Utah
Grand Staircase-Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour

Duration
3-8 Hours
Audio Points
92
Tour Stops
31

About The Tour

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 ...

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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

All Shaka Guide tours include customer support and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

Route 89: The Heritage Highway
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John Atlantic Burr
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Let's Talk About Rocks!
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Tour Stops

Dinosaur Tracks Trailhead
Moqui Cave
The Belly Of The Dragon
Red Canyon State Park
Bryce Canyon City
Mossy Cave Trail
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Escalante Heritage Center
Head Of The Rocks Overlook
The Hogback
Boulder
Dixie National Forest
Torrey

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(15881)

Greatly Enhances Your Experience!

Been traveling Southern Utah and visiting the “Big 5” national parks here. So glad we got this! Living in the southwest I often comment that it would be great to have a geologist in the car with us to help. Explain what we’re seeing this is that and so much more. Like the title says it greatly enhances your experience worth every penny don’t question just get this thing and enjoy, thanks to the creators and presenters who are doing a fantastic job and I even recognized a few songs from my Indy catalog. We live nomadically and plan on using this every opportunity we have keep creating and will keep traveling.

Skategeezer66 | 7 months ago | iOS

Must have on The road to Hana

This was a must have on your road to Hana. The GPS system worked amazing! Was not expecting that. But the commentary was excellent. We stopped at all the places I wanted to see. Avoided some we didn’t. All the time being entertained with great stories and great music for the drive! Looking forward to taking additional tours in the future. We just did the Utah National Park vacation a year ago and really wish I knew about Shaka!!

Steven M88 | 11 months ago | iOS

Already had this for Hawaii and new additions with Utah came out last year right before our trip to Arches so gladly purchased it. Makes driving thru in your own car like have a tour guide on a bus narrating, pointing out sites, telling you history and trivia. Excellent and inexpensive.

Robin Ferguson | 1 year ago | Android

How long does it take to drive the Scenic Byway 12?

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...

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Is Scenic Byway 12 in Utah worth it?

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...

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What Makes A Scenic Byway?

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...

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

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:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour go?
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!
What should I pack for the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour?
Phone chargerPhone mount for carHiking Shoes (if hiking)Water BottleBug SpraySunscreenSunglasses and/or hatSnacksCashAmerica the Beautiful Pass (if visiting National Parks)
What should I budget for the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour?
Kodachrome Basin State Park -  $5 per vehicleEscalante Petrified Forest State Park - $10 per vehicle
What are the park hours for the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour?
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.Moqui Cave: 9 AM - 7 PM (closed on Sunday)Red Canyon State Park HoursBryce Canyon City HoursKodachrome Basin State Park HoursEscalante Petrified Forest State Park Hours
Can I join the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour along the tour route?
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.
Can I take the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, the tour goes in 2 directions:North (Torrey) to South (Kanab)South (Kanab) to North (Torrey)
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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