
Burr Trail Road
A remote, unpaved scenic backway through Utah's stunning desert, featuring dramatic switchbacks and unique geological wonders.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild temps, best light

Burr Trail Road
Best Time
Mild temps, best light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote, unpaved scenic backway through Utah's stunning desert, featuring dramatic switchbacks and unique geological wonders.
"This road can take you to @brycecanyonnps_gov whilst delivering an unforgettable experience and views you can't imagine!"

Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Download maps of Burr Trail Road and surrounding areas before you go.
Check Road Conditions ⚠️
The road can be rough and impassable after rain. Always check with the visitor center for current status.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Burr Trail Switchbacks
Capitol Reef National Park
Dramatic, steep switchbacks carved into the red rock, offering unparalleled panoramic views.

Singing Canyon
Off Burr Trail Road
A short, accessible slot canyon with incredible acoustics, perfect for a unique auditory experience.

Waterpocket Fold Scenery
Along Burr Trail Road
Vast, colorful desert landscapes with towering sandstone cliffs and unique geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Remote Adventure
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Download maps of Burr Trail Road and surrounding areas before you go.
Check Road Conditions ⚠️
The road can be rough and impassable after rain. Always check with the visitor center for current status.
Allow Ample Time ⏳
This is a remote drive. Factor in time for stops, short hikes, and unexpected delays.
Bring Water & Snacks 🍎
There are no services along the road. Pack plenty of water and food for your journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Download maps of Burr Trail Road and surrounding areas before you go.
Check Road Conditions ⚠️
The road can be rough and impassable after rain. Always check with the visitor center for current status.
Allow Ample Time ⏳
This is a remote drive. Factor in time for stops, short hikes, and unexpected delays.
Bring Water & Snacks 🍎
There are no services along the road. Pack plenty of water and food for your journey.
Embrace the Acoustics 🎶
Singing Canyon is a must-visit for its unique sound experience. Don't miss it!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and unique geological formations along Burr Trail Road, especially the dramatic switchbacks and the magical acoustics of Singing Canyon. While the remote nature and potential for rough road conditions require preparation, most find the journey incredibly rewarding and a highlight of their Utah travels.
"Singing Canyon is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It’s never too busy, which makes it easy to enjoy the quiet and the unique acoustics of the canyon. The surrounding area is stunning, with natural scenery that’s worth the trip on its own. The road leading in is older, but still perfectly fine to drive with normal care. Overall, a wonderful spot to stop, explore, and just take in the beauty of the area."
Jacencius
"Super nice scenic drive on utah 12 torrey south to boulder. Elevation at top of pass 9600 ft!, burro trail is another good scenic switchback trail, no 4x4 needed, car can do. Singing canyon is 100 ft off burro trail and only 50 foot long in the slot, but beautiful acoustics! Loved it, perfect for older couple out doing exploring drives."
Angela Napier
"A long remote drive with breathtaking twists and turns that led to massive red cliff walls with many amazing formations. The singing canyon is not labeled as that, but I can't remember what name was on the very small sign, but the GPS coordinates are 37.864849, -111.30048. There were gigantic cottonwood trees. We went late in the afternoon so the bats were coming out and the crickets were singing along with us. I would 100% drive all the way there again."
Lauren Cornelius
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Burr Trail Road is accessible from both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The most common access points are from Boulder, Utah, or directly from Capitol Reef. It's a scenic backway connecting these areas.
While many sections are passable for most passenger cars, especially the paved parts near Boulder, the unpaved sections can be rough. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and 4x4 is beneficial for certain conditions, though not always required.
Burr Trail Road itself is not a loop, but it can be incorporated into a larger scenic drive. It connects to other roads, allowing for various route combinations, such as linking Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon.
Driving the entire length of Burr Trail Road can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on your starting point, stops, and road conditions. It's best to dedicate a full day to this scenic drive.
No, there are no services like gas stations, restaurants, or restrooms directly on Burr Trail Road. It's crucial to fill up your gas tank and pack all necessary supplies before you begin your journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no specific permit is required to drive Burr Trail Road itself. However, if you plan to hike into certain areas or camp, permits might be necessary depending on the specific regulations of Capitol Reef National Park or Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Burr Trail Road is an open public road and does not have set operating hours. However, it is subject to closures due to weather conditions, especially snow and heavy rain. Always check for current conditions before your visit.
