Boulder lies at the foot of Boulder Mountain and within areas of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Visitors who choose Boulder as a destination can focus their stay on hiking and landscapes or on archaeology. Part of the Boulder Mail Trail runs into Death Hollow; at Coombs Site, recovered artifacts and architecture reflect characteristics of the Ancestral Puebloans and the Fremont.

Landscapes on Boulder Mountain and in Death Hollow

Boulder Mountain has more than 80 lakes and ponds. Many can be reached via well-maintained gravel and dirt roads or short paths from the road. Access varies seasonally. If you are planning a visit to the lakes, take these seasonal differences into account when planning.

Part of the Boulder Mail Trail runs into Death Hollow. Waterfalls, deep pools, and alcoves lie along a year-round stream there. The mountain landscape and canyon are distinct natural themes associated with Boulder, without conflating them with a single route.

Archaeology at Coombs Site

Coombs Site lies near the presumed boundary between the Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont cultures. There are nearly 100 structures and rooms there, where up to 200 people are believed to have lived. The artifacts recovered at Coombs Site and its architecture reflect a blending of characteristics from both cultures. Elements of other branches of the Ancestral Puebloans have also been identified; they point to an extensive trade network. The presumed cultural boundary and evidence of exchange give the site a distinctive historical context.

Behind the Anasazi State Park Museum, a short trail with interpretive signs leads to a self-guided tour and continues past ruin walls and other structures. The trail links the interpretive signs with a loop past visible remains; for visitors interested in archaeological sites, this offers a different kind of exploration from a canyon hike.

Hiking Trail and Cycling Route

The Boulder Mail Trail was established in 1902 as a mail route traveled by pack animals, connecting Boulder Town with Escalante. Its trailhead is 3.2 miles southwest of the junction of UT 12 and Burr Trail Road in Boulder. When hiking, part of the trail runs into Death Hollow. Its historic purpose, route, and trailhead location are key points of reference for this hiking option.

For cyclists, a route follows Scenic Byway 12 from Escalante to Boulder. The one-way distance is 27 miles, with approximately 4,000 feet of elevation gain. After the summit, a two-mile descent leads to Boulder. Route details may vary depending on road conditions; check them before setting out.

There are no other services on the cycling route between Escalante and Boulder apart from Kiva Koffeehouse. Since availability may change, check which services are available for your ride before setting out. The hiking route has a historic mail connection and runs partly into the canyon; the cycling route is described by its one-way distance, elevation gain, and descent. This makes it possible to first decide what kind of activity you want to shape your stay around.

Historical Milestones in Motor Travel

In 1939, the completion of a road that was passable year-round made it possible to drive to Boulder from the south and west. The northern section of Highway 12 over Boulder Mountain was paved in 1985. Both dates mark historical milestones in the development of road access to the town.

Discover more destinations: Cannonville, Henrieville, Bryce Canyon, Ticaboo, Panguitch, Escalante, Hatch, Tropic.

For the main travel overview: Garfield.