Arches & Canyons

 

Utah Route 12
The Hogback

The sign says "Steep Grades, Sharp Curves", but it doesn't mention drastic drop-offs and a noticeable lack of guardrails.  This section of UT 12 is known as the Hogback -- winding along the crest of a ridge that's not much wider than the blacktop.  Add a strong breeze, and your grip on the steering wheel will quickly tighten.


Click to View Larger

I guess what goes down, must go back up again.  Such is the case with UT 12.  After coming down off the Hogback, the road once again makes a steep, curvy climb, up to a viewpoint that let's you look back upon where you've been.

Scroll to the right to see this complete panorama taken by the side of the road.

Another shot along highway 12, just in case you needed proof.

Once you reach Cannonville, you have two choices: either continue west on UT 12 into Bryce Canyon, then eventually back to US 89, or make a left hand turn at the gas station, to visit Kodachrome Basin State Park, followed by a wild 40 mile ride down a dirt road.  It's a shame you have to choose, since both paths take you through some incredible scenery.

My choice... Kodachrome, and the dirt road.

Kodachrome Basin is roughly 9 miles from UT 12, paved all the way. While my route continues south through Cottonwood Canyon, you could choose to return to UT 12, and head towards Bryce Canyon.

I finally finished scenic Utah Route 12 in 2007, and visited Bryce Canyon.  Check it out here.

 

Utah Route 12 - Dixie National Forest

Kodachrome Basin State Park

 

Utah Attractions Map
Research Utah Hotels
Free Travel Brochures

 
Natural Bridges National Monument
Arches National Park
Arches NP: 2005 Visit
Zion National Park - Weeping Rock
Zion National Park - Emerald Pools
Zion National Park - Canyon Overlook
Natural Bridges National Monument
Utah Scenic Highway 95
Zion National Park - The Narrows
Paria Movie Town
Cottonwood Canyon Road
 
Grosvenor Arch
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Lake Powell - Glen Canyon
Cottonwood Canyon - Slot Canyon

Your E-mail:

 
I will keep your email address private, and will only use it to personally reply to your message. 

Your Name:

 

Your Location:

 

Comments:

 

You may post my comments and my name here.
You may post my comments, but not my name.
Please do not post my comments.

Validate:

 

Messages you submit are emailed to me.  I will decide which messages are posted. 
Spam will never be posted.


 

Road Trip Index | Attractions By State: AL - AZ - CA - CO - FL - GA - ID - IL - MT - NC - NM
NV - OH - OR - PA - SC - TN - TX - UT - VA - WA -
WV
Recommended Reading - Bookstore | Search This Site | Support This Site
How to Use This Site | About Me | Links | Legal Stuff | Sitemap


All content and photographs © 2008 TakeMyTrip.com / Daniel Woodrum
If you wish to use images from this page, please follow the rules listed
here.

         
    Dixie National Forest  

 

Kodachrome Basin Park