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 |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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