Scenic Byway 12 Driving Tour of Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef

A tiny farming town that only exists thanks to one life-saving irrigation ditch.

Scenic Byway 12 is one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States, stretching 122 miles through the heart of southern Utah. Designated an All-American Road, this route connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks while showcasing an incredible variety of landscapes—from towering pink cliffs and slot canyons to high alpine forests and sweeping desert vistas. Along the way, travelers experience iconic highlights like the narrow Hogback ridge, where the road runs along a spine with steep drop-offs on both sides, as well as quiet overlooks that reveal millions of years of geological history. More than just a scenic drive, Scenic Byway 12 tells the story of the American West, with deep roots in Native American history, pioneer settlements, and the rugged determination it took to carve a road through such remote and dramatic terrain.

A story of survival in one of the harshest farming environments in America.

Walk among fossilized trees that turned to stone over 50 million years.

A dramatic canyon carved over millions of years—raw, remote, and unforgettable.

Home to one of Utah’s most iconic hikes and waterfalls.

A thrilling one-mile drive along a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides.

End your journey near one of Utah’s most underrated national parks.