Wednesday, June 14th ~ Scenic Byway 12
Along Scenic Byway 12
Today we departed our nest at Kodachrome Basin, and headed toward our next stop in Torrey, Utah where we plan on staying two nights to visit and explore Capitol Reef National Park.
Scenic Byway 12 runs between Highway 89 just before it reaches Panguitch (if coming from the south) and spans 124 miles through some very remote, rugged and diverse landscape before ending at Highway 24 in Torrey.
There is a handy route guide that will help identify spots and scenic vistas along the way. We picked one up free at one of the visitors centers. You can also get more information at http://www.scenicbyway12.com
We actually passed through the Red Canyon a few days earlier, when traveling from Zion to Bryce, but I wanted to include it in this post as well to complete the drive highlights.
Red Canyon
Hole in the rock tunnel
Granary high on the side of the mountain
Million dollar highway
On Devil’s Backbone – drop off on both sides
Colorful rock domes in all directions
Back in the trees always makes me happy
Stunning vista with bright blue lake in the distance
Lush meadow fertile for crops and raising cattle
Overnight: Sandcreek RV Park, Torrey, Utah
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that the land along this route is for the most part public lands, meaning it belongs to all of us. It is maintained by different state and federal agencies, including Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and the Utah State Parks. May it long be protected for future generations to enjoy as well!
A Note From Abroad 
Beautiful country out there isn’t it? I sure miss it.
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Time for a revisit?
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Soon, I hope.
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The scenery is just stunning.
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We thought so too.
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More amazing scenery and photographic delights. King and Queen/or plain riders of the road! (Take your pick!).
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Not sure we can live up to either title, but both pleased and amused that you have bestowed us with them 🙂
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I love the Capitol Reef area. Thank you for helping me visit it again.
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Our pleasure. Always feels good to be able to give someone a pleasant memory…
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It is so easy to drive when you have such beautiful scenery along the way.
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It does make a long drive so much more pleasant doesn’t it 🙂
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So glad you drove all of highway 12! We stayed just next door in Torrey at Thousand Lakes for 5 days and enjoyed every minute! We rode 12 multiple times, the Burr Trail from Boulder to Bullfrog, and a couple of days in Capitol Reef. If you like Italian/pizza, check out the Rim Rock patio for dinner one evening. A sunset view to die for! 🌞
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The Burr Trail looked fabulous, but not one we wanted to take Ellie Mae on. Perhaps one for the future.
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Oh no, not good for Ellie Mae, but perfect for your Subaru! We were on dual sport motorcycles, not our rig.
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Now that’s a fun way to see this area!
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It sure was!
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Those are really beautiful photos. Hopefully the areas will stay protected, but not likely with the current administration and with Utah’s government. They seem to not understand that public lands belong to us all.
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Tim, we to are concerned about the future of this beautiful area and hope that reasonable minds will prevail.
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I like in the Salt Lake City metro area, and a lot of us are very concerned as well.
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