Either way you go, getting from Boulder to Escalante will take your breath away. Most folks take the paved Utah Rt 12, which clings to the Hogsback while both sides of the road fall away. But there's another road, which leads to even wilder views -- Hells Backbone Road.

The road was built in the 30s by the ubiquitous Civilian Conservation Corps. It's a US Forest Service gravel road that takes the high route between Boulder & Escalante. You get good views of the Death Hollow and the Box wilderness areas, as well as the general high country in this part of Utah. The Hells Backbone Bridge, about mid-way, is worth a car-stop and a long gawk -- a rather short bridge with a very deep chasm beneath it. And you eventually come into Escalante from the north.

If you've got the time, it's a worthwhile alternative to Rt 12.