Drive the Hell’s Backbone Road
ScenicModerateSummerYear-round
Navigate a high-altitude gravel ridge between Boulder and Escalante that offers dizzying views of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness and winding white canyons.
Itinerary tips
- 1Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to complete the 38-mile loop back to Highway 12, as speeds rarely exceed 25 mph.
- 2Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and a high-clearance frame, though 4WD is only strictly necessary after heavy rain.
- 3Pack a physical map or download offline navigation, as cellular reception is non-existent once you leave the towns of Boulder or Escalante.
- 4Stop at the Bridge over Death Hollow for the most dramatic photo opportunity and a chance to see the sheer drop-offs into the white sandstone canyons.
- 5Check local conditions at the Interagency Visitor Center in Escalante before heading out, as the road is not maintained for winter travel.
- 6Combine this drive with a stop at the Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm in Boulder for a locally sourced meal before or after your journey.
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