Place · 4.1 mi away
Overview
Burro Wash is a backcountry slot-canyon adventure on the east side of Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold. You start in a broad, sandy wash and gradually work into beautifully carved Navajo sandstone narrows, with walls close enough to touch both sides. It’s an out-and-back route that most hikers treat as roughly 8 miles round trip (about 4 miles each way), turning around wherever the obstacles or water levels become too much.
Route and Difficulty
From the Notom–Bullfrog Road crossing, the first miles are easy walking in soft sand. Around the 3‑mile mark the canyon tightens, and the character changes: dim passages, dryfalls, chokestones, boulder jams, and seasonal pools. Expect to use hands for short climbs and partner boosts; upper‑body strength helps. Depending on recent weather, you may need to wade—and occasionally swim—through cold, murky pools. A natural rock arch and alternating open sections offer striking views of the Waterpocket Fold’s domes and layers. Navigation is unmarked; cairns, if present, are unofficial and can disappear after floods, so solid route‑finding matters.
Safety and Gear
Treat this as a true slot. Never enter if rain is forecast anywhere in the region—flash floods are a life‑threatening hazard, especially in mid‑ to late‑summer monsoon season. Bring plenty of water (there are no reliable sources), sun protection for the exposed approach, and footwear that grips wet rock and tolerates wading. Many obstacles are easier with a partner; going solo can be committing. Technical gear isn’t needed for the standard out‑and‑back from the road, but it is required for full technical descents from the top.
Geology and What to Look For
You’re walking through the heart of the Waterpocket Fold—a massive monocline nearly 100 miles long—where Burro Wash cuts into Navajo sandstone. Look for sculpted narrows, cross‑bedded sandstone, domes, and pockets that trap water after storms. The lower wash is sparse and arid; in the slots you’ll find occasional lush pockets where water lingers.
Best Times to Hike
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures and typically safer conditions. Summer is extremely hot on the sandy approach and brings elevated flash‑flood risk; winter water and shade in the narrows can make it frigid. Start early to beat both heat and any afternoon storm potential.
Regulations and Access
No pets, no fires, and do not collect or disturb natural features. The route is unmaintained and can change after floods; check current conditions at the visitor center. Access is straightforward from Notom–Bullfrog Road; the parking pullout is right by the wash crossing, with most of the hiking within park boundaries.
Who Will Love It
If you want solitude, classic Utah slot‑canyon scenery, and a bit of problem‑solving, Burro Wash delivers. If you’re uncomfortable with tight spaces, cold water, or unmarked routes, pick a tamer canyon day.
Pros
- Often far quieter than other Utah slots, delivering real solitude
- Great mix of open Navajo sandstone vistas and tight, photogenic narrows
Cons
- Unmarked route with frequent obstacles makes turnaround decisions common
- Seasonal pools can force chest‑deep wading or a cold swim
Parking
Small roadside pullout at the Burro Wash crossing on Notom–Bullfrog Road, roughly 8–9 miles south of Highway 24; start up the wash from the road. Parking is just off the road and outside the official boundary, but most hiking is within the park.
Caution
Flash floods are deadly—do not enter if rain is forecast. Route is unmarked and changes after floods; carry a real map and know how to use it. Expect chokestones, dryfalls, and cold pools requiring wading or swimming. Bring ample water; no reliable sources. Many obstacles are safer with a partner.
