Planning a visit to Utah and thinking about driving from Bryce and Capitol Reef? It’s as amazing as it sounds!
The Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, also known as the Scenic ByWay 12, is one of the most beautiful routes in Utah, and it’s perfect for families. It’s a 122-mile-long drive full of stunning landscapes. This route takes you past red rock canyons, lush forests, and charming small towns. Highlights include Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Calf Creek Falls, and breathtaking viewpoints like Head of the Rocks Overlook. It’s a must-see part of any trip in southern Utah!
We tackled this 3-day itinerary with our kids, who were 2 and 4 years old, during our Western USA road trip and it turned out to be a great mix of adventure and kid-friendly activities.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best stops, hikes, and activities for families along the way. From exploring Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, picking fruit in Capitol Reef, and driving along Scenic Byway 12, there’s plenty to see and do without feeling rushed.
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Day 1: Bryce Canyon National Park
👉 Before you start your trip: Make sure to download the self-guided tour of Bryce & Zion National Parks offered by GuideAlong.
Bryce Canyon National Park is perfect for your scenic road trip. It’s a must-visit destination known for its iconic red rock formations and natural amphitheaters filled with towering hoodoos.
It’s a relatively small national park that can be mostly visited within a day or so.
⏭️ How to Get to Bryce Canyon
- Stop at the Visitor Center to grab a Junior Ranger Booklet. This interactive activity engages kids with the park’s geology and wildlife. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center at the end of the day for the kids to get their Bryce Canyon National Park badge.
- Bryce Point: Your first stop should be Bryce Point, one of the highest viewpoints in the park. The short, 0.2-mile trail offers jaw-dropping views of the canyon below, especially in the morning light.
- Inspiration Point: Hop back on the shuttle and head to Inspiration Point. The layered hoodoos in shades of red, orange, and white create a truly inspiring view.
- Sunset and Sunrise Points: At Sunset Point, consider hiking the Navajo Loop Trail, a 1.4-mile moderate hike that takes you down into the canyon to walk among the towering hoodoos. From there, stroll along the paved Rim Trail to Sunrise Point, which is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
Warning – Rim Trail Caution: While the Rim Trail offers spectacular views, be cautious with toddlers, as parts of the path are along the canyon edge. Use a hiking carrier for younger children.
- If you have extra time: Queen’s Garden Trail: From Sunrise Point, take this 1.8-mile round-trip trail. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike with stunning rock formations resembling royalty.
💡 Pro-Tip: Take the Park Shuttle
You can use the free park shuttle from Bryce Canyon City (where you’ll stay). The shuttle eliminates parking stress and provides easy access to key viewpoints. I recommend stopping at the last stop first and then slowly make your way back to the visitor center.
Bryce Canyon City
Spend the evening around Bryce Canyon City. It’s a charming hub for visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park. The kids love to watch the horses. We also grab a ice cream at the Old Bryce Town shops.
🏨 Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon City with Kids
- Camping: Stay at Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground, offering full hookups, a pool, and easy access to Bryce Canyon activities.
- Hotel: For a comfortable stay, book a room at Bryce View Lodge, known for its cozy accommodations and convenient location near the park.
Day 2: Hit the Scenic Byway 12
🚗 Distance: 115 miles
Dubbed one of America’s most beautiful roads, Scenic Byway 12 winds through dramatic landscapes, from red rock canyons to lush forests.
Stop 1: Mossy Cave
The first stop will be at Mossy Cave. The Mossy Cave trail is 0.9 miles (1.4 km) long (one-way). It’s an easy trail that leads to a waterfall. The kids will love walking behind the fall and cooling off.
The trail takes you through a beautiful canyon with towering hoodoos and rock formations. Along the way, you’ll see a waterfall, a stream, and a small cave with moss-covered walls (hence the name “Mossy Cave”).
Stop 2: Kodachrome Basin State Park
About 25 miles from Bryce Canyon, this colorful park is famous for its unique sandstone spires. Take a short walk to Grosvenor Arch, a stunning double arch standing 150 feet tall. The easy trail from the parking area provides incredible views.
