USA Road Trip!!

The best of the iconic USA road trip. Places we've been, places we hope to go,and tips for staying sane while traveling across the United States.

3,195 Pins

Back Road Ramblers — Road Trips | Camping | New England

a soothing natural hot spring in the mountains.

Amazing Natural Hot Springs: Your Oasis Awaits

Immerse yourself in the soothing warmth of amazing natural hot springs and experience pure relaxation. These thermal pools, nestled in breathtaking desert landscapes, are a natural wonder waiting to be explored. Whether soaking in the hot springs of New Mexico or the peaceful Idaho hot springs, these are the best hot springs in the US. Find your perfect oasis and recharge in nature’s embrace.

the cover of america's most scenic road utah highway 12

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef National Park

Scenic Roads

Endless Opportunities

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

Ready to plan your next road trip on America’s most scenic highway? Highway 12 in Utah promises endless opportunities for every type of adventurer! The last stop on your Highway 12 adventure isn’t even on Highway 12, but just to the east. Capitol Reef is a small national park, but rich in history and full of charm. Capitol Reef National Park is our favorite in Utah. Put it on your road trip itinerary and see it for yourself!

the cover of america's most scenic road utah highway 12, with wildflowers and

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

Heading east on route 12 in Utah, you will just start to get into your driving groove when you will spot a sign for coffee. The magnetic pull of the road may be too strong for you to resist, but I urge you to pull off and visit Kiva Koffeehouse. This one-of-a-kind building is modeled after a traditional southwestern kiva, and it’s perched on the side of a cliff with expansive views of the canyon.

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

Travelers on Scenic Byway 12 in Utah often pass this park by in favor of more majestic and popular scenic attractions, but this quiet underachiever has some secrets to share if you give it half a chance. At Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, you will find a small 22-site campground, a reservoir for bird watching, canoeing, and swimming, and some cool geological wonders. It's a must-stop on this fantastic Utah road trip!

Bryce Canyon National Park

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

Sure, you can drive through Bryce Canyon National Park, stopping at all the vistas and taking some photos before heading on your way, but to really appreciate this otherworldly landscape, I recommend pitching your tent for a few days. With only a couple of days to explore this magical place, you want to hit the best vistas and trails before heading on your way. Here’s where we’d recommend going in Bryce Canyon while on your Utah Highway 12 road trip — one of our favorite road trips in the Unit

a man on a bike is in the air over some rocks and grass with text that reads plan an outdoor road trip utah highway 12

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

If you’re into careening down a mountain on two wheels as the scenery blurs past and hikers run for safety, pull off at the trailhead of the Thunder Mountain Trail, just before the Red Canyon Visitor Center. The area around Highway 12 in Utah is a world-class mountain biking destination and when combined with the paved Red Canyon bike path, it makes a great loop for experienced riders. At one point, the cliffs drop off on two sides, and you can see for miles in every direction. Just don’t loo

the cover of america's most scenic road utah highway 12, with an arch in the middle

Usa Road Trips

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

To take full advantage of the recreation opportunities on Highway 12 in Utah, I recommend spending 2-3 nights in Bryce Canyon National Park, 1-2 nights on Highway 12 (we’ll list more suggestions below), and 2 nights in Capitol Reef National Park, for a 5-7 day road trip with lots of hiking and exploring. This is one of the best USA road trips we've ever taken!

a road with the words plan an epic road trip in scenic byway 12 utah

Highway 12 Utah: A Journey on America's Most Scenic Road

Pillars of enchanting red rocks. Secret slot canyons. Endless acres of beautiful public lands. Welcome to Highway 12 in Utah, 123 miles of the most stunningly beautiful landscape in the Southwest. Find out why this is one of our favorite USA road trips!

Winter Road Trip

Natural Wonders Of The World

The Absolute Best winter Road Trips in the USA

A winter road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas is a great way to combine some of the USA’s coolest spots in one long weekend – and enjoy some variety, too! As soon as you head out of Phoenix, drive up through the stunning landscapes of Tonto National Forest or Prescott National Forest before arriving at one of the natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon.

a road with the words weekend road trip highway 12 utah in front of a mountain

Road Trip Safety

Utah Roadtrip

Anniversary Destinations

Travel Utah

Utah National Parks Road Trip

A Weekend Road Trip on Highway 12 in Utah

Looking for a fun and scenic Utah road trip? Highway 12 is a scenic byway in Utah, and it brings you through the state's most stunning landscapes, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, and more.

Related searches

The Shawshank Redemption

Best Weekend Getaways

Ohio History

Family Hiking

Enjoy a Self-Guided Driving Tour of the Shawshank Trail in Mansfield Ohio

a lake and mountains with text overlay that reads plan a winter vacation in moab tips & ideas

Plan a Winter Vacation in Moab

Visiting Moab in the winter is our favorite time because it’s the off-season. There are fewer visitors and the rates to stay are lower than any other time of the year. But it’s important to know the weather, services and activities available to determine the best time to visit Moab for the things you want to do! As long as you’re prepared for the Moab winter weather, you can still enjoy many activities like hiking, biking, photography, and scenic drives!

the oregon in the winter places to visit

Oregon in the Winter: Places to Visit

You’ll find a variety of places to visit in Oregon in the winter. Enjoy snow adventures at Mt. Hood, explore the charming towns of the Central Oregon high desert, or road trip along the Oregon Coast during the winter months. If you’re looking for Oregon vacation ideas, winter is a great time to escape the crowds. There are plenty of places to see all the best Oregon beaches, National Parks, State Parks, hiking trails, and more!

many different pictures of trees and water in the fall, with text that reads scenic drives through the midwest in fall

Stunning Scenic Drives Through the Midwest in Fall

Experience the Midwest's autumn splendor with your family! Embark on 10 picturesque drives showcasing vibrant fall colors, quaint towns, and fun-filled attractions. From apple orchards to pumpkin patches, these routes offer endless opportunities for memory-making. Discover hidden gems, enjoy breathtaking vistas, and immerse yourselves in the cozy charm of Midwest autumn. Plan your perfect fall getaway and create lasting family traditions amidst nature's most colorful season at familyroadtrip.co

national park and national forests experience wild places in the usa

Gorges State Park

Cedar City

Smoky Mountain National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Appalachian Trail

Zion National Park

Great Smoky Mountains

Best Places To Visit

Explore National Forests Surrounding Popular National Parks

Curious about the difference between National Parks and National Forests? 👉 You’re not alone. Both offer incredible experiences, but they’re not the same. 👇 Let’s break it down. National Parks are known for pristine landscapes and strict preservation rules. But… National Forests? They allow more freedom for activities like camping, hiking, and even hunting. So, which one should you explore next? Find out exactly what sets them apart—and how to plan your adventure today!