An all American Road
This road is Highway 12 (Utah). It's a National Scenic Byway, that is to say, a road recognised by the Department of Transportation of the United States for its archaeological, cultural or historical significance. Look out for the signs that say All-American Roads if you want to take one of these roads.
Highway 12 is considered one of the top ten most beautiful roads in the United States, and has been designated as an all American Road since 2002. It was really a long trip (200km), but it was so beautiful. We passed through Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon, Escalante National Park, Dixie National Forest and Capitol Reef. Along the way, the landscape changes abruptly to make way for the Escalante National Monument, a series of plateaus, cliffs, gorges, canyons and arches that rise from the Grand Canyon to reach Bryce and Canyonland. It's a natural formation, formed by the waters of the Escalante River (named after a Spanish explorer).
Then comes the Head of the Rocks. What we see today as a rock desert was a sea or perhaps a lake millions of years ago. It's hard to believe now, but the proof has been shown by the number of fossils of fish, sharks and dinosaurs, found in this area. Fossil hunting is permitted in the area, but you cannot take any home with you. Once Anasazi and Fremont Indians roamed these lands, and it was one of the last places in the entire country to be explored. It can only be entered by a few scattered 4x4 dirt tracks, so it really seems wild and very far from civilization.
One amazing thing is when you look down over the Escalante River Valley from 2000 meters of altitude. Stunning views! And shortly afterwards, you'll rise up to 3000 meters for the mountains of Boulder, Dixie National Forest, before reaching Torrey. During our journey, this area was stunning, completely covered with snow. Be careful if you want to stay here, and be sure to ask the park rangers, as the area is often isolated in bad weather, and you could find yourself stranded in the snow. Finally, we reached Capitol Reef, marking the end of this truly amazing drive.
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