11. Red Canyon, Fish Lake NF, Escalante Petrified Forest, Capital Reef, Factory Butte, Glen Canyon

With temperatures forecast to drop down to the upper 20's we searched hard for a open campground and found a KOA in Panguitch, UT. Stayed there for 3 nights to clean up and regroup. We were the only ones there. Camp host says normally by this time it is full. We set out for Red Canyon for a day of hiking amongst the red cliffs and photogenic juniper trees. The following day we return to Red Canyon, this time to cycle the scenic bike path that travels along rt. 12 end at Bryce Canyon NP. Returning back to the Peedub's we stay on Scenic 12 heading East, also referred to as Journey Through Time Byway. It does not disappoint while traveling through Dixie National Forest. We Boondock for the night in a well secluded spot in the National Forest. In the morning we head out with plans to stop at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. It says its closed due to Covid but we try anyway. We speak to a park host and he reluctantly lets us through for a hike. Up high on the trail overlook we see and hear his wife yelling at him for letting us through. On our way out from same overlook we spot the ranger having a discussion with the hosts. We double back and bushwhack down other side of hill so as not to be spotted. The escape was a success. Continuing on scenic 12 to end at Torrey, UT we boondock on BLM land abutting Torrey and Capital Reef NP. We visit Fish Lake National Forrest set high above 9000 ft where we encounter snow and beautiful groves of Aspen's. We camp for 3 nights at BLM and do some local exploring and photography. With Capital Reef NP closed we travel West on Scenic 24 through the park and visit Factory Butte OHV area for some bike riding. A scenic but well scarred area from ATV's and dirt bikes. We continue on to junction 24 and 95 and head South towards Glen Canyon. Scenic 95, also known as Trail Of The Ancients Scenic Byway is simply breathtaking. Just short of the canyon we were greeted with darkening skies and a rainbow. We were in awe. We boondocked on the southside of Hite Crossing bridge for the night, right by the Colorado river.