Where is Burr Trail?
Usa, north-america
106 km
244 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Burr Trail, a 66-mile (106 km) scenic backway straddling Kane and Garfield counties in south-central Utah. You'll cruise through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Starting from Bullfrog (Highway 276) near Lake Powell, you'll wind your way to the mountain town of Boulder (Utah Scenic Byway 12). Most of the road is pretty quiet. The western part, from Boulder to Capitol Reef, is paved. But inside the park, it turns into a graded dirt road that can get seriously washboarded – so gas up in Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder!
Named after Mormon settler John Atlantic Burr, this trail can be tricky. While cars can usually handle it in dry weather (spring and fall are ideal!), rain can make it impassable, even for 4WDs. Check conditions with rangers before you go. Cell service is spotty, so pack plenty of water and supplies.
The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks – a super steep series of hairpin turns that climb 800 feet (244 m) in just half a mile (0.8 km). Talk about a test!
The road's open year-round, but flash floods can happen anytime. Leave the RVs and trailers at home! Budget 2.5–3 hours for the drive, but plan for longer – you'll be stopping constantly. Think painted rocks, Henry Mountains views, contorted landscapes like The Gulch and Waterpocket Fold, red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon. Seriously, get ready for some epic hiking and side trips!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 106 km
- Max Elevation
- 244 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe winding Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina: 318 curves in 11 miles
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Tail of the Dragon: America's Ultimate Twisty Road Adventure Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Deals Gap (aka the Tail of the Dragon) is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives in the USA. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 isn't for the faint of heart—it packs a jaw-dropping 318 curves into those miles, earning its serpentine nickname. Word travels fast about this place. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock here year-round, drawn by the legendary tight turns with names that'll make you smile: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend. The road snakes through dense forest with occasional scenic pull-offs, but don't get too distracted—blind curves, steep cambers, and crests that come out of nowhere make this a seriously technical drive. Even the most experienced drivers treat the Dragon with respect. Want proof? Check out the Tree of Shame, where motorcycle debris hangs as a sobering reminder of what happens when you push too hard. The fully paved road runs from NC 28 in North Carolina to the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee. It's been featured in countless films (Harrison Ford drove it in The Fugitive!) and ads, but the real thrill is the drive itself. Weather here is tricky. Summer's pretty predictable, but winter (November-March) is a wild card—snow, ice, wildlife, and sudden weather changes can make things unpredictable. That said, winter offers less traffic and better visibility through the trees. Summer afternoons often bring scattered showers, but they're typically gone by evening, leaving plenty of riding time. Around 250,000 riders tackle the Dragon annually. Fun fact: 18-wheelers have been banned since authorities got tired of semi disasters. Tucked between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, this is one road that'll get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories for years.
moderateWhere is Mount Ka'ala?
🇺🇸 Usa
Aloha, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about conquering Mount Ka'ala on Oahu, Hawaii's third-largest island! This bad boy tops out at 4,038 feet, making it the island's highest point, nestled right in the misty Waianae Range. Now, here's the deal: you can't just cruise up to the summit in your rental car. This peak is home to an FAA tracking station, so the US Army keeps the road pretty locked down from Schofield Barracks. Expect high security and stick to the signs! But don't let that deter you! The road itself, Mount Kaala Road, is a paved beauty, built back in the 40s. Starting from Farrington Highway, it's a 7.7-mile climb, switchbacking its way up with 14 hairpin turns. We're talking a serious elevation gain of 4,020 feet, with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Just a heads-up: up here, the weather can change on a dime! Expect fog and almost 100% humidity, so pack accordingly.
hardWhat's the Most Dangerous Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
**Monarch Pass:** This one's a bit of a wild card. Perched high between Gunnison and Salida, this pass is known for its steep grades and unfortunately, a higher-than-average wreck rate. **Red Mountain Pass:** Get ready for some serious switchbacks! Cruising between Silverton and Ouray on the Million Dollar Highway means tackling around 15 hairpin turns. You'll be changing direction more than the wind! **Vail Pass:** On a ski weekend? Prepare for company. Vail Pass, part of the Interstate system, can feel like you're stuck behind endless cars. Still, it is a fairly easy pass to traverse. **Wolf Creek Pass:** If you're chasing powder, this is your spot! Wolf Creek Ski Area is famous for its epic snowfall, and naturally, the road leading there gets its fair share too. **Loveland Pass:** Talk about high! Loveland Pass crests the Continental Divide at just under 12,000 feet. It's scenic beyond belief, but also the reason they built the Eisenhower Tunnel underneath it! **Cameron and Cochetopa Passes:** Craving solitude? These are your escapes. Cameron Pass winds out of Fort Collins into the remote North Park area, while Cochetopa stretches from the San Luis Valley to Gunnison. **Slumgullion Pass:** Time to put your car in low gear! With grades hitting almost 10%, this pass between Lake City and Creede will test your engine. The scenery is pretty and the road is generally well maintained.
moderateWhere is Spring Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Spring Creek Pass in southwest Colorado's Gunnison National Forest! This is one of the highest paved roads in the state, topping out at a whopping 10,901 feet. Following Colorado State Highway 149, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, this 50-mile stretch from the town of to the historic city of has a few tight switchbacks and spots. Don't worry, though, most folks should find it manageable, even with that 7.5% max gradient. It's a narrow, two-lane road, but here's the cool part: it's maintained year-round! Snowplows keep it clear in the winter, but keep your wits about you, as conditions can change quickly. Get ready for some serious mountain scenery!