Utah's Kodachrome Basin State Park overshadowed by famous neighbors

You can get off SR 12 onto dirt roads that are designated scenic backways; these will take you to less traveled scenic areas. That includes Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Backway and Burr Trail Scenic Backway.

Grand Staircase-Escalante has visitors centers in Cannonville, Escalante and Boulder.

Willis Creek Narrows is another attraction. The stream narrows to 4 feet with cliffs more than 200 feet high. It is a colorful world of rock, water and shadows. It is one of many slot canyons in the national monument.

For information, contact the Cannonville Visitor Center, 435-679-8981, www.ut.blm.gov/monument.

There are numerous outfitters in Escalante and Boulder (the two towns are 29 miles apart) that provide guided trips, shuttles and one-day excursions to slot canyons and other nearby attractions.

The prime seasons to visit are mid-March through May and again in September and October.

For information about Route 12 and its attractions, there are two contacts:

Garfield County Travel Council, 800-444-6689; www.brycecanyoncountry.com.

Wayne County Travel Council, 800-858-7951; www.capitolreef.org.

You can also contact the Utah Travel Council, 800-200-1160, www.utah.com, and Utah State Parks and Recreation at 801-538-7220, www.stateparks.utah.gov.