7. Escalante State Park
Strewn about the landscape of this 1,400-acre desert park are an abundance of ancient fallen logs that, through the magic of nature’s alchemy, were slowly transformed into stone.
Located just west of the town of Escalante, the park displays its colorful collection of jewels along an interpetive trail. Geologic history is explained at a visitor center. At nearby Wide Hollow Reservoir, rimmed with cottonwood trees, activities include swimming, fishing, and canoeing.
Continuing eastward on State Rte. 12, the drive connects with several scenic side roads. The Posey Lake Scenic Backway, just north of Escalante, passes Posey Lake, ringed by ponderosa pines. As you reach Hell’s Backbone Road, a challenging ride leads to Hell’s Backbone Bridge and stupendous views into the heart of Dixie National Forest and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Another regional route, the Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway, takes off from State Rte. 12 five miles east of Escalante. Again, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, as are ample provisions; the best sights lie far off the gravel-and-dirt road, close to the Escalante River — a territory suitable only for well-equipped hikers.
The road leads to a gap in the 2,000-foot-high cliffs. Be forewarned, though; just before you reach Hole in the Rock, the road becomes nearly impassable, and it’s best to hike. Stop at Devils Rock Garden, where hoodoos provide an offbeat backdrop for a picnic.
8. Calf Creek Recreation Area
There’s a surprising abundance of water in this high desert. East 15 miles from Escalante on State Rte. 12, you’ll see Calf Creek. A stiff six-mile hike leads to its lower falls, passing prehistoric ruins and rock art before reaching the pot of gold: a 126-foot-tall cascade tucked away in a shady cul-de-sac. Dip your toes into the pure, icy waters of the pool at the bottom as your reward.
9. Boulder
Continuing north to Boulder, the drive crosses the Hogsback, a narrow ridge with steep cliffs on either side. Just south of town lies the 66-mile Burr Trail, which retraces the century-ago steps of pioneer rancher John A. Burr. At Boulder, head for the Anasazi Indian Village State Park, a museum and partially excavated settlement that, over the years, has revealed pottery shards, axe heads, and other artifacts. While Boulder may feel as though it sits at the end of the earth, it’s actually a quaint, accommodating ranch town with surprisingly good restaurants.
10. Boulder Mountain
Paying a return visit to Dixie National Forest, Rte. 12 climbs across a cool mountain landscape endowed with silvery aspens and sweetly scented evergreens. Atop the 9,670-foot-high summit of State Rte. 12, enjoy views of the 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold monocline within Capitol Reef National Park to the east and south. From the elevated vantage points of this easternmost segment of the drive, the austere beauty of Utah’s canyon country is laid bare for all to see — a sprawling monument to the power of water
