Driving the Burr Trail

The winding switchbacks and steep inclines of the Burr trail are not for every vehicle.

NPS / Brent&Dawn Davis

Travel Utah’s Beautiful Backcountry Along the Burr Trail

Located just outside the northeast region of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Bullfrog, the 67 mile (108 km) long Burr Trail offers excitement for the adventurous explorer. Views of features like the Henry Mountains, Waterpocket Fold, the red Circle Cliffs, Long Canyon, and Pedestal Alley await the traveler who wishes to explore this interesting road. To fully enjoy the journey always be well prepared. Make sure you have plenty of water, a first aid kit, proper footwear, sunscreen, a hat and a means of communication.

For latest road conditions and travel information, call the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center at 435-826-5499 or check the most recent Road Report. If you are having an emergency, call 911.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable trip

• Pack out what you pack in. Carry out all trash and food scraps. Help keep wildlife wild by not feeding them human food.
• Always take plenty of drinking water with you. One gallon per person per day is recommended. Make sure to eat to balance electrolyte loss and bring snacks.
• Flash floods happen in an instant here. A storm can appear out of nowhere, sending water flooding into a canyon. If you see or hear a threat of rain or storms, DO NOT RISK your safety for the scenery. Never enter washes or narrow canyons when it is raining or threatening to rain.
• Check with a ranger or official for road and weather conditions before starting your trip.
• Warning: there is limited cell service in this area. Leave your trip itinerary with someone so you can be located in case of car trouble or other mishaps.
• Leave the scenery as it is. Do not write or carve on rocks, do not disturb plants or wildlife. Take only pictures, visit with respect and leave no trace.

Driving the Burr Trail

The Burr Trail connects Bullfrog and Boulder, passing through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Please note: Although in dry weather the Burr Trail is easily accessible to passenger cars, wet weather may make the road impassable even for 4-wheel drive vehicles. Check with rangers or local officials for weather and road conditions. Recreational Vehicles and trailers are not recommended.

Details

Duration

1-14 Days

It does take less than a day to just drive the length of the road, but there are places to stop, walk around, and camp to the night if you wish.

Activity

Scenic Driving

Although in dry weather the Burr Trail is easily accessible to passenger cars, wet weather may make the road impassable even for 4-wheel drive vehicles. Check with rangers or local officials for weather and road conditions. Recreational Vehicles and trailers are not recommended. Read ahead about the area if you wish to do some hikes along the route.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed in most parts of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Pets must be on a leash that is no longer than six feet in length. Owners must clean up solid pet waste.

Activity Fee

No

There is no additional fee to drive the Burr Trail.

Location

Burr Trail

Mile by Mile Guide to the Burr Trail

Whether traveling to Bullfrog or Boulder, this mile by mile guide will help point out junctions, trailheads, side roads, and scenic views, as well as provide some interesting information about the geology, plants, and human history of the area.

Please note: Mileages indicated here do not allow for side trips. Your odometer may not reflect the exact distance listed here. Please keep this in mind as you look for roads, trails and scenic features.

Miles From Bullfrog: 0.0 Miles From Boulder: 67.0 Burr Trail Joins Utah Highway 276
To the south, Highway 276 continues to Bullfrog. From Bullfrog, one can take the Charles Hall Ferry across Bullfrog Bay (part of Lake Powell) to Halls Crossing, if it is operational. Check before you come with Utah Department of Transportation at 435-893-4747. To the north, Highway 276 intersects Highway 95 northwest of Hite.

Miles From Bullfrog: 2.0 Miles From Boulder: 65.0 Bullfrog South Primitive Camping Area (Currently closed)

Miles From Bullfrog: 3.6 Miles From Boulder: 63.4 Bullfrog North Primitive Camping Area (Currently closed)

Miles From Bullfrog: 4.8 Miles From Boulder: 62.2 Pedestal Alley Trail
This 3-mile (4.8km) roundtrip hike is suitable for all skill levels and leads to interesting pedestal rocks. The trail is marked with cairns (small rock piles), and there is no shade or water. Spring and fall are the best seasons for this hike. Take sufficient water and wear a hat when hiking this trail. The parking area is located on the south side of the road and the trailhead is found across the road on the north side.

Miles From Bullfrog: 5.1 Miles From Boulder: 61.9 Bullfrog Creek Crossing
When Lake Powell is at full pool, water can extend up the wash as far as the road! After a rain, the wash can be wet and muddy. Use caution when entering this wash if the streambed is wet.

Miles From Bullfrog: 7.9 Miles From Boulder: 59.2 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Boundary
This area between Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Capitol Reef National Park is a section of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. To the north is an excellent view of Clay Canyon.

