Notom-Bullfrog Road
Region: Capitol Reef | Land Manager: BLM and National Park Service (Capitol Reef backcountry) | Cost: Free
The Waterpocket Fold, the terrain the Notom-Bullfrog Road runs alongside. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Notom-Bullfrog Road runs along the eastern edge of Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold, from Highway 24 down toward Lake Powell, with dispersed camping options both on BLM land near the start and in designated backcountry zones once you're inside the park boundary.
Quick Facts
| Distance from Torrey | About 10 miles east on Highway 24, then south on Notom Road |
| Road & Clearance | Graded dirt for much of its length, becomes rougher and more remote further south; high clearance recommended past the pavement |
| Rig Suitability | Tents, vans, and high-clearance vehicles; not for large RVs beyond the first stretch |
| Amenities | None |
| Cell Signal | None for most of the route |
| Best Season | Spring and fall |
| Stay Limit | 14 days on BLM sections; park backcountry camping rules apply once inside Capitol Reef |
Map
Getting There
From Torrey, head east on Highway 24 about 10 miles, then turn south onto Notom Road, which becomes Notom-Bullfrog Road as it runs alongside the Waterpocket Fold toward Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. Dispersed sites on BLM land appear near the northern stretch, with designated backcountry camping available once you're inside the park.
What to Expect
Dramatic views of the Waterpocket Fold's tilted rock layers running for miles, with far fewer visitors than Capitol Reef's main scenic drive near the visitor center. This is remote, quiet country, plan accordingly with extra fuel and water.
Good to Know
Once you cross into the national park boundary along this road, standard BLM dispersed camping rules no longer apply, camping inside Capitol Reef requires following NPS backcountry regulations, so check current rules with the park before setting up. The road can wash out after storms; check conditions before a long trip down it.
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