Downhill Burr Trail Switchbacks | 4K - 11dec25 скачать в хорошем качестве

Downhill Burr Trail Switchbacks | 4K - 11dec25

The Burr Trail Road is one of the most scenic and storied drives in the American Southwest. Located in southern Utah, it winds through a landscape of slickrock canyons, towering mesas, and dramatic geologic folds. Here is a breakdown of what makes this road a "must-see" for desert explorers. Route Overview The road stretches approximately 66 miles (106 km), connecting the small town of Boulder (on Scenic Byway 12) to Bullfrog (on Lake Powell). It traverses three distinct protected areas: 1. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 2. Capitol Reef National Park 3. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Key Transitions • The Paved Section: The first 30 miles from Boulder are paved, offering easy access to stunning viewpoints like Long Canyon. • The Unpaved Section: Once you enter Capitol Reef National Park, the road turns to graded dirt. While usually manageable for most vehicles in dry weather, it becomes impassable when wet. Highlights & Landmarks 1. The Burr Trail Switchbacks The most famous segment of the road is the set of steep, unpaved switchbacks that descend nearly 1,000 feet into the Strike Valley. This section cuts directly through the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile "warp" in the Earth's crust. 2. Long Canyon A breathtaking stretch where the road is flanked by sheer red Wingate Sandstone walls. There is a popular slot canyon hike located just off the road here. 3. Singing Canyon A short, flat walk from the road leads into a natural acoustic chamber. The towering walls create such perfect sound quality that musicians often travel here to record or perform. History The trail is named after John Atlantic Burr, a pioneer born aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean. In the late 1800s, he developed the route to move livestock between high mountain pastures in the summer and the lower desert canyons in the winter. For decades, it remained a rugged cattle trail before being improved for uranium mining and, eventually, tourism. Essential Travel Tips • Check the Weather: The "Blue Notch" and bentonite clay sections of the road turn into a "greased lightning" consistency when it rains. Even 4WD vehicles can get stuck. • Fuel Up: There are no services between Boulder and Bullfrog. Start with a full tank of gas and plenty of water. • Vehicle Requirements: Most of the road is accessible to passenger cars in dry conditions, but high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the switchbacks and the rugged eastern end near Lake Powell. _________ Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: A Journey Through Time Located in the rugged heart of southern Utah, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) is a vast, 1.87 million-acre wilderness that serves as one of America's greatest outdoor laboratories. Established in 1996, it was the first national monument to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rather than the National Park Service. The Three Distinct Regions The monument is geographically divided into three primary units, each offering a unique landscape: 1. The Grand Staircase: A series of topographic "steps" (cliffs and plateaus) that rise 6,000 feet from the Grand Canyon's North Rim to the high plateaus of Bryce Canyon. The cliffs are color-coded by their rock layers: Chocolate, Vermilion, White, Gray, and Pink. 2. The Kaiparowits Plateau: A high, rugged plateau teeming with late-Cretaceous fossils. It is one of the most significant sites in the world for studying dinosaur evolution and the environment of 75 million years ago. 3.The Canyons of the Escalante: A labyrinth of deep, winding sandstone canyons carved by the Escalante River and its tributaries. This area is a world-class destination for hiking, canyoneering, and exploring "slot canyons." Must-See Attractions & Activities Whether you are looking for a scenic drive or a strenuous multi-day trek, the monument offers unparalleled solitude and beauty such as: • Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike (Moderate): A 6-mile round trip leading to a stunning 126-foot waterfall in a lush oasis. • Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Slot Canyons: Two of the most famous (and tight!) slot canyons in the world, located off Hole-in-the-Rock Road. • Scenic Byway 12 Drive: Often called "A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway," it is one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S. • Devils Garden Landmark: A natural playground of hoodoos, arches, and unique rock formations perfect for families. • Grosvenor Arch Landmark: A massive, rare double arch that stands as a sentinel in the desert. Essential Visitor Information • Fees & Permits: Entry is generally free, but permits are required for all overnight backcountry stays. These can be obtained at visitor centers or select trailheads. • Weather Warnings: This is a high-desert environment. Flash floods are a serious risk in slot canyons, and dirt roads (like Hole-in-the-Rock Road) can become impassable mud after rain. Always check road conditions before heading out.