Escalante National Monument: Scenic drive along route 12

The morning of Sept. 26, we headed out to drive to the town of Escalante, and then a few miles south to some slot canyons we wanted to hike.

The scenery can mostly speak for itself ...

Below is one of those "backbone" roads with steep drop-offs on both sides, and no railings.

Isn't Utah incredible?  In the unlikely event that you get bored with the scenery while driving, it will provide a whole new landscape before you know it.

Next up, the best part of the trip ... slot canyons!