🚗 The Burr Trail: Utah’s Secret Scenic Drive Through Time, Stone, and Solitude

November 17, 2024

After camping in a remote, hard-earned spot near Lake Powell and sharing the ins and outs of one of its most convenient hubs for amenities, our journey continues.

In this installment of our 12-part series exploring Utah’s lesser-known scenic treasures, we head to a road that’s more than just a drive—it’s a geological and historical passage through some of the most stunning and underappreciated corners of the state: the Burr Trail.

🌄 Leaving Lake Powell Behind: The Journey Begins

Our starting point was Bullfrog Marina, nestled along the shores of Lake Powell. After wrapping up our previous adventure there, we set our sights on the 67-mile Burr Trail Scenic Backway, a drive that stitches together some of Utah’s most breathtaking and remote landscapes.

This route carries us through three major public lands:

• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

• Capitol Reef National Park

• Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

It ends at the small, welcoming town of Boulder, Utah, but along the way, it offers everything from rugged rock formations and deep slot canyons to sweeping views of ancient mountain ranges.

💧 Washed-Out Culverts and Wild Water Flow

Early on in our drive, we came across a site that spoke volumes about the power of nature. A massive culvert, intended to handle flooding, had been completely overwhelmed by water. Locals say that when Lake Powell is full, water can back up far into the washes. It was a humbling reminder of how dynamic this landscape really is—desert terrain that seems bone-dry can become a riverbed in minutes.

🏔️ The Henry Mountains: From “Unknown” to Iconic

As we made our way north, the Henry Mountains appeared on the horizon. These peaks are steeped in exploration history. When John Wesley Powell first surveyed this area in 1869, these mountains weren’t on any maps. He referred to them as the “Unknown Mountains,” later naming them in honor of Joseph Henry, then Secretary of the Smithsonian.

Today, the Henrys are still one of the least explored mountain ranges in the continental U.S., but they dominate the skyline along the Burr Trail, offering dramatic contrast to the red rock canyons and desert plains around them.

🧭 Capitol Reef’s Backcountry and the Waterpocket Fold

Next, the Burr Trail cuts into the southeastern section of Capitol Reef National Park—one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks, but in a corner that sees far fewer visitors. Capitol Reef is best known for the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that creates breathtaking cliffs, domes, and canyons.

Of all the geological marvels we passed, the switchbacks stand out as the most iconic. This narrow, steep dirt section zigzags up a cliff face, revealing vast canyon views below. The drop-offs are sharp, and the vistas are jaw-dropping. It’s a section that will make your palms sweat and your heart race—for all the right reasons.

🛑 A Pause at Grand Staircase–Escalante

After navigating the switchbacks, we reached Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, where we took a well-earned break. There’s an informative pull-off with interpretive signs, and behind it, a short dirt road leads to a scenic spot perfect for a stretch or a pet walk. Our dog Sadie got her own little adventure here, as we soaked in the massive stone layers and the stillness of the high desert.

🐄 A Cattle Road Turned Scenic Byway: The History of Burr Trail

One of the things we love on these road trips is learning why a road exists. The Burr Trail was named after John Atlantic Burr, who founded Burrville, Utah, in 1876. The original route was created to move cattle between summer and winter grazing areas, winding through the canyons and folds of the desert.

As we took in the beauty around us, we couldn’t help but wonder—did Burr and his fellow ranchers appreciate the views, or were they too focused on navigating this rugged terrain with livestock in tow?

🕓 How Long Does the Burr Trail Drive Take?

They say the drive can be done one-way in just a couple of hours, but that’s if you’re moving fast and don’t stop. For us, this was an all-day event. We took the time to explore, take in the scenery, and film for our series. If you're a traveler who enjoys savoring a journey rather than rushing through it, set aside a full day.

🏡 Welcome to Boulder, Utah: A Town Above the Clouds

The paved section of the Burr Trail brought us into Boulder, Utah, sitting at 6,700 feet above sea level. With a population of around 230 residents, it may be small, but it punches way above its weight in terms of charm and location.

Boulder is located on Scenic Highway 12, often called “the most beautiful highway in America.” It’s also home to the Anasazi State Park Museum, where you can learn about the early Puebloan people who once inhabited this region. We’ve featured both in a previous video if you’d like to dive deeper.

🎶 Singing Canyon: A Hidden Gem with Acoustic Magic

One of the most special stops on this trip was Singing Canyon, located 11 miles from Boulder along Burr Trail Road. It’s not marked, and we missed it the first time—but we weren’t going to make that mistake again. With the location pulled up on GPS, we finally found it.

Calling it a “hike” is an overstatement. It’s a short, easy walk from the road into a micro-slot canyon with walls rising 80 feet high. What makes it truly unique are the natural acoustics—every sound echoes beautifully. If you’re musically inclined, bring a flute, guitar, or just your voice. The natural amphitheater will amplify your sound like magic.

🔁 Out and Back: A New View Every Time

Because we drove the Burr Trail as an out-and-back route, rather than a straight-through drive, the return trip was just as rewarding. In fact, we spotted things we’d completely missed on the way up—including a gorgeous natural arch tucked into the cliffs.

That’s the beauty of elevation change and shifting light. Even if you’ve driven a road before, the return view might surprise you. In a landscape this rich with detail, there’s always something new to see.

🧳 Tips for Driving the Burr Trail

Thinking of adding the Burr Trail to your Utah itinerary? Here are some quick tips:

• 🛻 Vehicle Type: While much of the trail is passable with a high-clearance 2WD vehicle, the dirt sections can become tricky when wet. 4WD recommended, especially in bad weather.

• 🕓 Time: Budget 6–8 hours for a relaxed out-and-back experience with plenty of stops.

• 📍 Navigation: Cell service is spotty. Download maps or use GPS with offline capability.

• 🥾 Stops: Don’t miss Singing Canyon, Capitol Reef switchbacks, Grand Staircase viewpoints, and Boulder’s museum.

• 🐾 Pets: The route has plenty of places to stop and walk dogs, but bring water—it's dry country.

• 🧼 Leave No Trace: There are minimal facilities. Pack out all trash and respect rock art and nature.

📺 What’s Next?

We’re just getting started! In the next leg of our journey, we’ll be exploring a part of Utah that looks more like Mars or the Moon than Earth. If you're into alien landscapes, you won’t want to miss it.

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, or sign up for blog updates so you can come along for the ride.

Thanks for coming along. Safe travels, and may your next road take you somewhere wild.