We were staying in Torrey, UT while seeing Capitol Reef NP and our next destination of Bryce Canyon NP. A friend of mine suggested we drive UT-12 from Torrey to Bryce Canyon City, because the route is very scenic. Out of Torrey, you climb to about 9500' which gives great views of the Capitol Reef area and you'll see lots of cattle grazing and even some deer. There are several scenic viewing areas that are worth the stop. Further toward Bryce is an area of the UT-12 called "The Hogback" because the road runs on top of a very narrow spine that some say resembles a hog's back. Quite impressive that the road is narrow, because there isn't any more room to make it wider, it sure got my attention!
Google Maps Streetview of Hogback
What I didn't know is about a mile further down the road you see this sign:
When your GVW is about 18,000 lbs, that sign gets your attention! The Duramax has a exhaust brake of which I was glad it does. We slowed to about 15 MPH, because of traffic and maintained that speed all the way down. I locked the Allison in 1st and with the engine brake on, I still had to use the brakes several times to maintain a speed of 15 MPH!
I recommend this drive while pulling a trailer or driving a class A only if you have lots of experience with your rig.
Google Maps Streetview of Hogback
What I didn't know is about a mile further down the road you see this sign:
When your GVW is about 18,000 lbs, that sign gets your attention! The Duramax has a exhaust brake of which I was glad it does. We slowed to about 15 MPH, because of traffic and maintained that speed all the way down. I locked the Allison in 1st and with the engine brake on, I still had to use the brakes several times to maintain a speed of 15 MPH!
I recommend this drive while pulling a trailer or driving a class A only if you have lots of experience with your rig.
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