State Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah
Usa, north-america
197 km
2,929 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for Utah Scenic Byway 12, a 122-mile (197km) paved adventure between Wayne and Garfield Counties!
This road, connecting U.S. 89 near Panguitch to S.R. 24 near Torrey, is a seriously thrilling alternative to the unpaved Hell's Backbone Road if you're heading between Boulder and Escalante.
But hold on tight! This drive is a rollercoaster of winding, steep sections, some clocking in at a nerve-wracking 8%. If you're scared of heights, be warned: you'll be cruising along the edges of some seriously impressive drops. Expect sharp curves, narrow stretches, and keep an eye on the weather – even light rain can trigger flash floods. Oh, and did we mention the parts where you're literally on a knife-edge with no guardrails?
Reaching a peak of 9,609ft (2.929m) at Boulder Pass, this high-mountain road is generally open year-round, though winter storms can make sections impassable until they're plowed. Heads up: cell service can be spotty due to the remote, rugged terrain.
Factor in about 3 hours of driving time (without stops) at an average speed of 40 mph. Spring and fall are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Trust us, this route is worth it. Pack your camera, because you'll be stopping constantly to capture the insane beauty. Aim to drive it during daylight, and prepare to be wowed by some of the most incredible scenery in the US. You'll pass through diverse and stunning landscapes, including two national parks, three state parks, a national monument, and a national forest. Epic doesn't even begin to cover it!
Where is it?
State Route 12 is A Journey Through Time in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.4308, -100.7384
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 197 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,929 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4308, -100.7384
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Battle Ax Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Arizona's White Canyon Wilderness, about seven miles south of Superior, lies Battle Ax Road. And let me tell you, it lives up to its name! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking a proper primitive dirt track, and when I say dirt, I mean *DIRT*. Think loose sand, big boulders, small boulders, pretty much every size boulder you can imagine. Oh, and did I mention the road sometimes squeezes down to almost nothing thanks to those pesky trees and bushes? You'll find the entrance south of Superior. Now, listen closely: this isn't a job for your Prius. You absolutely NEED a very capable high-clearance 4x4 to even *think* about tackling this beast. We're talking serious off-roading skills, folks! The main route plunges straight into a large wash carving its way through the heart of White Canyon. Now, a word of warning: water damage. This road sees its fair share of flash floods, leaving sections pretty beat up. So, proceed with caution, especially after any rain. January through March is the sweet spot for tackling Battle Ax Road. Trust me, the scenery is worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be prepared for an adventure!
easyWhere are Lanfair Road and Ivanpah Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in southeastern California, right near the Nevada border, twisting through the Mojave Desert on Lanfair and Ivanpah Roads. Think epic high desert vibes! We're talking about a 45.9-mile (73.86 km) stretch starting from the cool, historic spot of Goffs and heading north. You'll climb to some serious elevation, soaking in views that go on forever. Now, here's the thing: while parts of this road are paved, the majority is graded dirt. Usually, a regular car can handle it, especially in dry conditions. But, watch out! After storms, it can get a little gnarly with washouts and sandy patches. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended, and honestly, 4x4 is your best friend out here. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! And get this: this road even made a cameo in the opening of the cult classic film! If you're looking for a scenic desert adventure, this one's a must-do. Just be prepared for a bit of off-road fun!
moderateCoyote Flat is a steep rocky road for high clearance 4X4's in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Coyote Flat! This hidden gem, perched high in California's Inyo County, clocks in at a whopping 10,042 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled within the Inyo National Forest, Coyote Flat isn't just any road; it's one of California's highest! Originally carved out as a mining road back in the '40s, this 16-mile unpaved beauty (aka Coyote Valley Road) kicks off near Bishop and throws you straight into the wild. Heads up: winter shuts this place down hard. Think late October to late June/early July impassable. So plan accordingly, and pack everything you need – there are zero services up here. But the views, oh the views! Think grazing deer, maybe even a glimpse of the majestic Palisade Glacier to the south. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, bears, and even elusive mountain lions! Now, let's talk terrain. Expect a steep and rocky ride, with some sandy sections thrown in for good measure. Most of the trail is manageable, but those rocky parts definitely require a high-clearance 4x4. As you climb out of Bishop, the road snakes through canyons and pine-covered ridges. Pro tip: if you're hitting this spot in mid-summer, mosquito repellent is your best friend.
moderateLa Ventosa (Mexico 185) is One of the Most Dangerous Roads in Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a wild ride on Mexico Highway 185 near La Ventosa in Oaxaca! This isn't your typical scenic cruise; think of it as a shortcut between the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico – Salina Cruz to Coatzacoalcos, baby! Forget mountains; this route tops out at a chill 230 meters (755 feet), making it a low-lying alternative to the Panama Canal. But don't let the flat terrain fool you. What this road lacks in elevation, it MORE than makes up for in ADRENALINE! Picture this: relentless, year-round, gale-force winds trying to shove you into the next lane. Add in heavy-duty cargo trucks, some seriously questionable road surfaces, sleepy towns PACKED with speed bumps, and driving habits that redefine "aggressive," and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable (and potentially terrifying) experience. Seriously, the wind alone can flip a semi! As for the scenery? Let's be honest, it's not the reason you're here. Sure, you'll spot hundreds of those mesmerizing windmills and maybe a peek at the tropical jungle, but this trip is all about surviving the elements and the chaos!