Miles From Bullfrog: 9.6 Miles From Boulder: 57.3 View of Navajo Mountain
To the southwest is the rounded form of Navajo Mountain. Known geologically as a laccolith, this mountain was formed by igneous magma (molten rock) which pushed up under the already existing sedimentary layers. To the west is the Waterpocket Fold, a colorful eroded fold of rock layers nearly 100 miles (162 km) long but only a few miles wide. To the south, Upper Bullfrog Bay and Upper Halls Creek Bay can be seen.

Miles From Bullfrog: 12.4 Miles From Boulder: 55.3 View of the Henry Mountains
Like Navajo Mountain, the Henry Mountains are also laccoliths, formed when magma pushed overlying sedimentary rock up into a dome. Much of the sedimentary rock has since been eroded away, exposing the igneous rock underneath. Five distinct peaks make up the Henry Mountains, from west to east they are:
Mt. Ellen:  11,615 ft (3540 m) elevation
Mt. Pennell:  11,371 ft (3466 m) elevation
Mt. Hillers:  10,723 ft (3268 m) elevation
Mt. Ellsworth:  8,235 ft (2510 m) elevation
Mt. Holmes: 7,930 ft (2417 m) elevation
The Henry Mountains were among the last mountain ranges in the continental United States to be named. When Major John Wesley Powell saw them in 1869, during his exploration of the Green and Colorado Rivers, they did not appear on any official map. Powell first called the mountains the “Unknown Mountains” but later named them for Professor Joseph Henry, who was Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute at the time. Each of the peaks were named for the members of the Powell expedition, and Ellen was John Wesley Powell’s wife.

Miles From Bullfrog: 12.6 Miles From Boulder: 54.5 Halls Creek Overlook via BLM Road 12200
This road, located on the west side of the Burr Trail, provides another access route to Halls Creek Overlook. It is 7.1 miles (11.4 km) to the overlook. Although longer it may be less rough for passenger cars, however it is still a fairly rough backcountry road and may have rocky and steep grades in certain areas. When it is wet, the road may be impassable for all types of vehicles.

Miles From Bullfrog: 18.8 Miles From Boulder: 48.3 Halls Creek Overlook/Halls Creek Narrows
Halls Creek Overlook road branches off to the west. It is 3 miles (5 km) to the overlook. The road is very rough and may not always be passable for passenger cars, high clearance and 4-wheel drive are recommended. When it is wet, the road is impassable for all types of vehicles. At the overlook, there is a superb view of the Waterpocket Fold, Brimhall Natural Bridge, and the large, colorful expanse of the desert environment. Beginning 50 to 70 million years ago, the Waterpocket Fold formed from tilted sandstone layers that were later eroded into cliffs, arches, and Brimhall Natural Bridge is an unusual double arch, named for Dr. Dean Brimhall, an authority on prehistoric Native rock art in Utah’s rugged canyon country. A rough 2.5 mile (4 km) trail descends the cliffs and leads across the valley floor and into the canyon to Brimhall Bridge. The trail is difficult to hike and involves wading. It should be attempted by experienced hikers only!
Experienced hikers can continue their adventure by hiking through Halls Creek Narrows. Please be aware this is an unmarked route that is 22.4 miles total roundtrip, requires wading and scrambling, is subject to hazards such as flash floods, rock falls and canyon obstacles, and should be completed over three to four days with the aid of map reading and navigation experience. A backcountry permit is required for overnight trips, available at the Bullfrog Visitor Center.

Miles From Bullfrog: 19.7 Miles From Boulder: 47.3 Junction with Starr Springs Road
Starr Springs Road gives access to the Henry Mountains; a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is needed. Starr Springs is 21 miles (33.8 km) to the east, on the east side of the Henry Mountains. There is a Bureau of Land Management campground at Starr Springs, and from there the road connects in approximately 5 miles (8 km) with UT Hwy 276.

Miles From Bullfrog: 27.5 Miles From Boulder: 39.6 Capitol Reef National Park Boundary
Here is a distant view of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile (161 km) long bend in the earth’s crust, extending from Thousand Lake Mountain to the north to Lake Powell to the south. The formation to the north is composed of Bentonite clay. When wet, this clay can make the road impassable.

Miles From Bullfrog: 28.5 Miles From Boulder: 38.6 The Post/ Lower Muley Twist Trailhead
This was once the site of a roundup corral and a cabin, but is now merely a point of reference. To the south is a spur road leading to a parking area. A 6.5 mile (10.5 km) one way trail from the parking area leads to Lower Muley Twist Canyon. Within a few miles of the parking area are some of the largest water pockets found in the Waterpocket Fold.

