Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12
United States
In short: Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 is a 112 km plus optional side trips scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 3 days with both hikes, best in May – October. Highlights: Torrey, Boulder Mountain, Boulder.
Route 12 south from Torrey climbs to a 2,750 m pass through Dixie National Forest pine trees before reaching the narrow spine of The Hogback, a tarred road balanced on a razor ridge with near-vertical drops into canyon on both sides. One of the most dramatic stretches of road in America, ending in the frontier town of Escalante with Cowboy Blues' legendary local trout.
Make this route yours
Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.
Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.
Plan this trip
Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Torrey to Boulder Mountain
Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive · Boulder Mountain Summit Viewpoint · Café Diablo
Day 2Boulder and the paved Burr Trail out-and-back
Burr Trail Scenic Backway · Anasazi State Park Museum · Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm
Day 3The Hogback, Lower Calf Creek Falls, and Escalante
The Hogback · Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail · Escalante Outfitters Café
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 drive?
The Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 covers 112 km plus optional side trips from start to finish.
How long does the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 take to drive?
Most travellers spend 3 days with both hikes on the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12?
The recommended season for the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 is May – October.
Where does the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 start and end?
The Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 runs from Torrey to Escalante.
What are the main stops on the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12?
The Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 passes through Torrey, Boulder Mountain, Boulder.
How difficult is the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 to drive?
The Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 in a regular car?
Yes — the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Is the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 safe to drive?
The Hogback is the signature paved Highway 12 ridge segment, with steep drop-offs and limited barriers. On Burr Trail, turn around at the end of pavement unless prepared for the unpaved continuation with a suitable vehicle, supplies, and current BLM or county road and weather checks. High wind, ice, flash floods, and wet clay can make side roads unsafe.
What scenic tier is the Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12?
The Torrey to Escalante via Highway 12 is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.