USA Burr Trail Switchbacks

The scenery all along Burr Trail Road en route to the top of the switchbacks is amazing. Shortly after descending the switchbacks, you’ll reach an intersection. Turning left on Notom-Bullfrog road leads to Capitol Reef National Park (about a 2 hour drive). Turning right to continue on Burr Trail Road leads to two short, easy, and scenic slot canyons (Headquarters Canyon and Surprise Canyon) that are worth spending 1.5 to 2 hours each to explore.

There are numerous photo ops along the way, including the spectacular stretch through Long Canyon. As you descend the switchbacks, there’s occasionally room to briefly pull over at the turns or along the road for a quick photo, but keep aware of other vehicles you may encounter (although I’ve often driven for many miles without seeing another vehicle on this road).

From Utah State Highway 12 (Scenic Byway) in Boulder, Utah. There are two quaint but highly regarded restaurants near the intersection where you make your turn onto Burr Trail road. After that, there’s no food or gas for 3 to 5 hours depending on the direction you drive after descending the switchbacks. Turn east on Burr Trail Road and drive 34 miles (54.7km). The drive to the switchbacks will take a minimum of an hour depending on how many stops you make for photos. The road turns to gravel a couple of miles before the switchbacks and can be a sloppy mess after heavy rain. There’s room to park at the top of the switchbacks and a short walk along the road (100-200 feet) to this spot. GPS: 37.8488966, -111.0264329.