Boulder Utah – All Points of the Compass

Located at the junction of Scenic Byway 12 and the Burr Trail, Boulder is conveniently situated for exploring scenic Bryce Canyon country. Boulder sits at the base of Boulder Mountain, surrounded by Dixie National Forest to the north and west, and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument to the south.

A drive along Scenic Byway 12 leads to attractions ranging from high-elevation fishing on Boulder Mountain to Bryce Canyon National Park just 77 miles west. On the way to Bryce Canyon, you’ll have access to the Hogback, Escalante Canyon and Bryce Valley and remote spur roads that lead to Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Hell’s Backbone and Posey Lake. For another scenic drive, take the 66-mile Burr Trail east through the tip of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument all the way to the shores of beautiful Lake Powell.

Other parks and monuments within driving distance from Boulder include Capitol Reef National Park 46 miles northeast, Zion National Park 158 miles southwest, and Bullfrog Marina on the shores of Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Recreation Area just 75 miles southeast. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park near Bryce Canyon are also within easy driving distance of Boulder.

Boulder’s history is as colorful as the surrounding region, dating back nearly a thousand years when it was home to one of the largest Anasazi tribes. Today, Anasazi State Park, right in Boulder just off Scenic Byway 12, preserves and displays relics from Boulder’s native residents. Settled in 1889, modern-day Boulder still harkens back to its bucolic roots as a farming and ranching community. Interestingly, Boulder was the last town in the U.S. to receive mail via mule train.

Although the town was officially incorporated in 1958, it wasn’t until Scenic Byway 12 was paved over Boulder Mountain in the 1980s, that this rural community opened up to tourism. With a choice of accommodations, from yurt and teepees to campgrounds and luxury guest rooms, plus seasonal restaurants, a general store, and local outfitters at the ready to arrange guided tours, horseback rides, and even llama pack trips, charming Boulder has just about everything you need for a pleasant stay.

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