Long Canyon To Deer Creek On Burr Trail ~ Grand Staircase-Escalante

A tour of the Burr Trail in The Canyons region of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is guaranteed to be an experience worth remembering! There is literally one great view of this amazing landscape after another along this paved section of road and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the surroundings on foot. Previously published articles focus upon the scenic back country 4x4 touring options for getting to the Burr Trail Switchbacks and one article focuses on the terrain on the way into Long Canyon. As the name suggest, this picturesque narrow red rock bluff canyon is quite lengthy and the visual experience is so overwhelming that the short trek onward to Deer Creek will likely become a blurry memory. Sensory overload will be a sensation to contend with, which actually is like a dream come true for those who wish to escape from the modern world!  

As can be seen in the photos, the sheer vertical walls of Long Canyon certainly are intimidating and they have a natural way of restricting visitors to the narrow valley. This long ravine offers amazing views of the towering canyon walls, which after eons of time erosion has sculpted into some interesting textures that resemble tapestry murals. In some areas there are thousands of wind carved pockets and a few alcoves can be seen where ancient aquifers once existed. The walls of Long Canyon certainly have some stories to tell, so be sure to set aside some extra time for this part of the Burr Trail.

From Long Canyon to Deer Creek, the majestic views simply will not stop! Coral pink sand dunes, magenta hoodoos, barren white sandstone hills, green lush pocket canyons and mesmerizing views that extent to the distant mountains on the horizon await along this section of the Burr Trail. The towering red rock bluffs that define many more deep canyons in the distance can also be noticed, which is a feature that many classic western landscapes artists dream of studying. There are a few well marked hiking trailheads near Deer Creek, which is where a small developed campground can also be found. This makes Deer Creek an obvious choice for a stopover or basecamp when exploring this region, so be sure to pack some camping gear for the Burr Trail venture!