Crimson Canyons & Desert Switchbacks

66 Miles of Slickrock, Sheer Walls, and Historic Trails

When you are ready to leave the highway behind and plunge into the true, rugged heart of southern Utah, the Burr Trail is your gateway. Starting from the high-country town of Boulder, this breathtaking scenic backway trades the asphalt for adventure. It winds past massive sandstone domes, dives into a deep slickrock canyon, and tackles a legendary set of dirt switchbacks that drop straight into the Waterpocket Fold. It’s an unforgettable journey for travelers looking to experience Utah's raw, untamed wilderness.

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The Burr Trail

This 66-mile corridor serves as a dramatic link between the high plateaus of the Dixie National Forest, the sweeping canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the remote southern boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park. Originally carved out by pioneer cattleman John Atlantic Burr in the late 1800s, this route now offers modern explorers a thrilling mix of paved cruising, awe-inspiring canyon narrows, and remote backcountry recreation.

Things to Do
Curated Experiences

Canyons & Sculpted Stone

Where the canyon floors meet towering mountain backdrops.
More Scenic Drives
Long Canyon NarrowsJust a few miles into the drive, the road plunges into a sheer, deep canyon. Towering vertical walls of blazing wingate sandstone flank both sides of the asphalt, casting dramatic shadows and offering an unforgettable, tight passage through the red rock.
The Wolverine LoopA rugged backcountry dirt detour for high-clearance vehicles, guiding you deep into a silent landscape of ancient petrified wood and hidden canyon amphitheaters.
Gulch Slot CanyonsWhere the trail crosses this deep drainage, hikers can explore a sandy floor leading directly into twisting, narrow sandstone slots sculpted by millions of years of water erosion.
The Waterpocket Fold DescentThe ultimate climax of the trail's geology. The route transitions from smooth pavement to a thrilling, unpaved shelf road, dropping 800 vertical feet down a series of tight, steep switchbacks carved directly into a massive wrinkle in the Earth's crust.

More Things To Do

  • Hike the Long Canyon Slots: Right next to your first card's drive, pull over at the unmarked slot canyon openings (like Singing Canyon). These require just a brief, 5-minute flat walk to stand inside towering 80-foot red rock walls with incredible natural acoustics.

  • Explore The Gulch Backcountry: Directly matching your third card, this official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trailhead allows hikers and backpackers to drop into a pristine, winding canyon drainage filled with cottonwood oases and primitive sandstone tracking.

  • Strike Valley Overlook Trek: Located right near the base of your fourth card (the switchbacks), a rugged side track leads to a short, stunning trail. Standing at the top rewards you with a sweeping, panoramic view of the entire 100-mile geological spine of the Waterpocket Fold.

Logistics

Know Before
You Go

  • Is the road paved? The first 30 miles from Boulder through Long Canyon are fully paved and accessible to all vehicles. However, once you enter Capitol Reef National Park, the road turns to dirt and clay. The switchbacks can become completely impassable when wet.

  • Are there services along the trail? No. Aside from restaurants and gas stations at your starting point in Boulder, there are zero services, water stations, or amenities along this remote 66-mile stretch. Fill your tank and pack plenty of supplies before departing.

  • What is the best time of year to drive this route? Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures and reliable road conditions. Summer is a great time, but does bring a risk of flash floods in the narrow canyons and sudden washouts from afternoon monsoon storms.
Spotty Service Cell coverage vanishes almost entirely the moment you leave the town of Boulder. Expect total, continuous dead zones through Long Canyon, the Circle Cliffs, and the Waterpocket Fold switchbacks. Be sure to download all offline maps, GPS tracks, and trail guides before heading out.
Seasonal Access The route is open year-round, but summer afternoon storms can cause sudden washouts or mud in narrow canyon sections. During wet winter or spring weather, the unpaved dirt switchbacks can become slick and difficult to navigate. Checking a local road report before you go is recommended.

Quick Reference Guide

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