Boulder Mountain Highway is 150 miles east of Cedar City in south-central Utah. It follows UT 12 for 30 miles between Grover and Boulder. Utah Highway 12 is a two-lane road suitable for all vehicles. Temporary closure is possible in winter, otherwise the byway remains open all year.

Boulder Mountain Highway climbs from the sagebrush and grassy pastures of Boulder through stands of ponderosa pine and lush meadows of wild-flowers along the edge of Boulder Mountain. Turnouts along the byway provide scenic vistas of the lower desert regions set against the backdrop of scattered mountain peaks. Isolated stands of aspen provide a splash of gold in autumn.

Near the byway's southern end is the Anasazi Indian Village State Park. The park depicts the cultural aspects of the Anasazi Indian that once inhabited this region. Native American artifacts dating back to the 11th century can be seen as well as a full-scale replica of a dwelling believed to have existed here. A self-guided trail takes you to the site of on-going excavations. Other trails along the byway lead to scenic lakes for fishing or enjoying a picnic lunch. There are three national forest campgrounds located along the byway. Oak Creek Campground has eight sites situated on the creek. You'll also find fishing and hiking opportunities here. Farther north of this campground is Pleasant Creek Campground with 18 sites. Singletree Campground is the largest of the three with 26 sites.

Information: Dixie National Forest, 82 N 100 E, Cedar City UT 84720 / 435-865-3700. Capitol Reef National Park, HC70 Box 15, Torrey UT 84775 / 435-425-3791. Anasazi Indian Village State Park, PO Box 1429, Boulder UT 84716 / 435-335-7308