Rating:
Very Strenuous with steep climbs.
Length:
80 to 125 miles (128.7 to 201.2 km).
Surface:
The Notom/
Bullfrog Road and part of the Burr Trail Road are graded dirt with some
Sandy stretches and wash crossings that are muddy when flowing. The Notom/Bullfrog Road is paved for the first 5 miles (8 km) from
Utah Hwy 24 to Notom. The Burr Trail Road is paved form the west park boundary to
Boulder. Utah Highways 12 and 24 are paved.
Description:
Starting at the Visitor Center and riding west via Utah Hwy 24, 10 miles (16.1 km), to Utah Hwy 12, this loop takes you over the high country on the west flank of
Boulder Mountain (9,400 feet or 2,865 m in elevation) on Utah Hwy 12, through the Circle Cliffs, across the
Waterpocket Fold on the Burr Trail Road, and then up the Strike Valley along the Notom/Bullfrog Road back to Utah Hwy 24. The complete loop includes approximately 70 miles (112.7 km) of paved road. A shuttle can shorten the ride and cut out some of the paved sections.
The ride along the Burr Trail Road takes you through narrow, sheer walled Long Canyon, across the relatively flat center of the Circle Cliffs areas, and down the steep eastern slope of the Waterpocket Fold via the spectacular
Burr Trail Road Switchbacks. Many miles of spur roads are available for exploring in the Circle Cliffs area. Near the top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks, a short spur road branches north into Upper Muley Twist Canyon. This three mile (4.8 km) road follows the wash bottom past several large arches and ends at the Strike Valley Overlook parking area. Bicycles are not permitted beyond this point. From the parking area, a short foot trail leads to a spectacular view of Strike Valley from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. Another hiking route continues through Upper Muley Twist Canyon (9 miles or 14.5 km round trip).
At the bottom of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks you will encounter an intersection. Turn left (north) here and continue up the Notom/Bullfrog Road through Strike Valley. The Notom/Bullfrog Road parallels the east flank of the Waterpocket Fold with its steep upthrust of dome topped cliffs. The road continues north approximately 40 miles (64.4 km) to the junction of Utah Hwy 24. Take Utah Hwy 24 west 9 miles (14.5 km) to the visitor center.
The park has a five site primitive (no water) campground at
Cedar Mesa Campground located approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) north of the Burr Trail Road junction on the Notom/Bullfrog Road. The campground is run on a first-come, first-served basis (permits are not required) and is free. For more information on this ride, inquire at the visitor center or through e-mail.
In the park, bicycles must stay on designated roads at all times. Bicycles may not travel off road, in washes, on closed roads, on hiking trails, or backcountry routes. For overnight trips, you must camp in one of the three designated park campgrounds or on adjacent BLM or USFS lands. Water is difficult to find on all of the routes listed below, so plan accordingly. Check with the visitor center about availability before starting your trip.
