Driving from Zion to Bryce is a nice trip. There are some small towns and some nice Utah scenery on UT-9 and US-89. At first it appears as though you'll see more of the same scenery on UT-12. Then, all of a sudden, you are greeted by the lovely red sandstone Red Canyon!
Surprise!
View Larger Map
You even get to drive through an arch! Awesome!!
View Larger Map
Red Canyon is part of Dixie National Forest. There are other canyons in Utah with the same name, so don't be fooled! Although, the others are probably awesome too, and I hear there is a slot canyon involved!
Using data from Utah's GIS Portal, I threw together this map of the area. It should help give you an overview of the area, and it was a good excuse for me to play with Utah's data. :)
Seeing as you drive through the area on the way from Zion to Bryce, it seems that most travelers simply drive through without stopping. But it's beautiful there! So give it a visit! There are lots of trails, hoodoos, awesome scenery, and a visitor center. Though the visitor center was closed when I stopped, I enjoyed my visit and went for a short hike on a roadside trail.
And here's a photo I took:
