Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah
Usa, north-america
106 km
244 m
hard
Year-round
# The Burr Trail: Utah's Stunning Backroad Adventure
If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking drives in Utah, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is absolutely worth the detour. This 66-mile gem winds through the heart of some seriously stunning landscape, connecting Bullfrog (at the northern tip of Lake Powell via Highway 276) to the charming mountain town of Boulder on Utah Scenic Byway 12.
Here's what to expect: The road is a mix of paved sections and graded dirt—fully paved from Boulder to Capitol Reef's western boundary, then it transitions to a rougher gravel road through the park. Fair warning: those gravel stretches can get washboarded and choppy in spots. Traffic is practically nonexistent, which is part of the magic.
**The catch?** Weather is your real concern here. From spring through fall in dry conditions, any passenger car can handle it just fine. But throw rain into the equation, and even 4WD vehicles might get stuck. Flash floods can materialize out of nowhere, turning canyons into raging torrents in seconds. Check with rangers before you go, and always fill up on gas beforehand (Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder are your options).
The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks are legitimately intense—a steep series of hairpins that climb 800 feet in just half a mile over the Waterpocket Fold. It's testing, but totally doable if you're prepared.
Plan 2.5 to 3 hours for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want way more time. The scenery—painted rock formations, the Henry Mountains, those incredible red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon—practically demands you stop constantly. Plus, there are killer hikes like The Gulch, The Circle Cliffs, and the Waterpocket Fold waiting for you.
Pack plenty of water, don't count on cell service, and skip the RV. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though winter days are mild too. Summer? Scorching. With dispersed camping scattered throughout, you can make this an epic multi-day adventure through some of Utah's most extraordinary terrain.
Where is it?
Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 34.3456, -99.3524
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 106 km
- Max Elevation
- 244 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 34.3456, -99.3524
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Rich Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Rich Mountain Road, nestled away in Blount County, Tennessee, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state near the North Carolina line. It's hiding within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and feels like a total secret. This gem was carved out way back in the 1920s, and still feels wonderfully secluded. The road stretches for about 6.9 miles, taking you on a one-way adventure from south to north until you pop out onto Old Cades Cove Road. Budget around an hour to really soak it all in. Now, fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth ride. It's a twisty, unpaved path that winds its way through a peaceful forest. You'll find some tight uphill turns with loose gravel, and keep an eye out because sections can get washed out. It's narrow, steep in spots, and climbs several miles up through Rich Mountain Gap. Most cars can handle it, but after heavy rain, some parts might be impassable. Anything bigger than a truck might struggle with the turns. And leave the buses, RVs, vans over 25 feet, and trailers at home – they're not allowed. But trust me, the drive is worth it. You'll be treated to incredible photo ops and it’s one of the most remote spots in the Smokies you can reach by car! Watch for white-tailed deer as you climb to the top at 2,650 feet. Just a heads-up: Rich Mountain Road is typically closed from November to May due to winter weather. Plus, heavy rains can cause closures at other times of the year, too. So, plan accordingly!
hardIs the road to McBride Peak unpaved?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in British Columbia, Canada, lies McBride Peak, clocking in at a hefty 2,049m (6,722ft)! This isn't just a drive; it's a climb, possibly the *top* climb in Canada, with an average gradient of 10.81%. Forget pavement. Rainbow Falls Road, also known as Teare Mountain Road, is a wild, unpaved adventure. We're talking steep, narrow, and rough terrain with hairpin turns that'll test your skills. 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Leave the RV and trailer at home, trust me on this one. The journey from Yellowhead Highway stretches 12.2 km (7.58 miles), packing in a staggering 1,320 meters of elevation gain. That's an average of 10.81%, but be warned: some ramps crank up to a heart-pounding 22-26%! This beauty is in the Robson Valley, so the full ascent is usually only doable in the summer, weather permitting. But oh, is it worth it! A viewpoint halfway up gives you drop-dead gorgeous views of the Robson Valley, Fraser River, McBride area, and the Cariboo Mountains. Just below the peak, you'll find the remains of the old "Top Lookout," abandoned but brimming with history since 1930. Seriously, this place is epic!
easyWhere is Wind River Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to Wind River Pass in northern Colorado! This isn't just any drive; it's a 15-mile stretch of smooth State Highway 7 that climbs to some serious altitude. We're talking way up there, so be prepared for breathtaking views. The road winds its way from just north of Ward (in northwestern Boulder County) to Estes Park, and let me tell you, it's a scenic route you won't soon forget. The highway is generally two lanes, and while there are some wider bits through towns, it's mostly just you and the open road. Be mindful of the elevation, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This drive is totally worth it for the views alone, trust me!
extremeGeography of the Edge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! Ever heard of "Killer Krome"? This infamous stretch of road (aka State Road 997) in western Miami-Dade County, Florida, definitely lives up to its name. For miles, you're cruising along the very edge of the Everglades, the last stand between Miami's urban jungle and untamed wilderness. Picture this: a long, straight shot of asphalt, no frills, running north-south from Florida City/Homestead up to US 27. It's a seriously unique vibe, where the city's rigid grid system dissolves into rural farmlands and Miccosukee tribal lands. But Krome's got a past. Deep in the Cold War era, a top-secret missile silo was built alongside it (missile crisis, anyone?). Later, it became a refugee camp, and let’s just say things got…intense. For years, rumors swirled about a hidden mental asylum and spooky ghost sightings in the abandoned ruins, making it a legendary spot for late-night, paranormal-seeking teens. Why the "Killer" tag? Well, for a long time, it was basically a pitch-black, two-lane highway with zero barriers. People got some serious speed going, and that led to some devastating head-on collisions. No bueno. Locals in the "Redlands" area fought to keep it as is, to preserve their agricultural charm. But safety won out, and they've been widening it and adding medians. It’s getting safer, sure, but the "danger" element of old Krome Avenue is still part of the mystique. Seriously, driving Krome at night is an experience. Starting from the Tamiami Trail and going all the way up to US 27, it gives you a peek at the darker side of Florida’s landscape. If you're road-tripping the Sunshine State, Krome is a stark contrast to the beachy Overseas Highway – a raw, almost unnerving stretch of road that you won't soon forget.