Burr Trail Switchbacks

Overview

The Burr Trail Switchbacks are a short, steep, unpaved set of zigzags that claw up Burr Canyon and over the Waterpocket Fold. It’s one of the few crossings of this massive monocline, and the drive is as much about geology as it is about scenery—stacked turns, cliffy edges, and big desert panoramas.

Why it’s special

• Engineering meets geology: these tight, dirt switchbacks punch through a large notch where the Navajo Sandstone has been eroded out, exposing textbook layers of the Fold.
• History you can drive: the original “Burr Trail” referred to this very climb, used by late‑19th‑century cattlemen moving herds between ranges.

What you’ll see

From the top, the views sweep across canyons and slickrock with a grand perspective on the Waterpocket Fold. The climb itself threads a dramatic canyon cut, so you’re literally driving through the structure you’re here to admire.

The drive, surfaces, and vehicles

Inside the park, the road is unpaved and steep; conditions swing with weather. In good, dry conditions careful drivers report it passable in 2WD, but high clearance and 4WD can become necessary after rain or snow. RVs and trailers aren’t a good idea here—tight turns and grades make it a white‑knuckle proposition. A few miles west beyond the top, the road becomes paved toward Boulder.

Practicalities (read this)

• No services: no fuel, food, or water along this stretch. Come self‑sufficient.
• Safety etiquette: don’t stop on the switchbacks; uphill traffic has the right of way.
• Camping is not at the switchbacks themselves; primitive campgrounds (like Cedar Mesa and Bitter Creek) are along the approach corridor, not at the climb.

Best time to visit

The area is open around the clock, and it’s generally uncrowded. Midday can see a small bump in activity, but most of the time you’ll have space to yourself. For driving, spring through fall are the safer bets; winter storms or recent rain can make the dirt section slick or impassable. Always check current road conditions before committing.

Geology & history in a nutshell

You’re ascending the Waterpocket Fold—nearly 100 miles of uplifted rock bent into a monocline. Burr Canyon’s big notch is where erosion chewed out the Navajo Sandstone, letting this improbable road thread the Fold. The route traces the legacy of John Atlantic Burr and the cattle drives that once defined this country.

Wildlife

Specific sightings aren’t called out for this spot, but the remoteness and low traffic make encounters possible in the surrounding backcountry. Keep your distance and enjoy the solitude.