The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency of the Department of the Interior, is responsible for protecting nearly 250 million acres of public land across the United States, with most of that acreage in the western states. A BLM site is often an undeveloped piece of land that provides access to remote, dispersed camping opportunities. Despite its name, the Burr Trail is not a typical hiking trail but a scenic byway that travels through some of the most beautiful red-rock countries in southern Utah. The Burr Trail starts in Boulder, Utah, and travels for 67 miles through such locations as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park. The Trail ends at Bullfrog Marina in southeastern Utah's Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. While the first 30 miles of the road are paved, the rest of the trail is unpaved. Most passenger vehicles should have no issues driving on the unpaved portion of the road in dry weather. Given the length and location of the Burr Trail, it affords the patient adventurer plenty of opportunities to explore some of the most spectacular lands of the desert Southwest through hiking excursions, camping, and other activities.
The Gulch, located in the northeast section of Grand Staircase-Escalante, is one of the tributaries of the Escalante River. The trail of the same name parallels this tributary and crosses it at several points; the Burr Trail also crosses the Gulch at points. Much of the trail travels along the canyon floor where you'll see hoodoos, a cabin used by ranchers, and cottonwood trees. The trail length varies, depending on how much of it you choose to do. Length: Varies; 10-20 miles on a round-trip loop Intensity: Moderate
While in places like Capitol Reef, you can expect typical desert creatures like bighorn sheep, cottontail rabbits, a variety of lizards and snakes, mule deer, antelope ground squirrels and rock squirrels, pinyon jays, and pronghorn antelope. If you're hiking in a remote area of the park at dawn or dusk, you may spot the elusive mountain lion although note that they tend to shy away from humans.
The Fruita Historic District of Capitol Reef National Park offers the Doc Inglesby and Chestnut picnic sites less than a mile from the visitor's center. If you have your pet with you, they must be on a leash while at these sites. Grand Staircase-Escalante offers the Devil's Garden picnic area 12 miles east of Escalante. At the end of the Burr Trail, Bullfrog Marina also has its own picnic site.
Given the undeveloped nature of this region of southern Utah, you can expect prime stargazing opportunities while on the stretch of the Burr Trail away from towns like Boulder.
Southeast of Boulder and within the boundary of Grand Staircase-Escalante, right along the Burr Trail, is the Deer Creek Campground. RV camping is possible here although there are only seven sites, and the campground does not accommodate travel trailers or oversized vehicles. Deer Creek provides toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. All pets must be leashed while they're in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. In Capitol Reef National Park, there's the Fruita Campground, the only developed campsite in the park. Fruita Campground offers 71 sites, all with a fire pit and picnic table. RVers can use the dump station and potable water station located near the entrance to Loops A and B. However, there are no water, sewage, or electrical hookups at this site. If you plan to camp between March 1 and October 31, you must reserve a spot beforehand.
Near Escalante, you'll find the Head of the Rock dispersed camping area. This quiet campsite offers solitude and level parking spots. Cell service is available here, and pets are allowed. The Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping area is in Grand Staircase-Escalante. There are pull-through sites here. Campfires aren't allowed as this location can get windy because of its higher elevation.
The rugged canyon country of southern Utah has distinct seasons. Summers can get hot although the higher elevations of this region help keep the temperatures down a bit. Summer nights can get cool. Winter brings temperatures that drop below freezing at night, and snow is always possible. Spring and fall are mostly pleasant, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Pack and wear layered clothing so that you can add or remove layers as needed while you're out exploring. As a portion of the Burr Trail is unpaved, you'll want a vehicle that can handle rougher road conditions in wetter weather. Pack plenty of water. Cell service will be mostly nonexistent in some of the remote areas of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Capitol Reef. The wonderful thing about the Bureau of Land Management free camping is you can pick your spot. If you're looking for quiet and solitude, you can find a location away from the crowds. Since this part of Utah is unpopulated, chances are great you can find a camping spot you'll have all your own. Use "BLM camping near me" to search for the ideal camping location. As part of your trip planning, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're on public land, it's crucial to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles to help preserve sites like the Burr Trail for future generations. While camping, always disposes of waste in the proper receptacles. Show respect for wildlife and other campers. Leave the area as you found it; this means not touching or picking up any artifacts and leaving plants and rocks where they are. Adhere to these LNT principles so that everyone can enjoy these public lands.
You can access the start of the trail while you're in Boulder. Take Utah Scenic Byway 12 to the junction with Burr Trail Rd, which you'll find just south of the Burr Trail Grill. Head east on Burr Trail Rd to start your epic adventure. Address: Burr Trail Rd, Utah 84716 Ready to visit Burr Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
