Vermilion-colored rock formations and stands of ponderosa pine greet you as you enter Red Canyon. While many visitors think they are already in Bryce Canyon National Park, Red Canyon is actually a part of the Dixie National Forest, which stretches from the Nevada border to Capitol Reef National Park.

At the first parking area along Scenic Byway 12, you can access the Thunder Mountain Trail and the 5.5 mile paved bike trail. The Red Canyon Bicycle Trail parallels Scenic Byway 12, allowing hikers and bicyclists to experience the sights and sounds of Red Canyon.

The Red Canyon Visitor Center has information on sightseeing, picnicking, and other recreational activities in the national forest. A Forest Service campground is located one-half mile east of the visitor center. The visitor center and campground are open from late April to early October, weather dependent.

For a close-up look at the fantastic hoodoos and spires, try one—or several—of the trails in Red Canyon. The mile-long Pink Ledges loop takes you behind the visitor center to spectacular views of Red Canyon and the Sevier River valley. Arches Trail is a beautiful short (.7 mile) hike that starts at the bottom of Losee Canyon and reveals 15 different arches. Mountain bikers will love the challenging eight-mile Thunder Mountain Trail. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can explore the 78-mile Grand View Trail that is accessed from the Thunder Mountain Trail Head. OHV use is allowed on the Casto Canyon Trail. Please check with the visitor center for trail use. Trails in Red Canyon are open year-round.

Services are available at the junction of Scenic Bway 12 and US 89, in the nearby towns of Panguitch and Hatch on US 89, and 15 minutes east on Scenic Byway 12.

From Red Canyon, Scenic Byway 12 climbs to the top of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The area offers spectacular wildlife viewing and several roads just off Scenic Byway 12 are designated “watchable wildlife viewing areas.” Among these are the East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway, and Dixie National Forest roads 111, 117, 194 and 091. Expect to see mule deer, elk, pronghorn, prairie dogs, rabbits and numerous species of birds.

In addition to wildlife watching, scenic areas adjacent to Scenic Byway 12 offer other activities like photography, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. The East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway heads south from Scenic Byway 12 and follows a broad valley accented with ponderosa pine and red rock outcrops. Numerous Forest Service roads in the area provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, 4-wheel driving and ATVs.

The highlight of the East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway is Tropic Reservoir, located seven miles south of Scenic Byway 12. The lake is popular for fishing and picnicking. King Creek Campground is located on the west side of the reservoir and includes a group area. There are numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, and horseback riding, and snowmobilers will discover excellent groomed and marked trails in the East Fork area.

Mill Creek and Crawford Pass trail heads can be accessed from the East Fork of the Sevier Scenic Backway, and connect with Red Canyon. Services, and public and private campgrounds are available along Scenic Byway 12 and in the Bryce Canyon area.

Bryce Canyon National Park is the jewel of Scenic Byway 12. Located three miles south of Scenic Byway 12 on Highway 63, the park rises to an elevation of 9,100 feet at its southern end. The park is open year-round.

Magnificent salmon pink and red colored pinnacles and spires can be seen from viewpoints along the pine-covered rim of Bryce’s natural amphitheaters. There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Interpretive programs and trail rides are available. The park has two campgrounds, and the visitor center has an excellent museum and a 22-minute award winning video. Lodging is available in the park April through November, and outside the park year round. All services are available locally. Public and private campgrounds are in the area.

Winter is an excellent time to visit the park. There are no crowds and new recreational opportunities emerge. You could be the first person to set tracks on cross country ski trails; or test your agility on a pair of snowshoes that are loaned to visitors free of charge. Check at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center for details. Annual events held in the Bryce Canyon area include the Winter Festival in February and the Rim Run in August.

At the junction of Highways 12 and 63, turn north onto Highway 22 and drive 11 miles to the Pine Lake and Powell Point turnoff. The lake is another six miles along Dixie National Forest Road 132. Highway 22 is the first access to the Powell Point area; another route is through Main Canyon near Escalante.

Pine Lake has excellent fishing and a Forest Service campground. High clearance vehicles are recommended on the dirt and gravel road to Powell Point. The area offers mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and ATV trails. Picnicking and photographic opportunities can be found on the Table Cliffs Plateau where Powell Point reaches 10,188 feet above sea level. Named for Major John Wesley Powell, the landmark was used by mapping expeditions in the late 1800s. Services are available along Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 63 in the Bryce area.