Utah · United States
Burr Trail
Boulder to Capitol Reef boundary
Boulder red-rock backway through Long Canyon to the Burr switchbacks.
The Burr Trail runs east from the tiny town of Boulder through Long Canyon, where red sandstone walls rise close on either side before the country opens toward the Waterpocket Fold. The first stretch out of Boulder is paved and genuinely scenic, after which the famous Burr switchbacks drop steeply down the Fold on graded dirt. Conditions on the unpaved sections vary sharply with weather. Mind soft or washed-out dirt after rain, the steep tight Burr switchbacks themselves, and the absence of any services along the route.
On the road
The road runs from Boulder to the Capitol Reef boundary. All of this stretch is paved, and it crosses the northern part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It began as a cattle route and usually carries little traffic.
Deer Creek comes early, with a small campground between the road and the stream. Long Canyon follows, its red Wingate sandstone walls growing taller as you climb. Singing Canyon, a short slot, opens just off the road. Out of the canyon, the view stretches across the Circle Cliffs towards Capitol Reef and the distant Henry Mountains. Trailheads along the way lead into The Gulch.
The tarmac ends at the park boundary. Just inside, the Burr switchbacks drop about 244 metres on graded dirt, and the park says they are not suitable for RVs or trailers. The clay surface can become impassable after storms, even with 4WD, so check conditions with Capitol Reef National Park first. In dry weather from spring to autumn, an ordinary car usually copes. Boulder has food and lodging, but there are no services on the road and phone signal is patchy or absent.
Scenery
Best seasons
In these collections
In these Grand Tours
In these guides
Burr Trail on the map33.0 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 10Elevation
under 4%4 to 8%over 8%1,685 to 2,087 mPoints of interest2 stops
- Long Canyon OverlookViewpoint17 mi in
- singing canyonLandmark12 mi in
Hazards
- Washed-out dirt after rain
- Steep tight switchbacks
- No services
Sources
“It affords extraordinary views of the Henry Mountains and lower Capital Reef country.”
Route traced from OpenStreetMap, with its stats measured from that line. How the roads are mapped
Routes for iPhone carries Burr Trail offline, with live weather and a 7 day forecast.
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Burr Trail.
