I highly recommend taking National Scenic Byway 12 from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon City. There are a multitude of beautiful scenic viewpoints to visit along the way.
Larb Hollow Overlook
Our first scenic stop, along the route, was at Larb Hollow Overlook, approximately 25.9 miles and 37 minutes away from Capitol Reef National Park.
Larb Hollow Overlook
It will be on the left-hand side. There is plenty of room to pull off the road.
Steep Creek Overlook
Our second stop was at Steep Creek Overlook, a further 9.6 miles/4 minutes, on the left side of the road.
Homestead Overlook
The Homestead Overlook is just 1.6 miles/4 minutes further down the road. Also, on the left-hand side.
The Boynton Overlook
Continue for approximately 24.7 miles/37 minutes to reach Boynton Overlook. This one is on the right-hand side.
Head of the Rocks Overlook
Another right-hand side stop, the Head of the Rocks Overlook is 3.8 miles/7 minutes farther along.
Head of the Rocks Overlook
This area reminded me of the Badlands, in South Dakota, but with more vegetation.
Head of the Rocks Overlook
Each scenic stop has a decent sized pull-out area. We lucked out and had every one to ourselves.
Upper Valley Granaries
The Upper Valley Granaries will be up next, at an additional 17.8 miles/23 minutes.
Powell Point Vista
The Powell Point Vista was our final stop along National Scenic Byway 12.
Powell Point Vista
The entire drive is 123 miles and takes a minimum of three hours. It’s helpful to have the approximate times/distances between the stops because the roads are quite curvy and the scenery is so amazing that it’s easy to accidentally go sailing right past the overlooks.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- It’s advisable to fill up your gas tank before you start.
- Make sure you have a downloaded or printed map; in case you lose service.
- There are additional stops that you can make, if you are not on any type of time restriction.
The next day had us visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. We spent the night at Ruby’s Inn/Best Western Plus. It’s a perfect location when visiting the park, but the restaurant (Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room – two things that really don’t go together) was terrible and the people working there were crabby!!!!! Your options are pretty slim if you stay in Bryce Canyon City. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
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National Scenic Byway 12
