There are some pretty spectacular drives in the Beehive State, but Scenic Byway 12 in Utah has been named one of the most scenic drives in America by Travel + Leisure. This surely comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever experienced this route. With red rocks, small towns, and unique landmarks, this is one of the best scenic drives in Utah.
Scenic Byway 12 in Utah is 124 miles of twists and turns from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Reaching elevations of up to 9,000 feet, this drive is an epic journey for those who are not afraid of heights.
Flickr/Andrew Smith
There are so many things to see along the way, as you drive through the jaw-dropping Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, and several small towns. You’ll definitely agree that this is one of the most beautiful drives in Utah.
Wolfgang Staudt/Flickr
When you’re ready for lunch, pay a visit to one of the several charming communities along the road. The small towns on scenic Utah byways make for some delightful day trips.
A.E. Crane/Wikimedia Commons
The rugged landscapes and canyons are so beautiful that you will have trouble keeping your eyes on the road.
Michael Jiroch/Wikimedia Commons
Luckily, there are plenty of scenic overlooks on this gorgeous scenic byway, inviting you to stop and take it all in.
Wolfgang Staudt/Wikimedia Commons
If you want to take Scenic Byway 12 in Utah, you will have to start at one of two entry points. The southwestern gateway is near the small town of Panguitch, from U.S. Highway 89. The northeastern gateway is in Torrey, from Highway 24.
Flickr/JR P
Don’t expect to go very fast on this route and set aside at least a few hours for this drive. Also, make sure to bring a camera so you can remember one of the best scenic drives in Utah.
Maureen/Flickr
Do you agree that this is one of the best scenic drives in Utah? Have you ever traveled on Scenic Byway 12 in Utah? If so, what was your experience like? Tell us all about it in the comments.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Flickr/Andrew Smith
Wolfgang Staudt/Flickr
A.E. Crane/Wikimedia Commons
Michael Jiroch/Wikimedia Commons
Wolfgang Staudt/Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/JR P
Maureen/Flickr
Why not take the scenic route? Check out these 13 Roads In Utah For An Unforgettable Scenic Drive.
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Address: Utah 12, UT-12, Utah, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Utah August 20, 2021 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the most scenic Utah byways to explore? The list of the best scenic drives in Utah is long. With red rocks, dense salt flats, and thickly-wooded areas, you will find every type of terrain to explore in the Beehive State. If you are looking for an absolutely stunning drive no matter the time of year, check out the Indian Creek Scenic Byway. This road will take you into Canyonlands National Park. You’ll pass a variety of remarkable views including Newspaper Rock. When in the southern part of the Beehive State, take a ride on the Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway. This byway, Utah Highway 14, will take you from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction. This is a 40-mile scenic Utah byway and you’ll see thick groves of aspen trees and ample volcanic rock. What are some of the most beautiful drives in Utah during the fall months? There are many beautiful drives in Utah no matter the time of year. However, there is something truly special when the leaves turn colors and the cooler weather finally arrives. The drive through East Canyon State Park is one of the best scenic drives in Utah and it is often overlooked. The tree-lined road is stunning with red, orange, and brown leaves. Driving the Nebo Loop is a fall tradition for many Utahns. This road climbs more than 9,000 feet and will take you between Nephi and Payson. You’ll drive right through the Unita National Forest, providing some of the most beautiful and photo-worthy scenes. The Alpine Loop, which takes you from American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon offers some of the most beautiful fall views. You’ll pass by many must-visit destinations on this scenic Utah byway including Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Sundance, and Cascade Springs. Just make sure you complete this drive early in the fall as this road closes in late October each year.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives In Utah
August 20, 2021
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the most scenic Utah byways to explore? The list of the best scenic drives in Utah is long. With red rocks, dense salt flats, and thickly-wooded areas, you will find every type of terrain to explore in the Beehive State. If you are looking for an absolutely stunning drive no matter the time of year, check out the Indian Creek Scenic Byway. This road will take you into Canyonlands National Park. You’ll pass a variety of remarkable views including Newspaper Rock. When in the southern part of the Beehive State, take a ride on the Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway. This byway, Utah Highway 14, will take you from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction. This is a 40-mile scenic Utah byway and you’ll see thick groves of aspen trees and ample volcanic rock. What are some of the most beautiful drives in Utah during the fall months? There are many beautiful drives in Utah no matter the time of year. However, there is something truly special when the leaves turn colors and the cooler weather finally arrives. The drive through East Canyon State Park is one of the best scenic drives in Utah and it is often overlooked. The tree-lined road is stunning with red, orange, and brown leaves. Driving the Nebo Loop is a fall tradition for many Utahns. This road climbs more than 9,000 feet and will take you between Nephi and Payson. You’ll drive right through the Unita National Forest, providing some of the most beautiful and photo-worthy scenes. The Alpine Loop, which takes you from American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon offers some of the most beautiful fall views. You’ll pass by many must-visit destinations on this scenic Utah byway including Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Sundance, and Cascade Springs. Just make sure you complete this drive early in the fall as this road closes in late October each year.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The list of the best scenic drives in Utah is long. With red rocks, dense salt flats, and thickly-wooded areas, you will find every type of terrain to explore in the Beehive State. If you are looking for an absolutely stunning drive no matter the time of year, check out the Indian Creek Scenic Byway. This road will take you into Canyonlands National Park. You’ll pass a variety of remarkable views including Newspaper Rock.
When in the southern part of the Beehive State, take a ride on the Markagunt High Plateau Scenic Byway. This byway, Utah Highway 14, will take you from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction. This is a 40-mile scenic Utah byway and you’ll see thick groves of aspen trees and ample volcanic rock.
What are some of the most beautiful drives in Utah during the fall months?
There are many beautiful drives in Utah no matter the time of year. However, there is something truly special when the leaves turn colors and the cooler weather finally arrives. The drive through East Canyon State Park is one of the best scenic drives in Utah and it is often overlooked. The tree-lined road is stunning with red, orange, and brown leaves.
Driving the Nebo Loop is a fall tradition for many Utahns. This road climbs more than 9,000 feet and will take you between Nephi and Payson. You’ll drive right through the Unita National Forest, providing some of the most beautiful and photo-worthy scenes.
The Alpine Loop, which takes you from American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon offers some of the most beautiful fall views. You’ll pass by many must-visit destinations on this scenic Utah byway including Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Sundance, and Cascade Springs. Just make sure you complete this drive early in the fall as this road closes in late October each year.
