Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef has some of the most beautiful scenery southern Utah has to offer, without the usual crowds. It's a hiker's paradise of red rock canyons, giant domes, natural bridges and far-reaching vistas. If you are a history buff, you'll enjoy the Fremont rock art, cowboy signatures and early pioneer orchards.
More information: Capitol ReefTorrey
Want a picnic lunch to take along on your day trips or a great place for dinner? Torrey, called "an artsy oasis" by Sunset Magazine, offers a nice selection of restaurants. From coffee and pastry to award winning Southwest cuisine, Torrey has it all. Be sure to check out the unique art galleries as well.
More information: TorreyBryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos seem to glow at sunrise and sunset. Follow the scenic drive to Rainbow Point and admire the expansive views. Or, take a hike or horseback ride into the canyon. More than 50 miles of hiking trails wind through the park. More information: Bryce CanyonGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The last place in the Continental United States to be explored and mapped, this rugged, remote park is an outdoor university for geologists, paleontologists, archeologists and historians. Drive its back roads to view colorful cliffs and terraces, exciting slot canyons, mushroom-like hoodoos and whimsical arches. More information: Grand Staircase-EscalanteGoblin Valley
Scores of intricately eroded goblin-like creatures greet visitors to Goblin Valley. Hike among these rock formations and let your imagination run wild. Just outside the park are numerous off-highway vehicle and mountain biking routes. More information: Goblin ValleyScenic Byway 12
Byway 12 has received the esteemed designation of an All-American Road, scenic enough to be a travel destination by itself. We couldn't agree more! Leading from Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park, Byway 12 covers 124 miles of breathtaking scenery. Be sure to stop at the many overlooks and enjoy the unforgettable views! More information: Scenic Byway 12Cathedral Valley
If you are ready for a back road adventure, we highly recommend the 60-mile loop through Cathedral Valley. Part of Capitol Reef National Park, Cathedral Valley offers softly sculptured monoliths and banded hills in varying hues of brown, red, purple, gray, and green. Be sure to check ahead for weather and road conditions.
More information: Cathedral ValleyBurr Trail Loop
This 127-mile scenic back road takes you along the eastern flank of Capitol Reef National Park, through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and over aspen-studded Boulder Mountain. Bring your camera and enjoy the wide variety of geologic features.
More information: Burr Trail LoopHells Backbone Road
Once the only road between Escalante and Boulder, Hells Backbone Road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. Reaching an elevation of 9000 feet above sea level, it offers views of The Box and Death Hollow wilderness areas. Hell's Backbone Bridge spans a crevasse on a narrow ridge no wider than the bridge itself.
More information: Hells Backbone RoadFish Lake Loop
This 30-mile drive takes you over high mountain plateaus to Fish Lake, the largest natural mountain lake in Utah. Access to hiking, mountain biking, and of course, fishing for Mackinaw trout, splake and rainbow trout.
More information: Fish Lake Loop |
