 For a historic drive, explore the Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway which starts five miles east of Escalante on Scenic Byway 12. The dirt road travels 57 miles and dead-ends at Hole-in-the-Rock. Here, in 1880, Mormon settlers who were seeking a shortcut to the San Juan area in southeastern Utah, encountered a 1,200-foot cliff. They cut a passage and lowered their wagons over the cliff to the canyon floor and the Colorado River. After crossing the river, they encountered more obstacles before arriving at their destination.
Several side roads along the backway lead to scenic canyons, arches, and attractions like Dance Hall Rock—a gathering place for the original Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. Views of the Straight Cliffs of the Kaiparowits Plateau and Escalante River slickrock country can be seen throughout the drive. Hikers and backpackers will find excellent treks through the slickrock and convoluted sandstone canyons of the Escalante. Stop at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center for maps and information.
Devils Garden, one of the highlights along the Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway, is located 13 miles south of Scenic Byway 12. Plan a picnic in the “garden” of unique rock formations and arches. Closest services are in Escalante. |
At the east end of Escalante, Posey Lake Scenic Backway heads north from Scenic Byway 12 and climbs into the timbered high country of the Dixie National Forest. The backway provides access to Griffin Top and Hell’s Backbone, and provides excellent opportunities to fish or explore. It ends at Highway 24 near Loa.
Hell’s Backbone Road is one of the most dramatic stretches of road in Utah as it travels along a ridge with a sheer drop on both sides. Hell’s Backbone Bridge spans a crevasse on a narrow ridge no wider than the bridge itself. Plenty of dramatic photos of the area’s breathtaking scenery can be taken along the route.