Traveling from L.A. to Zion, then Bryce

Drop-offs on both sides are rare in the 'natural-world'. They are more common on freeway overpasses. The hogback on Ut 12 is the one natural exception. That's between Bryce and Boulder, on the way to Capitol Reef.

12 is the only highway to and through Bryce. While called a Canyon, the park is actually a plateau. The canyon part is the east rim. So all roads to Bryce climb, including the one from 89.

From I15, 14 and 143 are the two roads to avoid if you don't like grades.

paulj wrote:
Drop-offs on both sides are rare in the 'natural-world'. They are more common on freeway overpasses. The hogback on Ut 12 is the one natural exception. That's between Bryce and Boulder, on the way to Capitol Reef.

12 is the only highway to and through Bryce. While called a Canyon, the park is actually a plateau. The canyon part is the east rim. So all roads to Bryce climb, including the one from 89.

From I15, 14 and 143 are the two roads to avoid if you don't like grades.

Thanks for the feedback. I read that there is some section of 12 that has dropoffs on both sides. Maybe that's the hogback. The only experience I've had with dropoffs on both sides was the climb up to Pike's Peak. We were in a rental sedan (Caprice IIRC). When we hit the dirt road section, the car started wandering a bit. By the time we got to the section with dropoffs on both sides (near the top), my daughter was sobbing in a fetal position on the floor in the rear. I didn't argue when someone else suggested we turn around.

We're choosing 20 to avoid 14. I'm sure it's not as scenic, but I don't get to watch the scenery all that much while towing. Plus my 5er is pretty tall and may not make it through the tunnel.

YouTube Video of the Hogback. Real nice drive. I have done it several times.

We did that exact route last year with great results. No problems. Hwy 20 is the best alternative to some of the other roads which have narrow steep sections, no guard rails, etc.

We first went to Bryce, then returned the same route back to Hurricane (Route 9) to get to Zion. I was worried that taking the tunnel and the switchbacks between Zion and Bryce would be a problem with a dinghy. I was told the travel time is about the same either way.