U turn on the Utah 14, it’s already late. We lost a lot of time at Cedar Breaks National Monument, but it was worth the time. The vista points are very nice, but after a while you want to dive into the nature, touch with hand, walk along the trails exiting yourself with something new you haven’t seen on the book guides; this morning we did it.
Driving back towards the US89 is like seeing back a small motion movie; the rush we had coming makes you realize how many particular things not seen of the view. Beautiful chalets with big windows instead of walls the reflect the blue sky; small herds of cows pasture making the panorama more like the Alps then in center Utah. It impresses the concentration of SUV on this street; besides some tourist with classic berlins, the rest of the cars circulating are all extra large. I like everything of America, but I don’t understand way they buy cars high over 2 meters, so high powered and then have to travel always not over the limits of 110 km hour. Maybe it is one of those non senses things in this enormous world.
Taking the US 89 we see in the farness, on our right, the red rocks of the Red Canyon; that’s were we are headed, from that point the Utah 12 begins. It’s easy to get confused in America with the street numbers, but it is difficult to compare any other with the UT12. considering it a simple Scenic Byway is unvalued; I am talking about the 124 miles of small towns, natural parks, mountain passes, hidden falls, and any other thing that can emotion. The Utah 12 offers any type of excursion, from a simple walk, or exploring deserted canyons, searching for legendary falls up to car excursions along the primitive unexplored ways. Everything is admitted, but with the correct preparation and competition.
Driving on the smooth asphalt is like a dream; the UT12 gives us Welcome with the scenery of the Red Canyon. Small curves drive you threw this view almost unreal from how it is red. The sky is changing and the play of sunrays makes stronger evidence its red colors of the canyon; the short galleries, or arches dug over the street making the way a real documentary. I have never seen so many lay by points as on the UT12, seaming to make thing easy on the tourist that are always searching for marvelous locations. I stop at all of them, until my mate makes me notice that if I continue on this way it will take a week to reach Escalante.
Still have to lunch today, so decided to stop at Ruby’s Inn at Bryce. In 2002 I slept here and being back only for a quick lunch gives me emotions. The prairies at 2000 meters are something fantastic, and the air in the southwest has a particular perfume of its own. Once you visit these places you get sick over them for ever and have to go back often. Fortunately the fast-food is almost empty and we have a quick meal. So we are on perfect schedule time with Escalante and its Devil Garden, always if we find it. Why not relax our eyes for an hour to some vista points of Bryce Canyon National park? Meaning it is only a few minutes distance from Ruby’s Inn.
As soon we arrive in the park we look for a parking space, something always difficult; Bryce Canyon is one of the American parks with the highest appeal with tourist, due to it beauty and its strangeness. The amphitheater with its red pinnacle, and its vastness make Cedar Break National Monument pall out. But to pick up the magic atmosphere you have to take the trail to Navajo Loop or the Queens Garden. It is also nice to have a quick look along the balconies of Inspiration, Sunset and Bryce Point. Now its time to take the road again and stick to the program prepared at home.
Utah 12 is like this, at every corner or crossing there is a place worth a stop; the same as for Moab and Page; if you have 10 days vacation, these locations permit you to visit someplace different and new every day. Now while leaving the highlands of Bryce an endless panorama starts, a little after the crossway with Cottonwood Road. Small farms with their irrigation wheels give a touch of green to the reddish scenery of Utah; only about 50 km to Escalante and the sky starts to get cloudy. Hope the situation is clear at the arrival, otherwise Hole in the Rock will transform into a mud pit. Well lets no worry now and enjoy the Country Road view and every inch of this paradise.
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