Exploring Utah’s Scenic Majesty: A Journey Along All-American Route 12

In the vast realm of scenic byways, some are so extraordinary that they earn the prestigious title of “All-American Roads.” Scenic Route 12 proudly wears this badge of honor as the sole All-American road in Utah.

Our encounter with Route 12 became an integral part of our 10-day odyssey—a journey that led us through the dazzling landscapes of Las Vegas and Canyonlands. We embarked on this adventure at the intersection of Byway 12 and US-89, concluding our expedition in Torrey/Capitol Reef, with a pit stop at Bryce Canyon.

I must admit, this route caught me by surprise. The allure of Route 12 is nothing short of captivating, a quintessential scenic drive you simply can’t miss when visiting Utah!

Here’s the bonus—a well-placed detour along the way leads you to the awe-inspiring Bryce Canyon. For an in-depth exploration of Bryce Canyon, stay tuned for a separate post. And if you’re an Instagram enthusiast, be prepared to pull over multiple times (beyond the marked viewpoints) to capture the ever-changing landscapes.

Describing the scenery is a challenge, as it offers a sensory feast—red rock walls, variegated buttes and mesas, balanced and slick rocks, and even rainbows! 😃 All I can say is, it’s truly astonishing. But, hey, don’t take my word for it; you need to see it for yourself.

As you journey along this route, you’ll encounter segments that are steep and winding, especially when traversing the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It leads you up and down the formidable Boulder Mountain, simultaneously awe-inspiring and spine-tingling. When we reached Boulder, the weather dramatically shifted, and we were fortunate to behold some astonishing views. 🌈🌈

Useful Pointers:

• Stock your vehicle with ample water and ready-to-eat snacks; this is going to be a long drive, and substantial stretches of the road are remote.
• It’s wise to refuel your gas tank before venturing onto Byway 12. While we don’t have the exact count, we scarcely encountered 2-3 gas stations along the entire route.
• Keep an eye out for the marked viewpoints; the informative signboards at these locations are enlightening.

Thank you for joining us on this exhilarating journey. Here’s to many more unforgettable travels and the splendor of our world! Happy trails! 👋