
State Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah
Usa, north-america
197 km
2,929 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for Utah Scenic Byway 12, a 122-mile (197km) paved adventure between Wayne and Garfield Counties!
This road, connecting U.S. 89 near Panguitch to S.R. 24 near Torrey, is a seriously thrilling alternative to the unpaved Hell's Backbone Road if you're heading between Boulder and Escalante.
But hold on tight! This drive is a rollercoaster of winding, steep sections, some clocking in at a nerve-wracking 8%. If you're scared of heights, be warned: you'll be cruising along the edges of some seriously impressive drops. Expect sharp curves, narrow stretches, and keep an eye on the weather โ even light rain can trigger flash floods. Oh, and did we mention the parts where you're literally on a knife-edge with no guardrails?
Reaching a peak of 9,609ft (2.929m) at Boulder Pass, this high-mountain road is generally open year-round, though winter storms can make sections impassable until they're plowed. Heads up: cell service can be spotty due to the remote, rugged terrain.
Factor in about 3 hours of driving time (without stops) at an average speed of 40 mph. Spring and fall are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Trust us, this route is worth it. Pack your camera, because you'll be stopping constantly to capture the insane beauty. Aim to drive it during daylight, and prepare to be wowed by some of the most incredible scenery in the US. You'll pass through diverse and stunning landscapes, including two national parks, three state parks, a national monument, and a national forest. Epic doesn't even begin to cover it!
Where is it?
State Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.4308, -100.7384
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 197 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,929 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4308, -100.7384
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