Hell's Backbone Loop

Boulder was arguably Utah's last frontier town as it is isolated, remote, and spectacular. Until 1933, the mail was delivered by mules capable of traversing the rough terrain of the area as no roads had been built to the tiny hamlet. As part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's 'New Deal' to relieve record unemployment during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps was established, and building a road from Escalante to Boulder was a massive task given to four camps assigned to the area. The goal seemed nearly impossible given the deep canyons of the Escalante Staircase and the impassable ridges and ravines of Boulder Mountain, but regardless, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) carved the 38-mile road along Hell's Backbone that included a 109-foot wooden bridge with a 1500-foot drop on each side (along with 22 other bridges). Today, a more modern structure has replaced the wooden bridge, but the breathtaking drop and amazing views remain as you stare directly into the heart of the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area. The easy, scenic drive through the Dixie National Forest is a visual delight, making for a fantastic family-friendly adventure that can easily be turned into an overnight stay at one of many dispersed campsites or local improved campgrounds.