BRYCE CANYON COUNTRY Grand Staircase - Paunsaugunt Plateau Scenic backways itinerary A twisted tree endures rugged life on the rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
Travel to Bryce Canyon Country. Lodging check-in, relax. To get the most out of your backways experience, give yourself time to travel to the area, check-in to your lodging of choice, and time to relax. Visitors can access the back-ways on this itinerary from Interstate 15 via Highway 89 to Scenic Byway 12, or from Scenic Byway 24 via Interstate 70. Check out the maps shown on our web-site (see web-address below) to gain an overview of the best route for you. Day 1 Check In
Hole in the Rock - Scenic Backway This 57 mile-long Hole-in-the-Rock spans a rough, gravel dirt road and follows the route taken by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800 s. The path was made in an attempt to create a shortcut across the Colorado River. Today, the area is known as a remote and beautiful backway to some of the most historic sites in southern Utah (including Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon Recreation Area). The road also leads travelers to the ancient allure of Devil s Garden and Dry Fork slot canyons. Plenty of hiking, sightseeing, wild life, and recreational destinations are found along this scenic route. The area is ideal for visitors interested in pioneer history. Don t miss Dance Hall Rock and Hole-in the- Rock at the end of the road. Day 2 Hole in the Rock - Scenic Backway
Smokey Mountain - Scenic Backway Smokey Mountain scenic byway travels almost like a ghost on the rough ridges of the areas canyons. Weaving and dipping through five miles of switchback before ascending the 1,200 foot lift up to Smoky Mountain. This staggering road offers a dominating view of Kaiparowits Plateau and its isolated wilderness, before giving way to the background vistas of Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain, Fifty Mile Mountain Bryce Canyon, and the Table Cliffs. Travelers can also sneak a peek at Boulder Mountain over the sweeping desert stadium of cliffs and mountain ranges. Plan on bringing enough water and supplies in case of difficulty, as this is rough back-country. A few side roads strike out into side canyons, and dispersed camping and hiking are permitted, although there are no maintained trails or other facilities. Day 3 Smokey Mountain - Scenic Backway
Cottonwood Canyon - Scenic Backway This 46 mile southbound trail provides travelers with remote access to Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grosvenor Arch, the Cottonwood Narrows, and Hackberry Canyon. Cottonwood Canyon route provides a unique back-roads view to these desert treasures, as well as ample hiking access and backpacking trails. Discover wildlife and vegetation rarely glimpsed in this lonely back-country. Conditions: Remember to check on weather and road conditions before venturing out on any of these scenic backways. This and other roads can be difficult to negotiate in rain or snowy weather. Hiking trails are plentiful along the route. Day 4 Cottonwood Canyon - Scenic Backway
East Fork Sevier - Scenic Backway This 17 mile road weaves along the edge of Bryce Canyon National Park, finally meeting the recreational desert oasis of Tropic Reservoir. Along the way travelers will enjoy wildlife viewing, horseback riding trails, and plenty of dirt roads for ATV use. Nestled beneath large spruce trees, the Podunk Guard Station sits in a narrow mountain valley near Tropic Reservoir. Built in the 1920 s, this small station was used to house U.S. Forest Service personnel. During the winter season, snowmobilers will discover excellent marked trails. Day 5 East Fork Sevier - Scenic Backway
Departure You ve entered a region that is scenically diverse and your departure route will not be less of a scenic adventure than you ve already experienced. You can mix the days on this itinerary so you can depart via Cottonwood Canyon Road or others as you return home or move on to other adventures. Scenic Byway 12 will carry you out of Bryce Canyon Country toward Highway 89 and Interstate 15, on the west, and toward other attraction going northeast such as Kodachrome Basin State Park, Escalante Petrified Forest, Calf Creek Falls, Anasazi Museum State Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Use the maps and other resources on our web-site to complete your planning process for this multi-day vacation experience in Utah s Bryce Canyon Country. Day 6 Departure