The Burr Trail Loop

Following a line through one of the most remote and striking landscapes in southern Utah, this is the Burr Trail Loop through the Escalante region. Over 12 days, we covered 125+ miles and 26,000 feet of elevation, moving through a mix of canyon systems, slickrock, washes, and long dry stretches that required careful planning and a bit of improvisation. Route highlights included Phipps Arch, Bighorn Canyon, Harris Wash, Choprock Canyon, Lower and Upper Muley Twist, the Burr Trail switchbacks resupply, and a final push down the Gulch back to the Escalante River. Water availability dictated much of the pacing, and a full day of rain and wind added its own challenge. This is not a marked trail. Navigation, route finding, and decision-making are constant. There are long sections without easy exit, which is part of what makes this route both committing and rewarding. Erika joined last minute and stepped right into it. Strong showing start to finish. Thanks to Jamal Green at AcrossUtah.com for mapping resources, and to the Bureau of Land Management for keeping this terrain accessible. If you’re considering something like this, plan your water carefully, understand your exit points, and expect conditions to change. Follow along for the full route and daily segments. Carpe Diem David