Miles From Bullfrog: 29.0 Miles From Boulder: 38.1 Surprise Canyon Trailhead
Surprise Canyon is a short, 2 mile (3.2 km) roundtrip hike that crosses a wash and leads into a short canyon in the Waterpocket Fold.

Miles From Bullfrog: 30.8 Miles From Boulder: 36.2 Junction with Notom Road
The road to the north parallels the Waterpocket Fold, gives access to several canyons and washes which offer good hiking possibilities, passes through the town of Notom and meets Hwy 24 just east of Capitol Reef National Park. There are two primitive campgrounds along the road: Cedar Mesa and Bitter Creek.

Miles From Bullfrog: 30.9 Miles From Boulder: 36.1 Peek-a-Boo Arch
This arch is visible on the skyline to the northwest. Some say this arch resembles an unblinking eye in the horned head of a giant lizard stretched out along the sandstone slope of the Waterpocket Fold.

Miles From Bullfrog: 31.6 Miles From Boulder: 35.5 Bottom of the Switchbacks in Burr Canyon
Here, in the Burr Canyon, the Navajo sandstone has been completely eroded away, leaving a huge notch in the Waterpocket Fold. The Burr Trail switchbacks steeply up through the canyon. Originally, only the switchbacks were named the Burr Trail, a route used by cattleman in the late 19th century to move cattle back and forth between winter and summer ranges. Today, the entire road from Bullfrog to Boulder is known as the Burr Trail.
Although the views are spectacular, do not stop on the switchbacks. Cars ascending the switchbacks have the right of way.

Miles From Bullfrog: 32.8 Miles From Boulder: 34.3 Top of the Switchbacks/ Lower Muley Twist Canyon Trailhead
The scenic view to the east is superb. Just to the west is a picnic area and the trailhead to Lower Muley Twist Canyon. A hike through the Lower Muley Twist Canyon can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight trip by starting and ending at The Post parking area. Hiking the entire canyon from the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road and back is best done as a two to three day trip. A backcountry permit is required for overnight trips, available at the Bullfrog Visitor Center.This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions including obstacles in canyons change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rock falls and other hazards may be present. Route finding, navigation, and map reading skills are critical. Backpacking experience is a must. Maps are available at the Capitol Reef and Bullfrog Visitor Centers. The highlight of the hike is a deep, narrow, twisting canyon with large alcoves. Beginning at the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road and hiking down canyon to The Post trailhead necessitates leaving a vehicle at each end. If you do not have two vehicles, turn around when you get to the sign indicating The Post cutoff trail.

Miles From Bullfrog: 33.0 Miles From Boulder: 34.0 Wash Crossing
This crossing can be difficult or impossible if the wash is wet.

Miles From Bullfrog: 34.0 Miles From Boulder: 33.2 Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trailhead
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions including obstacles in canyons change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rock falls and other hazards may be present. Although you will find cairns along this hike, a topographic map is highly recommended. Route finding, navigation, and map reading skills are critical. Backpacking experience is a must. Maps are available at the Capitol Reef and Bullfrog Visitor Centers. A backcountry permit is required for overnight trips, available at the Bullfrog Visitor Center.This hike provides narrow canyons, multiple arches, expansive vistas and a clear view of the Waterpocket Fold. The trailhead is located on the west side of the Burr Trail Road, 2-wheel drive vehicles will be able to navigate the .3 miles (.5 km) past the trailhead, after that a high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary for the remaining 2.9 miles to the Strike Valley Overlook parking area. From the parking area it is a 1.7 mile (2.7 km) hike up the wash to Saddle Arch where the rim route is marked by a sign. This route is a loop trail. From the loop trail, you are able to connect to the Narrows route. The Narrows are 2.3 miles (3.7 km) beyond Saddle Arch, marked by cairns. Hiking through the Narrows requires difficult climbing using hand and toe holds. Continuing up the canyon where the trail drops into the bottom of a wash, an NPS sign marks where the trail exits the canyon.

Miles From Bullfrog: 36.0 Miles From Boulder: 31.4 Piñon/Juniper Forest
Here, at an elevation of 6,000 ft (1892 m), is a “cold desert zone” which has different plants and animals than lower-elevation desert ecosystems. This zone is characterized by such plants as sumac, sagebrush, blackbrush, piñon pine and juniper and animals such as bobcat, mountain lion, deer, and bighorn sheep.
Both piñon pine and juniper trees were utilized by Native Americans and early settlers. Today these trees are protected, and vital to the habitat of the area. Do not remove them.