If you access Burr Trail Road from Capitol Reef National Park, you will need to pay the park's entrance fee. If you access it from the Grand Staircase-Escalante side, there is typically no fee for simply driving the road.
The best times to visit are spring and fall for milder temperatures and beautiful light. Summer can be very hot, and winter can bring snow and ice, making sections impassable.
Yes, several tour operators offer guided trips along Burr Trail Road, which can be a great option if you don't have a suitable vehicle or prefer to have an expert guide.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Burr Trail switchbacks for stunning views, and make a stop at Singing Canyon for its incredible acoustics. The vast desert landscapes and red rock formations are breathtaking throughout the drive.
Yes, there are opportunities for short hikes, including the popular Singing Canyon slot canyon. Longer hikes are also possible in the surrounding areas of Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Singing Canyon is a short, accessible slot canyon known for its remarkable acoustics. It's a peaceful spot where sounds echo beautifully, making it a unique experience.
You might spot various desert wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and possibly larger mammals like deer or bighorn sheep, especially during dawn and dusk.
Absolutely! Burr Trail Road is a photographer's dream, with dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations, and stunning light, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The closest dining options are in the towns of Boulder and Escalante, Utah. These towns offer a few restaurants and cafes. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for the drive itself.
There are no designated picnic areas along Burr Trail Road. However, you can find many scenic pull-offs where you can stop and enjoy a packed meal amidst the stunning scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for photographing the red rock landscapes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert vistas and switchbacks. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the rock formations. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The Burr Trail switchbacks offer iconic panoramic shots. Singing Canyon is also a unique spot for photography, capturing the textures and light within the slot canyon.
Drone usage is subject to regulations in both Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Check the specific rules for each area before flying your drone.
Focus on the textures of the canyon walls and the way light plays within the narrow slot. Experiment with different angles to capture the unique acoustics visually.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as services are nonexistent. Ensure children have access to restrooms before you depart. The switchbacks offer a thrilling, albeit brief, ride, and the vast open spaces allow for a sense of freedom. Keep an eye out for desert wildlife, which can be exciting for younger travelers.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Route Planning: Consider incorporating Burr Trail Road into a larger road trip that includes Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. The drive can be done in either direction, offering different perspectives. Be prepared for varying road conditions and ensure your vehicle is up for the task.
📸 Photographers
Best Times & Gear: Aim for the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vastness, and a tripod will be useful for low-light conditions. Don't forget to capture the textures and patterns within the slot canyons.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Burr Trail Road
Road Conditions: It's crucial to check the current road conditions before you go, especially if you're visiting outside of the summer months. Heavy rains can turn the unpaved sections into a muddy, impassable mess, and snow can close higher elevations. While many passenger cars can handle the road in good conditions, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for comfort and safety, and a 4x4 can be beneficial if conditions are less than ideal.
Navigation: Cell service is virtually non-existent along most of Burr Trail Road. Downloading offline maps of the area is essential. Consider using a GPS device or a reliable mapping app that supports offline use. Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time, as you'll be out of contact for an extended period.
The Magic of Singing Canyon
Accessibility: The canyon is easily accessible with a short walk from the road. It's not a strenuous hike, making it a perfect stop for all ages and fitness levels. The canyon walls are tall and narrow, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.
Experience: Visitors often describe the acoustics as magical. It's a fantastic spot for children to experiment with sound, and for adults to appreciate the natural amplification. The visual beauty of the slot canyon, with its sculpted sandstone walls, is also a significant draw.
Capturing the Scenery: Photography Tips
Best Light: For the most impactful photographs, plan your visit during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The low-angle light casts long shadows, accentuates textures, and bathes the landscape in warm, vibrant colors. The Burr Trail switchbacks, in particular, are spectacular during these times.
Gear and Techniques: A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive desert panoramas and the dramatic curves of the switchbacks. Consider bringing a telephoto lens to isolate interesting rock formations or distant geological features. A sturdy tripod will be invaluable for low-light photography and capturing sharp images. Experiment with different compositions to showcase the scale and beauty of the landscape.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit