""Loop the Fold" Part 2: Burr Trail" Top 5 Page for this destination Capitol Reef National Park Things to Do Tip by goodfish

This was, hands down, my favorite piece of the loop as there's one short, 5-star hike along the way, a stunning drive through the Circle Cliffs area of Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument, and another down to Boulder through the sheer, red walls of Long Canyon. That eyeful of the Escalante's cliffs as you come over a rise from the east is probably the biggest reason I'd do this in a clockwise direction as it would be somewhat behind you coming from the west. Yes, you could pull over for a backwards glance but...

There aren't enough superlatives to describe the scenery along this route but suffice it to say, it's well worth the half-mile, 800' climb on a series of tight, steep switchbacks (no guardrails) out the Waterpocket to a plateau high above. The Husband - who is not wild about heights - was relieved to be doing this as an ascent rather than a descent? At the top of the switchbacks is a pullout with a heck'uva view into the fold you just climbed out of so take a photo-op here. As far as the rest of the must-stops? You don't need me for that: let your eyes be your guide.

Only the first 5 of the 36 miles - from the junction of Notom-Bullfrog to the entrance of Grand Staircase/Escalante - is unpaved but the Burr switchbacks should not be driven after heavy rain, with an RV, or towing a trailer. I'll cover the recommended hike in my next tip; be forewarned that you need a 4-wheel and/or high-clearance vehicle for that one...

This link will give you a nice description of the road starting from the "From Bullfrog: 31.6" point and skipping the Wolverine Loop paragraph:

http://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/driving-the-burr-trail.htm

Address: Capitol Reef/Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah
Website: http://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/hiking.htm