The bus driver at Bryce Canyon N. P. said Highway #12 in southern Utah is one of the most scenic highways in the country. We're so glad we took his advice; we were enthralled the whole day by proceeding from Bryce into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument then over Boulder Mountain in the Dixie National Forest and into Capitol Reef National Park.The views include meadows, forests and canyons filled with aspens and pines. At one point we reached an elevation of 9,600 feet to enjoy panoramic vistas.
By the way, Utah chose the beehive as its emblem (as seen in the highway sign) when Brigham Young led the persecuted American sect of Mormons into the deserts of Utah in 1847. The determined Mormons made the desert bloom through their hard work and skill. The land of Utah covers 85,000 square miles, and is home to some of the most spectacular and unique natural formations in the country.(If you click on a picture, you may receive an enlarged and much more enhanced view.)
