Scenic Byway 12
Visitor Services

Most visitor services are available on the byway in towns and communities along the way. A full range of services is located in the community of Panguitch just off the byway.

Service	Description	Service	Description
	Fees Fees at campgrounds and parks along the way		Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities Scenic Byway 12 offers a paved bicycle path that allows cyclists to pedal through Red Canyon. Other places along the byway are suitable for cyclists although places like the Hogsback have very...
	Camping Camping is available in Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and several State Parks and Recreation Areas along the route. Private RV parks...		Food Visitors will find small town cafés, smokehouses, and restaurants along the byway. A few fast food restaurants are available as well.
	Gasoline Gasoline can be found in Panguitch, Torrey, and other towns along the byway.		Information Informational signs and visitor centers are present for nearly every point of interest and major pullout on the byway.
	Lodging The majority of motels and hotels will be found at the two ends of the byway in Panguitch and Torrey. Lodging can also be found in Bryce Canyon, Escalante, Tropic, Cannonville, and Boulder.		Phone Public phones are available along this byway.
	Restrooms There are toilet facilities along this byway.		Retail Everything from gifts and books to groceries and camping gear can be found in shops and stores along the byway.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

Road Conditions * Several stretches are quite isolated and rugged. * The Hogsback is very high, narrow, and can be windy. High-profile vehicles should be prepared. * Several stretches of this road are 12% grades. * The road climbs to 8,000 feet as it crosses Boulder Mountain. * The road rises and falls in steep switchbacks through Escalante Canyons and Boulder Mountain. * There are two very short tunnels in the Red Canyon area.

Be aware of the possibility of encountering bicycle traffic, livestock and wildlife on the road.

Weather

A dry climate with lots of sunny days is normal for this area of the country. Weather can change quickly, however, and thunderstorms are common during the summer months. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the summer, with generally cool nights. Winter brings snow to the high country and exceptionally clear skies throughout the area.

Get the Right Information

When planning activities, consider the amount of time to be spent in the area, as well as the physical condition of the travelers. Consult local visitor centers for maps and current road and weather conditions. The very nature of this remote and rugged region is awesome because of its wilderness. Take necessary precautions in exploring the region.

Obtain clear directions, current on-the-ground information, maps, drinking water, and keep in mind that traveling from one point to the next may take longer than estimated.

GPS-based routing devices should not be trusted when traveling in the area. They often route travelers onto dirt roads unsuitable for low clearance or long wheelbase vehicles. Some side roads are impassable when wet due to clay soil composition in the roadbed. Inquire locally and use a current map to determine the suitability of your planned route for your type of vehicle.

Restrictions

This road is maintained all year. The Hogsback is very high, narrow, and can be windy. High-profile vehicles should be prepared.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

Spring is the best time of year to explore the lands surrounding the byway.

High Season

Summer is when most travelers visit Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. A dry climate with lots of sunny days is normal for this area of the country. Weather can change quickly; thunderstorms are common at this time.

Off Season

Winter is the off season where the byway will be less crowded, but just as beautiful.

Shoulder Season

During the winter, many travelers find this area to be a wonderland.

Winter

The Aquarius Plateau/Boulder Mountain road segment gets heavy accumulations of winter snow, and may be temporarily closed during heavy snowstorms. However, the road is plowed to allow year-round access.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Scenic Byway 12, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.

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