Torrey UT, Utah, United States NOTOM-BULLFROG SCENIC BACKWAY
"Explore the bulging uplift of rainbow-hued sandstone 'reefs' and canyons of the Waterpocket Fold. The paralleling ridges of the Waterpocket Fold rise from the desert like the swells of giant waves. Exposed edges of the uplift have eroded into a dramatic slickrock wilderness of massive domes, cliffs, and a maze of twisted canyons."
Pretty good gravel/dirt road. Interesting mountain scenery constantly changing:
Spring Creek road marker good place to walk over the hill into the valley for great views of Waterpocket Fold.
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BURR TRAIL--cutoff road
Did the entire upper part of Burr Trail when in Escalante
Today went up the switchbacks that rise steeply from the Waterpocket Fold.
Today went up the switchbacks that rise steeply from the Waterpocket Fold.
Circle Cliffs Overlook--Great views of the vast Circle Cliffs and distant Henry Mountains.
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Upper Muley Twist Canyon
Second time driving this, hoping to get further down the canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook. Unreal to be driving within the Waterpocket Fold instead of just looking at it from afar.
Nice to have the couple next to us at the campground also traveling this crazy road just in case either of us needs help. Made it to the same spot as last time, 1.5 miles down. None of us wanted to attempt the rocks--really need high-clearance vehicle. From here, it would be a 5-mile round trip hike to get to Overlook; decided not worth doing.
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Second time driving this, hoping to get further down the canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook. Unreal to be driving within the Waterpocket Fold instead of just looking at it from afar.
Nice to have the couple next to us at the campground also traveling this crazy road just in case either of us needs help. Made it to the same spot as last time, 1.5 miles down. None of us wanted to attempt the rocks--really need high-clearance vehicle. From here, it would be a 5-mile round trip hike to get to Overlook; decided not worth doing.
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Back down Burr Trail.
Lunch on small pull-out under trees.
Then down switchbacks to return to Notom Road.
Lunch on small pull-out under trees.
Then down switchbacks to return to Notom Road.
Surprise Canyon
One-mile hike across desert, dry wash bed of Halls Creek, across hill, among colorful outcrops into rocky ravine; then SURPRISE, an abrupt end in a deep canyon in Waterpocket Fold. Nice area; not the best canyon we've seen.
One-mile hike across desert, dry wash bed of Halls Creek, across hill, among colorful outcrops into rocky ravine; then SURPRISE, an abrupt end in a deep canyon in Waterpocket Fold. Nice area; not the best canyon we've seen.
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Drive back with sun reflecting on east side of road changing the look of the mountains.
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2025-05-22