Location: Boulder
Top Things to do in Boulder
Top Restaurants in Boulder
What to do and see in Boulder, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Boulder is a town in Garfield County, Utah, United States, 27 miles (44 km) northeast of Escalante on Utah Scenic Byway 12 at its intersection with the Burr Trail. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 226, a modest increase over the 2000 figure of 180.
Restaurants in Boulder
1. Devils Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
A designated area that offers a 7.2 mile loop in a natural park in Utah.
Reviewed By suzieFortCollins - Fort Collins
This is a great spot to stop along the Hole and the Rock road. This is really not a destination in its self due to the fact you have to drive 12 miles down a dirt road which is washboard and rough in some places. But if you already are driving the road for other hikes it is a must stop.
2. Burr Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 202 reviews
Old cattle trail which is accessible by 4WD vehicles.
Reviewed By Michael K - Salt Lake City, Utah
I can't believe how hard it was for me to find Burr Trail on TripAdvisor, and it just floors me that it is not included among "Things to Do" in Boulder. Hello - Burr Trail starts in Boulder, and traverses what is the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The road is paved and well maintained, but no shoulders, and in fact some really rough edges. Make sure you don't wander off. The first 10 miles goes through terrain reminiscent of a mini-Zion National Park. Then the road descends steeply through a brilliantly yellow cottonwood grove to enter the absolutely stunning Long's Canyon - steep red rock walls with infinite patterns on both sides of the road. About a half mile into the canyon is the slot canyon others have mentioned. The landmark for it is a Giant Cottonwood tree and an almost as big dead cottonwood tree. The entrance to the slot canyon is about 100 feet from the road, and the canyon itself only about 100 feet long. But it gives you a real feel of being in a slot canyon, and quite easy to get to. The color of the rocks walls begins to change as you near the end of Long's Canyon.
Contrary to what one other reviewer said, don't turn around here. Drive at least the next 14 miles of paved road over the pampas to enter Capitol Reef National Park, right where the paved road turns to gravel. Since I wasn't in the right car, I only went about a mile on this road, just to get to a place where I could see a 180º view of the whole expanse of the park. I would have liked to continue to the switchbacks, but again, not the right car for it.
On the way back across the pampas, the views of Grand Staircase Escalante are so awesome looming over the lonely road, I stopped to take pictures every couple of minutes.
By the way, when you stop in the middle of the road to take a picture, you get to take your time and enjoy the quiet and the solitude. It is very rare that another car comes along in either direction. Truly a magical place!
3. Highway 12 Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 418 reviews
This 122-mile route, located in the southwestern region of the state, passes Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument.
Reviewed By Phillip R - Nashville, United States
We traveled from Bryce Canyon National Park to Arches National Park in March 2018. GPS recommended a different route, but locals recommended the Scenic 12 route. It was breath taking. It is slow and curvy but worth every minute. We were saying "WOW" every time we turned a corner. Our 16 year old grand daughter was with us and could not believe her eyes.
4. Earth Tours Southern Utah
Overall Ratings
5 based on 42 reviews
Most importantly, our tours are fun!! Based in Boulder (Utah) for nearly 15 years, Earth Tours offers small group (<5 guests) and private tours of southern Utah - focusing on the Escalante Canyons and Capitol Reef. Dozens of secret hiking routes offer adventures with solitude. Our comfortable SUV accesses remote trailheads or comfortably transports less-active folks on Scenic Driving Tours. We customize each tour to ideally suit the interests and abilities of our guests.
Reviewed By Richard N - Keystone, Colorado
Keith Watts was the expert guide you are looking for on a private tour of Escalante slot canyons off the tourist path. Fantastic depth of knowledge of Escalante + flora,fauna, and especially geology. The secret slot canyons was the highlight of our week in Utah parks. From geology professor (PHD) to National Park ranger Keith has breadth and depth of this area, but many other places we have visited in the past.....much in common. Highly recommended.
5. Anasazi Indian Village State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Park has a self-guided trail through a village that was inhabited a thousand years ago.
