Red Canyon
Things to Do
-
Scenic Drive
Red Canyon marks the western gateway to Utah’s 122-mile Scenic Byway 12. The highway is designated as an All-American Road for its unique features, making it a destination in and of itself. Allow ample time to make several stops. Collect photos of the varying formations, enjoy a picnic at the Red Canyon Campground, or plan a pitstop at the Red Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the area’s history, topography, wildlife and activities.
-
Hiking
The Red Canyon Campground marks the hub of an extensive trail system for hiking, mountain biking and road biking (and is a short 0.6 miles from the Red Canyon Visitor Center where you can pick up free maps, fill your water bottle and take a restroom break). Need a quick hike? The Buckhorn Trail lays out an easy .90-mile path to a Red Canyon overlook. But if you want more, take Buckhorn and connect to the Golden Wall Trail for a scenic 5-mile loop. The Cassidy Trail offers hikers and bikers a chance to take the same trail Wild West legend Butch Cassidy used to evade the law. It was also the primary locale for filming Robert Redford and Paul Newman in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” in 1969.
-
Biking
Red Canyon has something for any biker. All cyclists can enjoy an out-and-back journey along the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail. This shared-access paved trail parallels Highway 12 for 8.6 miles and winds through Red Canyon’s ponderosa pines. While Bryce Canyon National Park prohibits off-road biking, Red Canyon welcomes mountain bikes. Thunder Mountain Trail, for example, is a popular 8-mile singletrack trail that follows a steep ridge overlooking Red Canyon and snakes through red-rock hoodoos.
-
Off-Roading
Prefer a four-wheel option? Sightseeing and exploring can also be done via off-road vehicles. There are miles of ATV trails in Red Canyon, along with nearby outfitters that provide guided tours and rentals. ATVs are not allowed in Bryce, so these excursions in Red Canyon are the next best thing.
-
Horseback Riding
Yeehaw! Harness your inner Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid and hit the trails via horse. Thanks to the same trails for hikers and bikers, Red Canyon visitors can mosey on horseback while taking in the red-rock landscape.
"For the lucky travelers that stay in Red Canyon to hike, bike, horseback ride or camp, the area offers a few things Bryce Canyon doesn’t: mountain biking, off-roading and fewer people."
Red Canyon’s vibrant rusty-red soil and hoodoo rock spires tease up the route to Bryce Canyon National Park from the roadside.
Red Canyon has something for any biker. All cyclists can enjoy an out-and-back journey along the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail.
While Bryce Canyon National Park prohibits off-road biking, Red Canyon welcomes mountain bikes.
01
The Complete Bryce Canyon Trip
Planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park? Explore these local-favorite destinations in the Bryce Canyon region to make the most of your trip!
Highlights
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
- Guided Hikes in Bryce Canyon
- Stargazing Bryce Canyon
- Hoodoo Filled Red Rock Desert
02
Hoodoos and Stars
Hoodoos and Stars takes advantage of the proximity of Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef national parks to slow down and also experience some of the must-see southwestern Utah landscapes and experiences along the way.
Highlights
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- All-American Road Scenic Byway 12
- Capitol Reef Country
- Kodachrome Basin
What's Nearby
-
Bryce Canyon National Park
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
-
Dixie National Forest
This forest stretches for 170 miles across southern Utah. Visitors can experience its brilliant red spires and cliffs by car or by hiking one of the nature trails in the canyon.
-
Panguitch
Panguitch, Utah, captures the enduring pioneer spirit of Utah with its welcoming rural charm and strong sense of heritage.
Discover More
-
10 Routes Chosen by Utah Cyclists
We reached out to cycling experts and enthusiasts — in some cases to people who literally wrote the book on cycling in Utah — to get a feel for some of Utah's best road cycling routes.
-
10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
-
Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum
Explore wildlife near Bryce Canyon at the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum.
-
Chasing Old West Outlaws on the Cassidy Trail
The Cassidy Trail wasn’t just the filming location for an iconic Western movie, it’s steeped in history. Once you find this hidden trailhead, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and Wild West legend.
-
Desert Shutter Speed
After lunch isn't the prime time to head to the desert. Come early or late, and Utah's deserts will reward you with their isolated landscapes, sunrises and sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
-
Family Adventure in Bryce Canyon Country
A family-friendly itinerary from Bryce Canyon National Park to Kanab, with hikes for kids, local eats and unbeatable sunset locations.
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
-
Off the Eaten Path: Dining Between the Mighty Five
Whether you’re visiting a single Utah national park or all five, take time to explore and enjoy the local food on the spectacular routes between the parks.
-
Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
-
Panguitch Scene: Kenny Rays and Cowboy's Smokehouse
Travelers through Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon and Highway 12 are likely to pass through historic Panguitch. Here you will find a few eclectic food options to fill your belly while taking a break along your travels.
-
Planning Your Utah Desert Holiday
Where to find holiday lights, performances, farms and activities in Southern Utah.
-
Seven Must-Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Utah
To help you plan a Utah mountain biking trip, we've assembled a list of seven of Utah’s best mountain biking trails followed by a roundup of Utah’s best fat-tire destinations.
-
The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
-
The Cool Old Hotels, Rich History and Eclectic Shopping of Historic Panguitch
Explore Panguitch, the gateway to Scenic Byway 12 and Bryce Canyon National Park.
-
Tips for Astrophotography
Need tips on how to take pictures of stars? Utah is the perfect location to put tips from an award-winning photographer into action.
-
Traveling with Dogs: The Mighty 5 National Parks
At all of The Mighty 5® national parks, activities with pets are extremely limited, and every time your dog is out of your vehicle, it must be restrained in a crate, cage, or on a leash (of no more than 6 feet).
-
Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local
Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view.
-
Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
