What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Poison Spring Canyon Trail
A gravel road running the length of Poison Spring Canyon makes this hike relatively easy. Sandstone cliffs, expansive views, and a chance to cross the Dirty Devil River make this a memorable foray into the Utah landscape.
Length: Up to 16 miles
Intensity: Easy
Burr Point Trail
This graded gravel road is just as much fun for riding ATVs as it is for hiking. The road stretches from just above Bullfrog through Capitol Reef National Park to the town of Boulder, Utah. Sandstone formations and scenic vistas make it a rewarding location for hiking, but visitors should bring adequate water and supplies since the area doesn’t feature many services.
Length: Up to 75 miles
Intensity: Easy to intermediate
Fishing and Boating
While the high salinity of the Dirty Devil River keeps it from supporting many fish species, nearby Lake Powell has bass, catfish, and carp fishing. The area around Bullfrog Marina is closest to Dirty Devil and has several fishing areas.
Dirty Devil River makes a great location for whitewater rafting or kayaking, offering Class I and II rapids at certain points. There are accessible put-in and take-out areas in Hanksville, Poison Springs, and Hite.
Climbing
The sandstone cliffs that form the canyon flanking Dirty Devil River make a tempting climbing destination for experienced climbers, but they should not be attempted by novices because the area’s remoteness makes getting emergency assistance difficult. Two Step Canyon offers challenging rock faces for intermediate climbers.
Wildlife Viewing
The wide vistas of Burr Point and the surrounding area make an excellent spot for observing hawks, golden eagles, big horn sheep, lizards, quail, and other desert fauna. The Great Basin rattlesnake is native to the area, so it’s best to avoid placing your feet in rocky crevices or near sagebrush. If you see a snake, give it a wide berth and look for others because they often travel in pairs.
Picnicking
Dirty Devil River ends where it meets Lake Powell, near Bullfrog Marina. There are picnicking facilities that include public toilets and other helpful amenities.
The remoteness of Dirty Devil allows for visitors to create their own picnicking spots when they find a place suitably scenic and convenient. Level spots on the banks of the Dirty Devil River make a peaceful and cooling respite, especially during the heat of the day.
Other
Riding off-road vehicles is a major draw in the Dirty Devil River area. It’s important to pack adequate fuel, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing if you’re venturing out for the day since stores and gas stations are rare.