Reviewed By Robert R
This up-to-date museum has informative exhibits, a large outdoor archaeological "dig" exhibit, excellent book selection, and (according to my wife) superb Southwestern jewelry at reasonable prices. There is even a food truck outside. My wife and I have been there twice over the past decade, and it just gets better.
6. Vermillion Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
South of Zion National Park, this area is recommended.
Reviewed By Amelia H - Ventura, California
Vermilion Cliffs is a fairly new National Monument, thanks to Bill Clinton who created this during the last days he was in office. thank you Bill! This is an incredible area, so colorful, so vast, and so different from any other places on earth. Everywhere you drive in Southwest Utah and Northwest Arizona yields bountiful views of these cliffs, they are spectacular and not to be missed
7. Hell's Backbone Ranch and Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By BugsyInverGrove_Mn_ - Inver Grove, Mn.
A friend and fellow horsewomen and I took a trip this Aug. to ride and site see. I had researched all the riding establishments in the area and chose Hell's Backbone, and I am sure glad I did!!!!! When ever I am on vacation I try to find a place to ride, but this was the best one yet! We took the half-day ride and it was the most different riding experience I have ever had ! You ride up and down shear slip stone walls and the view was awesome!!! It is a little out of the way, but worth the trip. V.Z.
8. Utah Slickrock Guides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Hike with us in wild, remote Utah. We’re the authors of "Hiking from Here to WOW: Utah Canyon Country.” But we’ve decrypted many cross-country dayhikes we’ll never publicize. The scenery is national-park quality. And the solitude is delicious. Few hikers realize that Boulder is to slickrock hiking what Moab is to slickrock biking. What they miss here is astonishing. Let us show you.
Reviewed By Ladd S - Salida, Colorado
Craig and Skye led us on three hikes--all proprietary--to some of the most extraordinary scenery I've ever experienced. You could not find these on your own...really. They are very knowledgeable about the area, and excellent hiking companions--talkative if you are and quiet as well to allow you to inhale the beauty of this area. Importantly, they take the time to understand both what you're looking for and vitally what you're capable of doing. At first, I was a bit thrown by the cost, but now having done the hikes, they are well worth that expenditure and more.
9. Escalante Canyon Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
This full-service outfitter leads trips in the Escalante Canyons.
Reviewed By dghSantaFe - Santa Fe,NM
I've taken two trips with these folks (2007and 2008), and each time I've been thoroughly pleased with their professionalism, organization and knowledge. I'll book a trip again with them in 2009. On both trips there were three very friendly and helpful staff for six participants. They made sure all of us received helpful attention appropriate to our respective skill and athletic abilities. Their knowledge of the geology, biology, archaeology and recent human impact of the region is exceptional. I've done a lot of hiking in the backcountry in New Mexico and Utah, and these folks are the best! I highly recommend them for anyone interested in exploring the many Escalante River canyons, Henry Mountains and Waterpocket Fold areas of Capitol Reef National Park in Southern Utah.
10. Circle Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
An especially scenic portion of the Grand Staircase National Monument.
Reviewed By Mike45992 - Reno, Nevada
The Circle Cliffs is an area that is surrounded (270 degrees) by tall sandstone cliffs. It is like being in a sedimentary rock stockaded. The east is against the Water Pocket Fold up-swell, the north is Capital Reef/Boulder Mt. and west are the cliffs east of the Escalante River. A broad plateau is contained within that is paved with sedimentary sandstone of varying types, eroded by periodic run-offs. Wooded by pinion and juniper. It is the access area to Twisty Mule Canyon, Horse Canyon, Wolverine Canyon and Little Death Hollow. Good dirt road that is probably mush after a rain. If dry a 2 wheel drive with higher clearance can navigate. Camping is in primitive sites and you are asked to only camp where others have camped before. You will not be crowded or provided any services like water, toilets or tee shirts. You will get a big-sky kind of eye-full. Great place to explore, go for a ride, hike, and explore. Take everything you need.
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