Scenic
Byway 12 has something for everyone … except boredom.
The Route
We traveled 64 miles on UT-12N.
“A Route Guide to Scenic Byway
12” says it travels through some of
the most diverse, remote and ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the country. We climbed 3,780 ft. from Escalante to the Boulder
Mountain Summit and descended 2,763 ft. into Torrey. There were curves, switchbacks, blind curves
and the “no berm” Hogsback. It is one of the most memorable drives we can
remember.
About the Day
The sky was cloudless and the temperature was 82° when we left
Escalante. It stayed clear all day. The temperature climbed to 93° and we had a
nice breeze in the afternoon.
Getting Started
We were up at 8:30 and on the road by 10:20.
On the Way
The landscape changed dramatically on the way. The pictures are arranged to illustrate the
changes.
Approaching the Hogsback …
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| Even cyclists travel the Hogsback |
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| They made a road over and through this? |
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| Beginning the climb |
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| We got 3 mpg in some spots. |
The Hogsback …
There weren’t many picture opportunities.
 |
| This is it. We obviously didn't take the picture. |
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| Here we go. |
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| Nice view. No guardrails. |
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| Ah. A pullout. |
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| There's nothing like a little peek. |
Approaching Boulder …
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| What goes up, must go down. |
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| Notice the changing landscape. |
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| There's nothing like a little color. |
Boulder Mountain …
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| Up we go again. The summit is 9,600'. |
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| Gotta stay alert. |
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| 10% grade! Had to use the shift paddles. |
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Lots of horses, ranches and
farms as we approach Torrey. |
Capitol Reef National Park …
Approach
 |
| Heading east on UT-24 |
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| Chimney Rock |
From Panorama Point
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| So many colors and shapes |
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| Life is tough out here. |
Along AZ-24
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| Capitol Dome |
Petroglyph Panel
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| This cliff face served as their easel. |
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| There's a nice walkway for viewing the panel. |
Did you know?
We tried, but Slacker’s
Burger Joint (in Torrey) is closed on Sunday. Note: this piece of trivia only has meaning
for Carl & Vickie Eckert … they recommended our first visit there in 2009.
The Campground
We’re camped at Wonderland RV Park. This is a small, beautifully developed campground. All sites have mature trees and lush grass.
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| Site #24 |
Tomorrow
We’re heading for Provo, UT.
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