SW Utah- The drive from Captiol Reef to Boulder, Utah through Escalante/Grand Staircase Nat'l Monument

After a few days of solitude and beauty in Capitol Reef National Park, we packed up our camp at Cedar Mesa campground and headed towards Boulder, Utah on Notom Bullfrog Road and then the Burr Trail Road.  This is a beautiful drive and a quiet alternative to the ever-popular Scenic Route 12.  We only saw 2 other cars during the drive!




Notom Bullfrog road runs parallel to the Waterpocket fold and there are many places you'll want to pull over and take photos.

Waterpocket Fold looking North

Waterpocket Fold looking South

Waterpocket Fold panoramic styles

  Once you turn onto the Burr Trail Road, it quickly becomes a climb up a series of tight switchbacks with steep drop-offs.  4-wheel drive isn't totally necessary but is very helpful.  There are plenty of turn-off spots where you can pull over and take in the view.

The view from Burr Trail Rd. back towards the Waterpocket Fold

Once you reach the top, you enter Escalante/Grand Staircase National Monument.  The views change dramatically from the blues, yellows and browns of the Waterpocket fold to the deep reds and greens of the canyons and rock formations making up the Grand Staircase.

   After driving a few miles (and stopping a lot for pictures), we entered Red Canyon. No cars for miles and we really felt like we had the place to ourselves. I had read about an unmarked slot canyon off the right side of the road which we were able to locate easily. We grabbed our cameras, a few snacks and headed in. The walk in is deceivingly short and soon the incredibly tall slot came into view.

Entering Red Canyon

Entering the slot canyon

Inside the slot canyon

inside the canyon

The view back towards the entrance to the canyon

One of the gigantic side walls of the slot

  After lots of exploring, a lengthy photo session, and some snacks, we got back on the road and headed out of Red Canyon and drove on towards Boulder. After driving up and out of the canyon, the scenery changed drastically once again and resembled some far-distant planet or moon.

  After a while, we began passing a lot of farms and ranches and soon we arrived in Boulder for some much needed "pampering" and more relaxing.

   The next installment will cover our stay in Boulder at the Boulder Mountain Lodge and our experiences at The Hell's Backbone Grill.