Getting Oriented
The Bull Creek Pass Backcountry Byway is a 68-mile loop through the Henry Mountains in southern Utah, set between Capitol Reef National Park to the west and Canyonlands National Park to the east. The route is BLM-managed and accessed from State Route 95, 21 miles south of Hanksville. The range is widely cited as the last in the contiguous United States to be named by federal surveyors, taking its name from Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
Trail Overview
The byway is a single-lane dirt road for its full length, with rough sections, steep grades, and blind curves throughout. The route ascends from the desert floor (~4,300 feet at Hanksville) through badlands and exposed sandstone, into pinyon-juniper, then ponderosa pine and Engelmann spruce forest, topping out at Bull Creek Pass at 10,485 feet. Two developed campgrounds sit on or near the byway: McMillan Springs and Lonesome Beaver, both within the higher-elevation forested zone.
The alpine sections are typically passable from June through September. Snow can close the pass into early summer and again in late fall. Wet weather makes the dirt surface difficult; high-clearance is recommended in all conditions, and four-wheel drive is useful when wet.
Wildlife
The Henry Mountains support one of only four free-roaming bison herds on public land in the United States. The herd was established in 1941 with bison transplanted from Yellowstone and now numbers several hundred animals. Other species inhabiting the range include mule deer, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, mountain lion, and black bear.
Where to Camp
- McMillan Springs Campground sits directly on the byway in ponderosa-pine forest. First-come, first-served.
- Lonesome Beaver Campground is a short distance north of McMillan Springs, also in the higher-elevation forest belt.
Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land along the byway outside developed campgrounds, subject to standard Leave No Trace practices.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Plan for the elevation range. The route covers nearly 6,000 feet of vertical. Bring layers and water; weather differs sharply between the desert and the pass.
- Carry supplies. Hanksville is the only nearby town, and there is no fuel, food, or water on the byway itself.
- Check road conditions. The BLM Henry Mountains Field Station at (435) 542-3461 can confirm closures and surface conditions before you go.
- Watch for bison. The herd is wild and will not always yield. Give animals wide berth, especially during the autumn rut.
