Midway to Orderville: Utah's Scenic Byway 12 Guide

The route from Midway, UT to Orderville, UT spans approximately 140 miles and follows US-189, US-40, US-6, I-15, and UT-12, crossing three major geological provinces. The drive typically takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes without stops, but the journey is the destination—why rush through some of Utah's most dramatic terrain?

Midway sits at 5,600 feet in the Heber Valley, while Orderville lies at 5,500 feet in the Long Valley, yet the route climbs to over 9,000 feet at Powder Mountain Pass. This elevation change means weather can vary dramatically, so pack layers.

For fuel, plan stops in Heber City, Provo, and Richfield—these are the last reliable options before Orderville. Gas prices along UT-12 tend to be higher, so fill up in larger towns. Driving time Midway, UT to Orderville, UT is about 2.75 hours pure, but with stops for photos and meals, budget 4-5 hours.

Is it worth driving Midway, UT to Orderville, UT? Absolutely—if you enjoy scenic byways, red rock canyons, and alpine forests, this is one of the most varied routes in the state. However, the section over Boulder Mountain (UT-12) has steep grades and sharp curves, so check road conditions during winter.

• Cell service is spotty from Sigurd to Escalante; download offline maps.
• UT-12 is open year-round, but snow chains may be required from November to March.
• Restrooms are available at most scenic viewpoints, but not all.

Road quality is generally good, but UT-12 has narrow shoulders and occasional rockfall zones. Infrastructure safety is aided by guardrails on major curves and clear signage. For family suitability, the route offers numerous picnic areas and easy hikes like the Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef, suitable for all ages.

Pet-friendly framework is strong: most national parks allow leashed pets on trails and in campgrounds, but beware that many hikes have sheer drop-offs. Keep pets on short leashes and carry water for them, as temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer.

Fatigue management and rest zones: plan a break every 90 minutes. Key rest areas include the Sevier River overlook near Sigurd, the Anasazi Village picnic area, and the Boulder Mountain viewpoint parking. For a longer rest, Richfield has numerous fast-food options, but for a more local experience, try the Coffee Shop in Torrey, a classic 1950s diner.

Climatic conditions and route aesthetics vary by season. Spring brings wildflowers, summer has intense heat, autumn is golden aspens, and winter offers snowy vistas. Always check the weather forecast before departing—snow can close Boulder Mountain in early winter.

Hidden off-route spots include the Singing Canyon, just north of Orderville, known for its acoustics and slot canyon walls. Also, the Calf Creek Campground offers secluded sites along the creek—a refreshing stop on hot days.

The route transitions from the Wasatch Range into the San Rafael Swell, then the High Plateaus, and finally the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Each region has its own character: alpine meadows, slickrock deserts, and pine forests.

Things to do between Midway, UT and Orderville, UT include visiting the Timpanogos Cave National Monument (near American Fork), the petroglyphs in Capitol Reef National Park (near Torrey), and the Anasazi State Museum in Boulder. For a hidden gem, detour 8 miles to the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead—a 6-mile round trip to a 126-foot waterfall.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are absent on this exact route, but the nearby Mesa Verde (Colorado) and the newly inscribed “Moundbuilders Earthworks” (Ohio) are not within day-trip range. However, Capitol Reef National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering incredible stargazing.

Local commerce along the way includes small ranch towns like Bicknell and Boulder, where you'll find family-run diners and artisan shops. The Boulder Mountain Lodge offers fine dining with local ingredients. In Orderville, visit the historic Orderville Mercantile for pioneer-era goods.