Ascending the Burr Trail Switchbacks in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah
8https://www.theamericansouthwest.com/grand-staircaseescalante-national-monument/burr-trail-road The start of the Burr Trail really is an adventure. Shortly after the breathtaking switchbacks you approach the 4WD High Clearance Road for the Upper Muley Twist Canyon. It was a rough 3 miles in my Tacoma and I had to occasionally put 4WD Low on with that constant beeping to creep over some rather large rocks in a wash. It’s a beautiful drive through the deep canyon but be warned, it’s a jaw breaker. Along the drive though, you pass the amazing Double Arch! Don’t miss it! You’ll need to be on the lookout on the western half of the canyon. Once you reach the parking lot and pit toilet, you can hop out, grab your camera, and head up to the Strike Valley Overlook where you’ll get an amazing view of the Strike Valley and the Henry Mountains and the San Rafael Swell in both directions for as long as the eye can see. It’s amazing. Once back on the main road heading west towards Boulder, you follow the gravel road until it turns into pavement but very importantly, LOOK BEHIND YOU! The view east of the SRS and the sandstone and mountains is incredible. Spot the window! But you’re not done! You then climb up to an amazing viewpoint of bentonite hills, the Henrys, and the Burr Trail. You then drive down and through Long Canyon, one of the prettiest and most special places on earth for me. The steep red desert varnish cliff walls are breathtaking. There’s hoodoos, boulders, slot canyons, long hikes, all the colors you need, and the most perfect winding desert road.