-6 hours due to s...
Yes, Highway 12 in Utah is worth it! Known for incredible scenery, this 124-mile drive takes you through Bryce Canyon, the Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef. You’ll see red rock canyons, mountain forests, and unique spots like the Ho...
A scenic byway is a road chosen for its stunning views, history, or cultural importance. There are about 184 National Scenic Byways in the U.S., and many people rate Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 among their top 5 scenic drives. It’s particularly...
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
This tour has 31 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
Yes! The tour has two starting points: Kanab to Torrey (Zion National Park to Capitol Reef National Park) and vice versa. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting.
If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
Yes, the tour goes in 2 directions:
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.