Day 4, June 7, 2024
Scenic Byway 12 begins at the intersection of Hwy 89 to the west of Panguitch, which was just down the street from the hotel we were staying in. Only one-third of America’s scenic byways get this distinction, and it’s given because these roads offer unique features that you can’t find elsewhere making these byways tourist destinations unto themselves. While it’s possible to complete the relatively short drive in under three hours, we took our time and made lots of stops and even did some off-roading along the way. At some of the overlook areas we had great views of the fantastic stretch of winding roads through Grand Staircase Escalante.
After driving the twisted road with many sharp turns, we arrived at the Calf Creek Overlook area. Here we were able to see the otherworldly desert varnish on the canyon walls. The red-and-black streaks on the rocks aren’t graffiti; they’re layers of organic fossilized matter that act as a 250,000-year-old varnish! What makes the desert varnish other-worldly? Scientists have discovered it on Mars as well! We had amazing views down into the Lower Calf Creek Canyon where there's a great hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall.
The Calf Creek Overlook is located high above Calf Creek on the section of Highway 12 that is known as the Hogback. This spectacular section of road features nearly 2,000-foot drops on either side! This “Million Dollar Road” from Boulder to Escalante was completed in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps after 5 years of hard work. For a mile or so, the Hogback runs along the spine of a mesa surrounded by huge drop-offs on each side. It’s considered by many to be one of the most scenic sections of road in Utah. The road rides along the narrow crest of a ridge and at times, the ridge is no wider than the road itself.
When we got to the end of Hwy 12, we made our way to Capitol Reef National Park to do some off-roading on the Burr Trail Scenic Backway.
Music:
Fallen Tears by BrunuhVille; Album: Tales from the Lost Kingdom
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