State Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah

State Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah

Usa, north-america

Length

197 km

Elevation

2,929 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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 – 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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
197 km
Max Elevation
2,929 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.4308, -100.7384

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Coal Bank Pass?hard

Where is Coal Bank Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trippers, let’s talk Coal Bank Pass! You'll find this stunner clinging to the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado, south of the old mining town of Silverton. We're talking San Juan County and serious "American Alps" vibes! The good news? The Million Dollar Highway (aka U.S. 550) that takes you there is fully paved. Coal Bank Pass is the southernmost of three high passes on this stretch, clocking in at a cool 10,640 feet. It's nestled between Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass. Don't worry, this drive is totally doable for most cars. The south side is steeper than the north, averaging a gradient of 6.5% with some sections hitting 8%. Trucks, be warned: there's a runaway ramp for those moments when things get a little dicey on the way down towards Durango. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Heavy snowfall can make things tricky (and sometimes lead to closures). But seriously, the scenery here is unreal. Think jagged peaks, evergreen forests, and views that’ll make you pull over every five minutes. Get ready to make some memories!

A scenic and worthwhile drive to Bear Creek Summit in IDhard

A scenic and worthwhile drive to Bear Creek Summit in ID

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Bear Creek Summit in the heart of Idaho! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 7,536-foot high mountain pass nestled in Custer County, right in the White Knob Mountains within the Sawtooth National Forest. The road to the summit, Cherry Creek Summit Road (aka Forest Road 135), is pure, unadulterated dirt. Forget pavement; you're going off-road. While it's generally a pretty chill drive with no major obstacles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet, especially since it can get rocky. You can even make a full day of it and circle back to Sun Valley! Expect some steep climbs—we're talking gradients up to 13% in places. The whole shebang stretches for about 36 miles (57.93km), connecting Forest Road 208 to Forest Road 137. Budget around 3 hours for the journey, and definitely think twice about attempting it after rain, or you'll probably need that four-wheel drive. Prepare for amazing scenery and a proper off-the-grid experience!

How long is Loop Road Everglades?moderate

How long is Loop Road Everglades?

🇺🇸 Usa

Everglades Loop Road: An off-the-beaten-path adventure! Deep in the heart of Florida's Everglades National Park, this 24-mile loop (County Road 94/Big Cypress Loop Road) is a must-do for nature lovers. It starts and ends on US Hwy 41, about 40 miles from Miami. The first seven miles are paved, leading to the Loop Road Environmental Education Center - perfect for a picnic or a stroll on the Tree Snail Hammock Nature Trail. But after that, get ready for a true Everglades experience because it turns into gravel and dirt! Expect a slow pace – 20mph or less – because the road can get pretty rough. In the wet season (May-October), parts of it might even be underwater. While a regular car can handle it in dry weather if you take it slow to avoid potholes, high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The drive usually takes around 90 minutes if you stop a few times to take it all in, but you'll probably want to budget more time to really enjoy the views. You’ll cross through three counties (Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade), and the road showcases diverse habitats, with wildlife viewing opportunities at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators and other critters! The road is only about 18 inches above the surrounding landscape, so you are right in the thick of the nature. Pull over at the culverts and bridges, listen, and look closely into the water. You might just spot something amazing. And while the rumors swirl about Al Capone having a hunting lodge here, there's no real proof of his involvement.

How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?hard

How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Crystal Lake in central Colorado is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude adventure in Summit County, reaching a staggering 11,712 feet above sea level! You'll find this gem tucked away in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Co Road 2, a gravel and rocky path off Colorado State Highway 9, is your route. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must for this trek! Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect the road to be closed from October to June due to snow. And even in summer, altitude sickness and crazy weather can be real issues. The road tops out at nearly 12,000 feet. If you've got respiratory or heart problems, this one's best admired from afar. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are absolutely unreal.