Grand Staircase-Escalante

We left Panguitch and Bryce for Torrey and Capitol Reef on our 3rd day. It was an all day drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante on Scenic Byway 12. Grand Staircase-Escalante is a national monument that stretches throughout Southern Utah into Arizona. From Bryce to the Grand Canyon and frequently in the back country, there are a series of canyons, plateaus, cliffs, and slot canyons. Beautiful and varied hues of oranges, reds, yellows, whites, and greens.

Scenic Byway 12 travels through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It showcases breath-taking scenery. We were never without a view.

I love this natural amphitheater in the middle of this landscape. At the beginning of the day, the sky was very bright and the clouds were light and fluffy.

Beth and Stephen Williams. Our longtime traveling buddies. Both retired teachers and national park fans.

The Nobles crew for the first week of our voyage. Aaron and Alyssa didn't join until we went to Moab. Kate and I enjoyed the backseats to ourselves.

The long and winding road. We drove the 123 miles from Panguitch to Torrey, plus a few more. Some people choose to bike Highway 12 and we saw a few bikers. They should win a prize.

Kate enjoying the view and making mom nervous.

Not more than 10 minutes after leaving the overpass, we were driving through the valley. Talk about a change in perspective!

Kiva Koffeehouse stays busy as a stop along Highway 12. It is Beautiful both inside and out. The outside is made from cut 300 year-old Ponderosa pines, which was completed in 1998. We tasted some bakes goods and coffee and we highly recommend Kiva Koffeehouse if you are traveling Scenic Byway 12.

We drove about 12 miles off Highway 12 to visit this beautiful slot canyon. The echo in the canyon was fantastic. Even better, it was right before a rainstorm and there was thunder entering and echoing throughout the slot canyon.

The entrance into the slot canyon

Only moments later the sky was dark and it was pouring big, heavy drops of rain. 

The only long drive we didn't listen to music, watch Netlix on the phone, read books, or listen to podcasts. We enjoyed every second driving through Grand Staircase-Escalante.