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Highway 12: Escalante to Torrey, Grand Staircase–Escalante, Utah
Photo: Tony Webster · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Utah Zion, Bryce and Southwest Utah

Highway 12: Escalante to Torrey

UT 12 · Escalante → Torrey

Sweeping63 mi1 hr 35 min6,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 9,600 ftOne way
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The drive

This stretch of Highway 12 runs 63 miles from Escalante to Torrey. It crosses the Escalante Canyons section of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, passing Head of the Rocks, where the road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1935 and 1940, and drops toward Calf Creek.

The Hogsback comes about 6.5 miles before Boulder. It is a narrow ridge with no shoulders and steep drops on both sides, so keep to the speed limit. After Boulder the road climbs the eastern slope of Boulder Mountain, with overlooks at Larb Hollow and Homestead, to a high point of 9,600 feet.

It ends at Torrey on Highway 24, a few miles from Capitol Reef National Park. Kiva Koffeehouse sits on the road between Head of the Rocks and the Hogsback.

Along the way

  1. Escalante
  2. Head of the Rocks
  3. The Hogsback
  4. Boulder
  5. Torrey (Highway 24)
Elevation
6,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 9,600 ft
EscalanteTorrey
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
EscalanteTorrey
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Hogsback has no shoulders and no guardrails, with long drops on either side.
  • The Boulder Mountain section is high and can be snowy in winter; check UDOT before you go.
  • Services are spread out between Escalante, Boulder and Torrey.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check UDOT Traffic.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 12 from Escalante to Torrey take?

Escalante to Torrey is 62.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 35 min without stops.

What is the Hogsback on Highway 12?

It's a narrow ridge about 6.5 miles from Boulder where the road has no shoulders or guardrails and drops away on both sides.

Is Highway 12 open in winter?

It is a year-round road, but snow can close it, especially over Boulder Mountain. Check UDOT Traffic for current conditions.

Where does this Highway 12 drive end?

It ends at Torrey on Highway 24, close to Capitol Reef National Park.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 12: Escalante to Torrey, from Escalante to Torrey