Deer Creek To Boulder On Burr Trail ~ Grand Staircase-Escalante

The section of paved road from the Deer Creek Campground to the town of Boulder is the final leg of a long back country journey that was featured in series of previously published articles. When taking the long way to the Burr Trail a driver can follow the lengthy Notom Road or come from the direction of the Bullfrog Ferry at Lake Powell. Either way, this will be a very long ride over bumpy dirt roads and to top it all off, the infamous Burr Trail Switchbacks lie in store just before getting to the final paved section of road. The Burr Trail is paved all the way through The Canyons region of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is a comfortable way to end the long journey. Camping out near the starting point is the best way to get an early jump, especially for the Notom Road travel route. Doing an overnight campout somewhere in between the end points will also ensure a leisurely pace. Taking it slow is the way to go, simply because some of the most majestic unspoiled landscapes on earth can be viewed along the way!

From Deer Creek to the town of Boulder on Highway 12, The Canyons environment dramatically changes from towering red rock bluffs to lush green canyon valley floors and agricultural areas. There is plenty of water for trees to grow tall, which presents opportunities for a roadside picnic in the cool shade. The grassy patches in this area along the Burr Trail actually start to look like a sea of green surrounding islands, because several tall white sandstone bluffs rise up from the valley floor. These soft white sandstone bluffs are well rounded after eons of erosion and some have deep textures that can only be described as being otherworldly. There are a few small ponds and some wildlife to be seen in this pleasant section of the Burr Trail too.

Toward the end of the line, the signs of civilization appear suddenly in the little community of Boulder. For those who took the long way from Notom and Capitol Reef, the engine will likely be running on fumes, so the local fueling station will be a welcome sight. The fuel station is also where drinking water can be replenished. For those who need something stiffer to settle the nerves after the long bumpy ride, there is a little café at the end of the trail that specializes in dangerous dirt trail rider libations. All in all, touring the Burr Trail is as much of an accomplishment as it is a memorable visual experience, so be sure to chalk this lengthy journey high on the list!