Utah Scenic Byway 12 runs directly through Cannonville and is widely considered one of the most beautiful roads in the United States. The 124-mile route connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park, crossing through Boulder, over the Hogback ridge (a paved road on a narrow fin of rock with steep drops to either side), and up to the Aquarius Plateau at over 9,600 feet. The geological variety along this single road — volcanic plateau, slickrock, canyon bottoms, conifer forest — is exceptional.
Driving the full byway takes three to four hours without stops; with stops and short hikes, a full day is justified. The section between Cannonville and Boulder is among the most dramatic, with the road climbing out of the canyon system onto exposed slickrock. Vehicles with low ground clearance can handle the entire byway in dry conditions, but several short side roads off the main route require higher clearance. Fuel up in Cannonville before heading east — services are sparse between here and Torrey.