Burr Trail Road
Switchback descent through red rock canyons
The Burr Trail drops 800 feet in a series of hairpin switchbacks carved into the Waterpocket Fold, where Mormon pioneer John Atlantic Burr first pushed cattle through this impossible terrain in the 1870s. The 66-mile route connects Capitol Reef National Park to Glen Canyon, threading through Long Canyon’s narrow slot between towering Navajo sandstone walls that barely allow sunlight to reach the road. The notorious switchbacks section—eight tight turns dropping into the canyon—demands careful throttle control and spotting on the outside turns.
Stock high-clearance vehicles handle the graded portions fine, but the switchbacks require confidence and momentum management. Best driven spring through fall when weather permits; winter snow can make the higher elevations impassable. No permits required for the road itself, though camping requires dispersed camping rules. Carry extra water and fuel—services are 50+ miles apart. The payoff is some of Utah’s most dramatic red rock scenery and access to remote slot canyons that see a fraction of the crowds plaguing other Utah destinations.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 66 mi / 106.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Boulder, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| 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
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback handle the Burr Trail?
No, you need high clearance. A stock 4Runner, Jeep Cherokee, or pickup truck will be fine, but low cars will scrape on the rocky sections and steep grades.
Is the Burr Trail open in winter?
The eastern section near Boulder can be impassable due to snow from November through March. April through October is your safe window for the full route.
Do I need permits for the Burr Trail?
No permits required for the main BLM section, but if you continue into Capitol Reef National Park, standard park entrance fees apply.
How sketchy are the switchbacks everyone talks about?
The descent into Long Canyon has tight, steep switchbacks with loose gravel and no guardrails. Take it slow and don't attempt in wet conditions - the gravel turns to slick clay.
Where can I camp along the 66-mile route?
Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land throughout most of the trail. Look for established sites in washes and flat areas, but avoid camping in narrow canyon bottoms due to flash flood risk.