Highway 89 Scenic Byway
Scenic Highway 89 through Bryce Canyon Country is part of the Utah Heritage Highway 89.This stretch of Utah's Heritage Highway 89 runs through the western side of Bryce Canyon Country, linking Panguitch and Hatch, Utah, and connecting travelers south to Zion National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's part of a 500-mile highway that runs from Idaho to Arizona. In this Garfield County section, you'll find historic brick towns, a dramatic red-rock canyon, and one of Utah's largest lava tubes.
Panguitch: The Center of Scenic Utah
Red Canyon
About a mile from the junction of Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12 sits Red Canyon, known for its vivid red rock spires and hoodoos. The highway itself passes through natural rock arches carved into the canyon walls. It's an easy stop for photos, short trails, and a preview of the color and geology you'll see again at Bryce Canyon.
Hatch
At the junction of Mammoth Creek and the Sevier River sits Hatch, Utah, a small pioneer community with a big list of nearby attractions: Mammoth Cave, Red Canyon, the Dixie National Forest, and the Sevier River drainage. The Mammoth Creek Fish Hatchery, located here, stocks rainbow trout in lakes and streams throughout the region, making it an excellent fishing stop. The town also offers ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, and mountain biking, a 1950s-style Galaxy Diner, and a handful of lodging and dining options. By appointment, visitors can tour the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum, and a seasonal U.S. Forest Service visitor center sits just south of town to help travelers get oriented.
Mammoth Cave: One of Utah's Largest Lava Tubes
West of Hatch via Fish Hatchery Road, Mammoth Cave is a lava tube on the Markagunt Plateau at over 8,000 feet elevation, with more than 2,000 feet of explorable passages across several chambers. It formed from cooling lava and water and stays cool year-round.
This is a self-guided adventure, so bring a flashlight or headlamp for every person (it's pitch dark past the first turn), sturdy shoes, and a jacket. The access road is paved for the first several miles out of Hatch and turns to dirt for the final stretch, so it's worth checking conditions before heading out, especially after rain or snow.
Best Time to Visit
- Late spring–fall: Enjoy full access to Mammoth Cave's dirt access road and the best conditions for exploring Red Canyon's trails.
- Summer: Enjoy peak fishing season around Hatch and the Mammoth Creek drainage, plus the warmest temperatures for cave exploration.
- Winter: Highway 89 stays open and plowed, and the Hatch area is a hub for snowmobiling, but Mammoth Cave's access road may not be maintained for winter travel. Check conditions first.
Make the Most of Your Trip
This section of Highway 89 connects north to Panguitch and Scenic Byway 143, and south toward Zion National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It also meets Scenic Byway 12 near Red Canyon, making it easy to build a loop that includes Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin, and points further into Garfield County.
FAQ: Planning Your Drive on Highway 89
What is Utah's Heritage Highway 89?
Utah's Heritage Highway 89 is a 500-mile route from Idaho to Arizona. The Bryce Canyon Country section runs through Panguitch and Hatch, Utah.
How far is Hatch from Panguitch?
Hatch is about 15 miles south of Panguitch.
What is Mammoth Cave?
Mammoth Cave is a self-guided lava tube west of Hatch, Utah, with over 2,000 feet of passages formed from ancient lava flows. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. There are no tours or staff on-site.
Does Highway 89 connect to Zion National Park?
Yes. Heading south from Hatch, Highway 89 continues toward Zion National Park and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Is Red Canyon on Highway 89 or Highway 12?
Red Canyon sits right at the junction of the two, about a mile from where Highway 89 meets Scenic Byway 12.
Can I visit Mammoth Cave in a regular car?
The first several miles from Hatch are paved; the final stretch is dirt road. It's passable for most passenger vehicles in dry conditions, but check current conditions before heading out, especially after rain or snow.
This information is provided by Bryce Canyon Country, the official tourism office of Garfield County, Utah
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