Hell’s Backbone Road
Historic bridge spanning Utah's wildest canyon country
Hell’s Backbone Road earned its name from the narrow ridge where Mormon pioneers first carved this route in 1933, connecting Boulder and Escalante across the rugged Dixie National Forest. The centerpiece is Hell’s Backbone Bridge, a stone arch spanning a terrifying drop into Salt Gulch, with Box-Death Hollow Wilderness stretching endlessly below. This high-desert crossing weaves through aspen groves, red rock fins, and cattle country at over 9,000 feet elevation.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD for the rougher sections, though much is manageable in dry conditions with careful driving. Best tackled May through October before snow closes the high country. No permits needed, but fuel up in Escalante—this remote 38-mile dirt highway offers primitive camping spots and some of Utah’s most dramatic backcountry scenery. You’ll earn every mile of this historic route through raw canyon country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Escalante, Utah |
| Land manager | Dixie National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Hell's Backbone Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this road fine in dry conditions. It's a moderate dirt road, not a rock crawl — the main concerns are narrow shelf sections and loose surface, not axle-twisting obstacles.
When does Hell's Backbone Road typically open and close each year?
The road is generally accessible May through October. Snow and mud close or make it impassable at the higher elevations (up to 9,200 ft) outside that window — call Dixie National Forest before heading out in early May or late October.
Do you need a permit or pass to drive Hell's Backbone Road?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping in Dixie National Forest is free and no reservation is needed, but follow Leave No Trace and check current Dixie NF fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The namesake Hell's Backbone Bridge section is the most exposed — a narrow shelf road with sheer drop-offs on both sides of the one-lane stone bridge over a 1,500-foot canyon. It's not technically difficult, but if you're skittish about heights or wide vehicles, that stretch will get your attention.
Is there any gas or cell service along the 38 miles between Escalante and Boulder?
Zero cell service the entire route and no gas stops once you leave Escalante or Boulder. Fill up before you go — the two towns are your only options, and it's over 30 miles of remote canyon country between them.
Trail track
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