Hell's backbone question

[weld86]

Hi, I would like to know what the actual travel time is for Hell's Backbone from Boulder to Escalante on a GS. Thanks for the help.

[johnlt]

Obviously it depends on the pace and stops for pics but if I recall, it took me about an hour.

[hopz]

Hells Backbone can be a very confusing term.

Do you mean highway UT 12 that crosses over the very narrow, no edge highway? This is frequently called Hell's Backbone. If one searches the phrase on Google and views the photos many of the pictures are of that road.

 

Or perhaps you speak of the road off to the north west (initially) that is gravel and rough, yet eventually passes several ill-marked junctions and eventually reaches Hwy 12 West of Escalante?

 

The rough gravel road will take you at least an hour but quite possibly more. I would suggest having a good route markers on a

GPS or go with someone who knows the way. It is remote and depending on the weather could be challenging. Except for the first few miles, no homesteads to offer guidance or assistance. Take water. There is an interesting bridge and a small reservoir.

[weld86]

Or perhaps you speak of the road off to the north west (initially) that is gravel and rough, yet eventually passes several ill-marked junctions and eventually reaches Hwy 12 West of Escalante?

 

The rough gravel road will take you at least an hour but quite possibly more. I would suggest having a good route markers on a

GPS or go with someone who knows the way. It is remote and depending on the weather could be challenging. Except for the first few miles, no homesteads to offer guidance or assistance. Take water. There is an interesting bridge and a small reservoir.

This is the road I'm asking about. You say it's diffucult to navigate?

[Jack Herbst]

 

Devils Backbone is HWY 12 between Boulder and Escalante. No dirt, all paved. Great road to ride.

This is not to be confused with the north gravel road to Escalante.

[hopz]

This is the road I'm asking about. You say it's diffucult to navigate?

 

What I said or meant to say is it about 50 miles of washboard, ruts, dust, gravel, in a remote Utah desert, with no phones, no residences, no cell service and numerous unmarked intersections. Other than that it is a walk in the park... Take water, GPS and Directions and a good friend.

 

I was last there in a 4-wheel drive vehicle (at the Spring Torrey) and quit about half way in. I know others who have made the trip did not think it was all that challenging. I think a lot of it will depend upon recent weather conditions and your ability to off road or deal with a rough road on a GS. When we were there it was dry and had been for several months. Some rough traffic had left it rather irritating to drive. In fact, it may be me, but I quit because I just didn't want to destroy my vehicle. My passenger was in full agreement.

 

As for Jack's comments above... as a local resident I am aware that Devil's Backbone has several local names and to the uninitiated they may become confusing. The poster asked about the road I described. The Highway 12 from Boulder to Escalante is a scenic and interesting ride/drive... take you about 45 minutes depending on traffic. The Kiva Coffee shop is a nice spot to stop on the highway.

 

 

[johnlt]

It also shows up on Garmin City Navigator and is 39.2 miles. At about 25 miles, you intersect nf-154 (also dirt). If you go right, you end up back on hwy 24 west of Torrey. If you go left, you end up in Escalante.

[Albert]

If you're looking for something in the area that's a little "tamer" than what hopz is describing you might try the Burr Trail out of Boulder. It follows a remote route into some canyons that are pretty secluded but the road ("paved"), other than narrow, is not bad (or at least a few years ago it wasn't). I believe the pavement eventually ends when you reach Capitol Reef NP (maybe 30 miles in?) but we turned around before that. It was a very pleasant ride and easily doable on the RT, 2 up.

[hopz]

Burr Trail is one of the "must do" rides in the Torrey area.

 

The road is paved for the distance Albert said, then turns gravelley but passable. Runs all the way to the Highway to the East.. not clear if it is 95, or the turn-off to go to Lake Powell.

 

The paved part makes an interesting ride. Some great turn-outs for stopping and taking in the scenery. One slot canyon is very near the road and a great 100 yard walk if you have never been in a slot canyon in red rock canyon country.

 

If you come to the Torrey gathering you can be certain there will be guys going there.

[LBump]

If you're looking for something in the area that's a little "tamer" than what hopz is describing you might try the Burr Trail out of Boulder. It follows a remote route into some canyons that are pretty secluded but the road ("paved"), other than narrow, is not bad (or at least a few years ago it wasn't). I believe the pavement eventually ends when you reach Capitol Reef NP (maybe 30 miles in?) but we turned around before that. It was a very pleasant ride and easily doable on the RT, 2 up.

 

I think you would like it...

 

 

 

 

 

[Bullett]

I drove my Miata over the dirt road between Escalante and Boulder eight years ago. I haven't been motivated to ride a motorcycle over it. The condition of unpaved roads is quite variable and depends on weather and maintenance (there has been a lot of rain in Southern Utah this summer). A road that might be rough but navigable can become a loose, scary mess for a bike after the road crews go over it with a grader. Inquire locally before you ride the road.

[weld86]

Thanks to all that replied. Sounds like we will have to ride out and take a look ourselves to see what the current condition will be. If it's rough and nasty, we will turnaround and enjoy Hwy 12.