Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah
Usa, north-america
106 km
244 m
hard
Year-round
# The Burr Trail: Utah's Stunning Backroad Adventure
If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking drives in Utah, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is absolutely worth the detour. This 66-mile gem winds through the heart of some seriously stunning landscape, connecting Bullfrog (at the northern tip of Lake Powell via Highway 276) to the charming mountain town of Boulder on Utah Scenic Byway 12.
Here's what to expect: The road is a mix of paved sections and graded dirt—fully paved from Boulder to Capitol Reef's western boundary, then it transitions to a rougher gravel road through the park. Fair warning: those gravel stretches can get washboarded and choppy in spots. Traffic is practically nonexistent, which is part of the magic.
**The catch?** Weather is your real concern here. From spring through fall in dry conditions, any passenger car can handle it just fine. But throw rain into the equation, and even 4WD vehicles might get stuck. Flash floods can materialize out of nowhere, turning canyons into raging torrents in seconds. Check with rangers before you go, and always fill up on gas beforehand (Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder are your options).
The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks are legitimately intense—a steep series of hairpins that climb 800 feet in just half a mile over the Waterpocket Fold. It's testing, but totally doable if you're prepared.
Plan 2.5 to 3 hours for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want way more time. The scenery—painted rock formations, the Henry Mountains, those incredible red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon—practically demands you stop constantly. Plus, there are killer hikes like The Gulch, The Circle Cliffs, and the Waterpocket Fold waiting for you.
Pack plenty of water, don't count on cell service, and skip the RV. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though winter days are mild too. Summer? Scorching. With dispersed camping scattered throughout, you can make this an epic multi-day adventure through some of Utah's most extraordinary terrain.
Where is it?
Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 34.3456, -99.3524
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 106 km
- Max Elevation
- 244 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 34.3456, -99.3524
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