The second half of Capitol Reef’s Loop the Fold route explores Burr Trail’s winding canyons, sweeping slickrock, and dramatic switchbacks. This section captures diverse rock formations and stunning views before reconnecting with Highway 24.
The Loop the Fold Route in Capitol Reef National Park is a scenic, backcountry journey that highlights some of Utah's most extraordinary desert landscapes. This loop takes you through rugged canyons, remote valleys, and along the famed Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long warp in the Earth's crust. The route is an ideal way to experience Capitol Reef’s diverse geological wonders away from the crowds, making it popular among adventurous travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Starting clockwise from Capitol Reef’s visitor center, the Loop the Fold Route begins by heading south on Notom-Bullfrog Road. This road traces the base of the Waterpocket Fold, a striking geological wrinkle in the Earth's crust that defines Capitol Reef’s landscape. As you drive, you’ll see layers of red, white, and buff sandstone rising steeply to the west, their colors and textures shifting with the changing light. This eastern side of the park feels remote and rugged, and Notom-Bullfrog Road offers some of the best views of the Waterpocket Fold’s unique formations, including cliffs, domes, and narrow ridges.
Farther south, the route becomes more adventurous as it nears Burr Trail Road. Here, the road climbs through a series of steep, tight switchbacks, bringing you up to the Strike Valley Overlook. This viewpoint is a highlight of the drive, offering expansive views of the Waterpocket Fold stretching for miles. From this vantage, you get a true sense of the geological forces that shaped the area, with layers of rock dramatically folded and uplifted millions of years ago. The overlook is a great spot to take in Capitol Reef’s grand scale and intricate landforms.
As you turn west on Burr Trail Road, the scenery transforms again. The road weaves through narrow sandstone canyons and along sweeping slickrock, with views of colorful rock layers that make Capitol Reef so distinct. The rock formations in this area are eroded into fascinating shapes, creating a labyrinth of narrow passageways and towering walls. Burr Trail Road then heads into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before reentering Capitol Reef, offering a diverse experience of Utah’s desert landscapes.
The loop completes by rejoining Highway 24 and heading back north toward the visitor center, providing a peaceful drive along the Fremont River. This section of the route is more leisurely, with sights like historic orchards, petroglyph panels, and river-cut canyons. Though this final stretch is gentler, it offers a serene contrast to the wild, rugged beauty encountered along the route. Overall, the clockwise journey on the Loop the Fold Route showcases Capitol Reef’s incredible geological variety, from massive folds and colorful canyons to quiet river valleys, making it a truly unforgettable drive.
VIDEO FILMED: 07/29/2024
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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!
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