Utah’s Most Disputed Dirt Road Connects 3 National Parks Thru Dramatic Terrain

Burr Trail, Utah

The trail was found by John Atlantic Burr who got his middle name from being born on the SS Brooklyn while crossing the ocean in 1846.

After living in Salt Lake City, he founded Burrville in 1876 and created this trail to move cattle between different seasonal grazing areas.

Today, this historic route continues to honor his legacy that shaped the West.

When Politics Meets Preservation

The Burr Trail almost received a new identity in January 2025.

But Garfield County Commissioners voted 2-1 against renaming it the “Donald J. Trump Presidential Burr Trail Backway.”

Residents felt strongly about keeping the historical name, with more than 200 Garfield County residents among the 4,000+ people who signed a petition.

Zigzagging Through Impossible Terrain

Prepare to grip the steering wheel tight when you reach the switchback section.

These engineering marvels climb through Burr Canyon with an elevation change of nearly 800 feet in just one mile of road.

The tight turns and steep drops create an unforgettable driving experience that connects you directly to the challenging landscape that early settlers faced.

Driving Across an Ancient Earth Wrinkle

Geologists get particularly excited about this section of Utah.

This massive feature formed between 50-70 million years ago when tectonic forces pushed the western Colorado Plateau thousands of feet high.

The Waterpocket Fold stretches 100 miles, showcasing colorful eroded rock layers where even the tough Navajo sandstone has completely worn away.

Early Travelers Faced Brutal Conditions

Pioneer Josephine Catherine Chatterly Wood wrote in her 1882 journal that this was “the most God-forsaken and wild country that was ever traveled.”

These early travelers dealt with extreme weather, minimal supplies and relied entirely on natural landmarks to navigate.

The route stayed unchanged for about 75 years after Wood’s difficult journey.

Cold War Uranium Rush Reshaped the Canyon

In 1948, the Atomic Energy Commission blasted a new road up Burr Canyon while searching for uranium deposits (now the Burr Trail switchbacks).

During the Cold War, the government guaranteed they would buy any uranium which led to extensive mining throughout southeastern Utah.

You can still see evidence of this era at the Oyler mine horizontal shafts near Grand Wash, connecting you directly to this fascinating chapter of American history.

When Environmental Passion Turned Destructive

The battle over this road’s future sometimes went beyond heated words and legal actions.

During the height of debates about development in December 1987, someone sabotaged four bulldozers working near the switchbacks.

Back in May 1984, someone hung effigies of Southern Utah Wilderness Association directors in the town of Escalante.

A Road That Changed Legal History

The Burr Trail became one of the first roads legally decided under RS2477, an 1866 law that allowed rights-of-way across public land. When Congress repealed this law in 1976, existing routes were allowed to continue.

A 1989 court decision gave Garfield County the right to maintain the road while still following federal environmental rules. Courts now require proof that a road had 10 continuous years of public use before 1976 to qualify.

Three National Treasures in One Drive

As you travel the Burr Trail, you pass through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Each protected area offers completely different geological features: from the breathtaking views around Lake Powell, to the stepped plateaus of Grand Staircase and the dramatic fold of Capitol Reef.

A Canyon That Sings Back to You

About 11 miles from Boulder, Singing Canyon waits to amaze you with walls reaching 80 feet high that create incredible natural acoustics.

Look for an unmarked pullout on the north side of the road, or try singing a few notes, and you’ll understand immediately why it earned its name.

The canyon stays accessible year-round and provides welcome shade during the summer heat, making it perfect for a quick exploration with family.

Your Favorite Car Commercials Come From Here

Many car manufacturers choose Long Canyon along the Burr Trail as a filming backdrop because of its stunning red walls and winding roads.

Professional photographers frequently work here early morning and late afternoon when sunlight creates the most dramatic shadows.

The accessible yet unspoiled nature of this canyon attracts everything from fashion influencers to adventure sports videographers.

The Weather Decides If You Pass

Summer temperatures often climb above 100°F, while winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations. Spring and fall feel pleasant for hiking and exploring.

Regular passenger cars can handle the Burr Trail when it’s dry, but rain quickly turns sections into slippery messes that even 4WD vehicles can’t navigate safely.

NOTE: Always check current weather forecasts before setting out since conditions can change quickly in this remote area.

Planning Your Burr Trail Adventure

Accessibility:

• 67 miles from Boulder, Utah, to Bullfrog Marina, Lake Powell
• Paved route with an 8.5-mile dirt section in Capitol Reef National Park
• Accessible from either end, but most start in Boulder

Road Conditions:

• 30 miles from Boulder to Muley Twist now paved
• Higher clearance vehicles are recommended
• RVs and trailers are not advised on this route

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