Highway 12 Utah
 

We are planning a 2 day trip in September 2011 to see Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park and are contemplating whether or not we should add on another day to see the sights along Highway 12 in Utah . We like visiting National Parks have been to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Grand Canyon (South Rim).

Has anyone driven along this route? If so, would you recommend it and why?

Just realised that this should have been tagged under Utah.

I've driven on it twice and it kind of freaks me out.

I photographed one of the road signs "Steep Grades, Sharp Curves".

I think the intention of the yellow line is to straddle it.

The scenery is great. Just make sure you pull off into the viewing areas when you decide to spin your head.

I was there with my daughter this past mid-Sept. The weather was sunny and warm.

Lower Calf Creek Falls are along this road (2.5 mile hike each way to a spectacular waterfall), Devil's Garden escalente is about 10 miles down a dirt road off this road. I look at this as a somewhat grownup version of Goblin Valley.

So, it isn't just driving along Rte 12. There are sights off the road as well.

If you haven't seen a slot canyon there's Willis Creek about 10 miles south of Cannonville just east of Bryce Canyon. The drive there on the dirt road can be an adventure but the hike thru the slots is very easy.

You can see my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

Even just driving it is pretty spectacular.

Route 12 is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. By all means make time for it: http://scenicbyway12.com/

HTTY

If you can add another day, surely do so. I guess if you don't want to do any hiking, then probably not.