Drive the Hell’s Backbone Road
ScenicModerateSummerYear-round
Navigate this thrilling high-elevation backcountry road connecting Boulder and Escalante, crossing a narrow bridge with thousand-foot drops on both sides.
Itinerary tips
- 1Dedicate at least 3 to 4 hours for the 38-mile journey to account for slow speeds and frequent photography stops.
- 2Ensure your vehicle has high clearance and a full tank of gas, as there are no services once you leave Boulder or Escalante.
- 3Pack a high-quality spare tire and a jack, as the sharp gravel on the mid-section is notorious for causing punctures.
- 4Stop at the Hell’s Backbone Bridge mid-way to walk across and experience the thousand-foot drops into Death Hollow.
- 5Download offline maps or carry a physical topographical map, as cellular service is non-existent throughout the entire backcountry route.
- 6Pair this drive with a meal at the award-winning Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder for the ultimate local experience.
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