Miles From Bullfrog: 36.2 Miles From Boulder: 30.8 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Boundary
Here the unpaved portion of the road ends if you are traveling towards Boulder, or begins if you are heading towards Bullfrog. To the east is a panoramic view of the jagged, brilliantly colored west side of the Waterpocket Fold. All five peaks of the Henry Mountains can be seen from this viewpoint, and far in the distance are the red mesas and buttes of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Surrounding this area are the red Circle Cliffs. The great oval arena within the uplifted circle of cliffs eroded from the center, exposing the red sandstone cliffs which enclose it.

Miles From Bullfrog: 37.9 Miles From Boulder: 29.2 Wolverine Loop Road
This 28 mile (45 km) loop road leads to a beautiful but remote and rugged area near Wolverine Canyon. Many side roads lead from the Wolverine Loop Road and the road is not well marked. 4-wheel drive vehicles may access some of these side roads; others are accessible only by foot or horseback. This area features stunning examples of petrified wood, but collection of petrified wood is not allowed on National Park Service lands or within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Miles From Bullfrog: 42.6 Miles From Boulder: 24.6 Road to the Lampstand
This road leads 5 miles (8 km) one way to the Lampstand, an unusually shaped butte.

Miles From Bullfrog: 45.0 Miles From Boulder: 22.1 Road to the Lampstand
This road also leads to the Lampstand

Miles From Bullfrog: 48.7 Miles From Boulder: 18.6 Wolverine Loop Road
This is the other access point for the 28 mile (45 km) loop road located on the western side of the Burr Trail.

Miles From Bullfrog: 50.1 Miles From Boulder: 17.3 Entrance to Long Canyon
Here, the road enters Long Canyon, and will follow this colorful canyon for the next 7 miles (11 km). The lighter, golden sandstone crowning the red cliff is known as the Diadem. As you enter or exit the canyon there is a pull out with scenic views to the southeast.

Miles From Bullfrog: 55.0 Miles From Boulder: 12.4 Long Canyon
This narrow canyon is enclosed by sheer walls of Wingate sandstone which tower hundreds of feet above the road. The sandstone has fractured and eroded, forming alcoves. Some of the dark red sandstone has been leached by water to a whitish shade, and black desert varnish stains the vertical walls.

Miles From Bullfrog: 55.5 Miles From Boulder: 12.9 Singing Canyon
This quick and easy slot canyon is known locally for its acoustic properties. Be careful, at the end of the canyon is a steep dry fall. The pullout for parking is located on the east side of the road.

Miles From Bullfrog: 56.8 Miles From Boulder: 10.2 The Gulch
The Burr Trail leaves Long Canyon here at its confluence with its sister gorge, The Gulch, and climbs onto the lower slopes of Boulder Mountain.

Miles From Bullfrog: 60.7 Miles From Boulder: 6.7 Deer Creek Campground
This small campground is located at 5,800 ft on Bureau of Land Management land. There are seven campsites ($10.00 per night) and no potable water. Due to size constraints it does not accommodate travel trailers.

Miles From Bullfrog: 61.2 Miles From Boulder: 6.0 Sandstone Sand Landscape
Sand dunes, created millions of years ago by wind-blown sand, were covered over by other layers of sand and pressed into stone. Gradually, these dunes were again exposed as the overlying sandstone was eroded away, creating the appearance of hardened, petrified dunes. Today, the light-colored Navajo sandstone, rounded into domes and hills, resembles the sand dunes from long ago.

Miles From Bullfrog: 67.3 Miles From Boulder: 0.0 Junction with Utah State Route 12/Boulder 
The Burr Trail ends (or begins) here at Boulder, Utah on State Route 12. Located in Boulder are services such as food, fuel and lodging as well as Anasazi State Park. Thirty-two miles (51.5 km) south is the town of Escalante; 40 miles (25 km) north over Boulder Mountain is the town of Torrey.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The weather in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is usually typical for the high deserts. Summers are extremely hot with little, if any, shade. Winters are moderately cold with night time lows often below freezing. Spring weather is highly variable and unpredictable with extended periods of winds. Fall weather is usually nice and mild, a great time to beat the heat (and the crowds!).

Temperatures can range from 110° F (38°C) in June & July to O° F (-16°C) in December & January. Precipitation is generally light (less than 6 inches [15.2cm] annually) though heavy rains and flash flooding is possible during the summer and fall "monsoons." Parts of the road may be impassable in inclement weather.

Time of Day

Day

We do not recommend driving this winding road at night.

Accessibility Information

Although in dry weather the Burr Trail is easily accessible to passenger cars, wet weather may make the road impassable even for 4-wheel drive vehicles. Check with rangers or local officials for weather and road conditions. Recreational Vehicles and trailers are not recommended.