Hell's Backbone Road is a 38-mile (61 km) gravel road that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and connects the towns of Boulder, Utah and Escalante, Utah. Halfway along the road is Hell's Backbone Bridge, which is 109 feet (33 m) long, and 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. A 1,500-foot (460 m) drop is on either side. Near the bridge are views of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness. From late spring to autumn, the road, which climbs to more than 9,000 feet (2,750 m) elevation, is passable by ordinary passenger vehicles, but it is very narrow and winding.PutHell's Backbone Road into our Escalante trip app and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
Hell's Backbone Road is a high-country alternative to the paved Utah Scenic Byway 12, which also connects Boulder and Escalante, 27 road miles (44 km) apart.
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Hell's Backbone Road reviews
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The highlight is Hell’s Backbone Bridge which has a small pullout area to park and area to sit and rest. You can see all the way to Bryce and beyond. It’s a beautiful drive. You’ll also pass Calf...
The highlight is Hell’s Backbone Bridge which has a small pullout area to park and area to sit and rest. You can see all the way to Bryce and beyond. It’s a beautiful drive. You’ll also pass Calf... more »
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Wow! This is an amazing drive on top of the ridgeline, with a lot of twists and turns, but some of the best scenery in Utah off each side of your car. Be warned, however, there are no guardrails...
Wow! This is an amazing drive on top of the ridgeline, with a lot of twists and turns, but some of the best scenery in Utah off each side of your car. Be warned, however, there are no guardrails... more »
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