Scenic Southern Utah Drives Near Bryce Canyon You Cannot Miss

Let’s just say it: the landscapes around Bryce Canyon look like something a computer would generate if you typed in “Make me something epic.” And while hiking trails get a lot of the love, there’s a whole other way to take in this part of Utah that doesn’t require boots or blisters. Scenic drives near Bryce Canyon are some of the most jaw-dropping, camera-filling, gasp-inducing experiences you can have without ever leaving the comfort of your car.

So if you’re the kind of traveler who likes your adventure with a side of seatbelt and a good playlist, keep reading. This blog is your personal travel guide to the best scenic routes, pit stops, and hidden viewpoints that make southern Utah road trips unforgettable.

Highway 12: The King of Utah Scenic Byways

You want views? You want drama? Highway 12 delivers. This officially designated All-American Road connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park, slicing through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument like a hot knife through sedimentary rock. The route includes high alpine forests, sandstone canyons, slickrock ridges, and the kind of winding stretches that make you forget what straight roads even look like.

One standout section is the Hogsback, a narrow stretch of road with steep drop-offs on both sides. There are no guardrails, and yeah, your palms might sweat a little, but the views are worth it. Roll down the windows and feel the high desert air rush in as you cross this natural spine between canyons.

Another not-to-miss spot is the town of Escalante. It’s a great place to fuel up (both your car and your stomach), and it serves as the jumping-off point for hikes and viewpoints that’ll make your Instagram look like a National Geographic takeover.

Red Canyon: The Scenic Intro Act to Bryce

If Bryce Canyon were a concert, Red Canyon would be the opening band that totally steals the show. Located just outside the entrance to Bryce, this lesser-known gem is part of the Dixie National Forest and is easy to spot thanks to its vivid red rock spires and natural arches, all visible right from Highway 12.

What’s great about Red Canyon is how accessible it is. You’ll see towering formations from the road, but if you’ve got a few extra minutes, pull off at one of the trailheads like Pink Ledges or the Birdseye Trail. A short walk delivers long views, and it’s never too crowded. Think of it as Bryce Canyon’s quieter, cooler cousin who wears sunglasses at night.

Kodachrome Basin State Park: A Detour Worth Every Mile

Take a small side road from Cannonville and you’ll stumble into one of southern Utah’s best-kept secrets. Kodachrome Basin State Park has a name that sounds like it was made for photographers, because it basically was. National Geographic photographers named it in the 1940s after the rich, saturated colors of the rock and sky reminded them of Kodachrome film.

This park is full of unique sedimentary pipe formations, and if that sounds dull, wait until you see them in person. These tall, narrow spires look like natural sculptures and offer a striking contrast to the softer surrounding rock. The paved road through the park gives you solid views, but if you’re game for a short hike, Angels Palace Trail has one of the best bang-for-your-buck panoramic views in the region.

Burr Trail: The Wildcard with the Wow Factor

If you’re feeling bold and your tires aren’t afraid of a little dirt, the Burr Trail delivers remote beauty on a scale that’s hard to wrap your head around. It starts in Boulder, Utah and winds through slot canyons, towering cliffs, and sweeping plateaus. This route carves its way into Capitol Reef National Park and offers the kind of isolation that makes you double-check you packed snacks.

It’s not a loop, so make sure you’ve got time to backtrack or a plan to connect with another highway. Also, check road conditions before you go. Southern Utah weather has a tendency to turn dry roads into unexpected adventures. But for those who make the drive, the Burr Trail delivers that rare combination of total solitude and unfiltered scenery.

Cottonwood Canyon Road: The Route Less Traveled

Running through the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Cottonwood Canyon Road is a well-kept secret. This dirt road connects Highway 89 with Cannonville and passes through some of the most visually varied terrain in the region. Think badlands, multi-colored rock layers, narrow canyons, and the famous Grosvenor Arch.

This drive is not for the faint of heart or the front-wheel-drive sedans of the world. It’s best tackled in good weather with a high-clearance vehicle, but the rewards are incredible. You’ll feel like you’re on a different planet. Maybe even a few different planets. This is one of those drives where you’ll want to stop every five minutes just to gawk.

The Best Views Might Be Above It All

Of course, while road trips give you an eye-level experience of southern Utah’s grandeur, nothing compares to seeing it from the sky. If you’re looking to take the scenic route to a whole new level, Bryce Canyon Helicopters offers three unique aerial tours that show off the same landscapes you just drove through, but from an angle that would make a drone jealous.

From the compact North Bryce Canyon Panoramic Tour to the extended Bryce Canyon & Grand Staircase experience, each flight offers exclusive views of iconic formations like Boat Mesa, Rainbow Point, and even the wild terrain of Grand Staircase-Escalante. Our helicopters feature forward-facing, stadium-style seating with panoramic windows, so no matter where you sit, you’ve got the best seat in the sky. With a perfect safety record and decades of experience, our team is here to make sure your aerial adventure is every bit as unforgettable as the land below.

Wrap It Up and Hit the Road

Southern Utah doesn’t believe in average scenery. Every turn here feels like you’ve accidentally driven into a painting, and the best part is that many of these jaw-dropping views are just a gas tank away. Whether you’re chasing sunrise across the Hogsback, winding through the canyons of the Burr Trail, or gliding above it all in a helicopter, Bryce Canyon and its surrounding landscapes have a way of turning even the most ordinary road trip into something legendary.

So go ahead. Pick your route, queue up your playlist, pack some snacks, and let the road lead you somewhere unforgettable.

Created On 22 Apr 2025