The Burr Trail road is a scenic backway that spans 66 miles and winds through dramatic portions of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Burr Trail Road is most easily accessed from Boulder, Utah at the base of Boulder Mountain. The trail, pioneered by rancher John Atlantic Burr in the mid-1800s, follows an easterly descent from the town of Boulder toward Bullfrog at Lake Powell and intersects with the Notom Road that circles north along the east side of Capitol Reef National Park.
The route carves it way through pale Navajo sandstone dunes near Boulder, Utah, and then past landmarks such as The Gulch, The Lampstand, and through the rugged Waterpocket Fold.
Scenic Long Canyon offers an optional 28-mile loop side trip where you’ll find several trailheads for scenic hikes along the way. Muley Twist Canyon offers a series of narrow, winding switchbacks where you’ll do best with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The junction of the Burr Trail and Notom/Bullfrog Road is found at the end of the switchbacks.
Pioneer Josephine Catherine Chatterly Wood recorded in her journal in 1882 that the Burr Trail, “…is the most God-forsaken and wild-looking country that was ever traveled.” The Burr trail remained unpaved until the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was created in the 1970s.
Paving of the Burr Trail began in earnest in 1991, and today, The Burr Trail Road is well maintained and is fully paved except for a section within Capitol Reef National Park.
Be sure to travel with a well-maintained vehicle, water and food supplies, and a full gas tank as there are no services along the scenic Burr Trail Road. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle may be needed during certain times of the year and for some sections of the Burr Trail Road.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Preparation Begin your journey in Boulder, Utah, where the Burr Trail starts. Spend your day acclimating to the area, gathering supplies, and enjoying the small-town charm. Visit the Anasazi State Park Museum to learn about the ancient Native American culture that once thrived in this region. Stay overnight in one of Boulder’s cozy accommodations to rest up for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: The Burr Trail Switchbacks and Long Canyon Set out early to tackle the Burr Trail Switchbacks, a series of tight, descending turns offering breathtaking views. Once at the bottom, continue to Long Canyon, where towering red cliffs and stunning rock formations await. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. The drive is leisurely, with plenty of spots to pull over and take in the views or go for a short hike. Overnight camping is available in designated areas along the trail for those wishing to immerse themselves fully in the wilderness.
Day 3: The Waterpocket Fold and Capitol Reef National Park The next segment takes you through the Waterpocket Fold, a dramatic geological feature that defines the landscape. This area, part of Capitol Reef National Park, offers numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Highlights include the Strike Valley Overlook and the Circle Cliffs. Spend your day exploring the park’s rugged terrain, historic inscriptions, and natural arches. Consider staying at a campground within Capitol Reef or heading back to Boulder for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4: Reflection and Departure On your final day, take time to reflect on the journey through one of Utah’s most scenic byways. Perhaps visit a local café in Boulder for breakfast and share stories with fellow travelers. Before heading home, take a detour to one of the many nearby attractions, such as the scenic Hell’s Backbone Road or the tranquil Calf Creek Falls, rounding out your Burr Trail adventure.
This itinerary offers just a glimpse of what the Burr Trail in Utah has to offer, promising an adventure filled with natural beauty, solitude, and the spirit of exploration.