Stop 2: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Located near the town of Escalante, this park is a must-see for geology enthusiasts. Take the Long Logs Trail (1.6-mile loop) to marvel at petrified wood that’s over 100 million years old. Kids will enjoy learning about how these ancient trees turned to stone.
Stop 3: Calf Creek Recreation Area
The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail is a highlight of the drive. This 6.7-mile round-trip hike follows a picturesque creek to a 126-foot waterfall. If you’re short on time, consider a shorter stroll to enjoy the scenery before continuing your journey.
Arrive in Torrey, Gateway to Capitol Reef
End your day in Torrey, a small town just outside Capitol Reef National Park. It’s a quaint spot with family-friendly accommodations and cozy restaurants.
🏨 Where to Stay: Wonderland RV Park (perfect for families)
Located in Torrey, just minutes from Capitol Reef National Park, Wonderland RV Park offers spacious sites, cozy cabins, and clean amenities perfect for families. It’s a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the park with a playground, picnic areas, and stunning red rock views. When we visited they had horses roaming around and the kids had the chance to feed them with the owner. It was pretty special.
Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a unique mix of rugged beauty, vibrant geology, and family-friendly activities. It’s not as visited as Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park, but it’s equally beautiful. We were really surprised and with young kids, I preferred it over Zion National Park.
The park is known for its dramatic cliffs, winding canyons, and the historic Fruita District. Here’s how to make the most of your time in Capitol Reef:
- Capitol Reef Sign: Begin your day with a quick photo stop at the park’s entrance sign for a keepsake of your visit.
- Goosenecks Point: Drive to this breathtaking viewpoint, where the Fremont River has carved dramatic curves into the canyon. A short, easy walk lets you fully admire the landscape.
- Visitor Center: Stop here to grab maps, learn about the park’s geology, and pick up Junior Ranger Booklets for the kids. Rangers are on hand to answer questions and recommend activities based on your interests.
- Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail: This 1.8-mile out-and-back hike starts near the visitor center and leads to a beautiful waterfall with natural swimming holes. It’s a relatively easy trail and a perfect spot for families to cool off.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Avoid this trail if there’s any chance of rain, as flash floods can occur.
- Fruita Orchards: The historic Fruita District is the heart of Capitol Reef. Depending on the season, you can pick fresh cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, or apples right from the park’s orchards. It’s a fun activity for kids and a great way to grab a healthy hiking snack.
- Gifford Homestead: Don’t miss this historic farmhouse turned museum and bakery. Their fresh pies, cookies, and breads are a hit with visitors.
- If you have extra time: Hickman Bridge Trail: A 1.8-mile round-trip hike to a stunning natural rock bridge. It’s a family-friendly trail, though it offers little shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Scenic Byway 12 Map with Main Stops
How to Get to Bryce Canyon
Getting to Bryce Canyon is easy from two major cities: Salt Lake City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Here’s how to plan your route:
From Salt Lake City to Bryce Canyon
- Distance: 270 miles (435 km)
- Drive Time: About 4 hours
From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to Exit 95 near Beaver, Utah. From there, follow UT-20 to US-89 south, then turn onto UT-12 east to reach Bryce Canyon National Park. The route is straightforward and includes beautiful views, especially as you get closer to the park.
From Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon
- Distance: 260 miles (418 km)
- Drive Time: About 4 hours
From Las Vegas, take I-15 north to Exit 95 at Cedar City. From there, head east on UT-14 until you reach US-89. Continue on US-89 north and turn onto UT-12 east to Bryce Canyon. This drive takes you through dramatic desert landscapes, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Final Thoughts:
The Bryce to Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is the perfect 3-day family adventure. Starting in Bryce Canyon, you’ll explore breathtaking hoodoos and easy trails, then drive along Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S. Along the way, you’ll stop at stunning landmarks like Calf Creek Falls and Kodachrome Basin before ending in Capitol Reef, where fruit-picking, scenic drives, and fun hikes await.
This itinerary, designed with young kids in mind, offers a great mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether it’s your first time visiting Utah’s parks or you’re returning to see more, this route is packed with family-friendly fun and unforgettable views.
