Planning a ghost town road trip to Notom, Utah means embracing what isn’t there. Settled in 1883 and once home to 23 Mormon families, Notom left behind no buildings, no foundations, and no storefronts—just open cattle ranchland and a small weathered cemetery near Capitol Reef’s eastern boundary. You’ll drive the rugged Notom-Bullfrog Road through dramatic Waterpocket Fold scenery, spotting mule deer and desert bighorn along the way. There’s more to this forgotten settlement than meets the eye.
Key Takeaways
- Notom is a ghost town in Wayne County, Utah, near Capitol Reef National Park’s eastern edge, settled by Mormon families in 1883.
- No structures remain at the townsite; only a small cemetery serves as a tangible relic of the original 23 families.
- Access Notom via the rugged Notom-Bullfrog Road, requiring a high-clearance vehicle, extra water, and fuel for the 30–35 mile route.
- Wildlife sightings along the route include mule deer, eagles, and desert bighorn sheep against the dramatic Waterpocket Fold backdrop.
- The Burr Trail junction, located 30–35 miles from Utah State Route 24, offers a key scenic stopping point along the journey.
Notom, Utah: Ghost Town on the Edge of Capitol Reef
Tucked into the rugged heart of Wayne County, Utah, Notom sits quietly on the eastern edge of Capitol Reef National Park, where the dramatic Waterpocket Fold shapes both the landscape and the backcountry roads that cut through it. You won’t find buildings, foundations, or residents here — it’s a ghost town in the truest sense, swallowed by time and converted into sprawling cattle ranch land.
Yet that emptiness is exactly what draws free-spirited travelers to this remote stretch. The Waterpocket Fold rises beside you like a geological timeline, raw and unapologetic.
Notom doesn’t offer comfort or convenience — it offers something rarer: unfiltered access to one of Utah’s most striking backcountry corridors, where the land speaks louder than anything a town ever could.
The Forgotten Settlement History of Notom
Before cattle ranchers claimed this land, Mormon families put down roots here in 1883, founding what they called Pleasant Creek. Postal authorities rejected that name, forcing a change to Pleasant Dale, then finally Notom — a word whose origin remains a mystery, though some researchers suspect a Native American history connection.
At its peak, twenty-three families built a genuine community here, carving out lives against Wayne County’s unforgiving terrain.
Today, nothing remains — no foundations, no walls, no markers commemorating their effort. Ghost town preservation proved impossible when the land shifted entirely to cattle ranching operations.
You’re fundamentally visiting an estimated location, a place where history evaporated completely. That erasure makes Notom uniquely haunting — the freedom to imagine what once stood here belongs entirely to you.
How To Drive Notom-Bullfrog Road From Capitol Reef to Bullfrog
To drive the Notom-Bullfrog Road, you’ll start at Capitol Reef National Park’s eastern boundary, where the pavement soon gives way to a rugged dirt road cutting through the Waterpocket Fold’s dramatic canyon terrain.
You’ll navigate roughly 30–35 miles of remote backcountry before reaching the Burr Trail junction, passing through stark desert landscapes that reward patient drivers with jaw-dropping geological scenery.
Push on to the road’s southern terminus and you’ll arrive at Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell, completing one of Utah’s most striking backcountry drives.
Starting At Capitol Reef
If you’re driving the Notom-Bullfrog Road from Capitol Reef to Bullfrog, you’ll want to begin at the junction of Utah State Route 24, where the pavement gives way to a rugged backcountry route that cuts south through the dramatic heart of the Waterpocket Fold.
This raw, untamed stretch rewards those who crave wide-open landscapes and genuine solitude.
- Scenic viewpoints emerge constantly as towering sandstone cliffs frame every turn.
- Wildlife encounters are common, with desert mule deer and eagles frequently spotted roadside.
- The ghost town of Notom sits roughly 5 miles south of UT-24.
- Burr Trail junction waits approximately 30–35 miles ahead, marking your southern milestone.
Pack extra water, fuel up before leaving Torrey, and embrace the unpaved freedom ahead.
Reaching Bullfrog Marina
Continuing south from the ghost town of Notom, you’ll follow the Notom-Bullfrog Road as it winds deeper into the raw backcountry of the Waterpocket Fold.
Eventually, it will deliver you to Bullfrog Marina on the shores of Lake Powell. The road stretches roughly 30–35 miles from the Burr Trail junction to Utah State Route 24, rewarding you with dramatic scenic viewpoints at nearly every turn.
You’ll pass through exposed canyon terrain where local wildlife — mule deer, golden eagles, and desert lizards — roam freely across the landscape.
The road’s remote, unpaved stretches demand a high-clearance vehicle, so plan accordingly.
Once you reach Bullfrog Marina, you’ll find boat rentals, fuel, and lodging waiting — a striking contrast to the untamed wilderness you’ve just crossed.
Notom Has No Buildings: Here’s What You’ll Actually Find
When you arrive at Notom, don’t expect crumbling foundations or weathered storefronts — no structures survive from the original settlement.
What you’ll find instead is a working cattle ranch sprawling across the former townsite, leaving you to guess at an estimated location where twenty-three families once built their lives.
A small cemetery occasionally appears on maps of the area, making it the only tangible connection you’ll discover to Notom’s 19th-century past.
Cattle Ranch Remains
Unlike many ghost towns where crumbling facades and weathered foundations reward curious visitors, Notom leaves almost nothing behind for you to find. Cattle ranching has completely swallowed the former settlement, erasing historical artifacts and replacing community life with open range.
What you’ll encounter today looks nothing like a traditional ghost town.
Here’s what actually greets you on-site:
- Wide-open pastureland stretching across the estimated settlement location
- Active cattle operation replacing any trace of the original twenty-three families
- No foundations, structures, or physical markers confirming former habitation
- An occasional cemetery representing the only tangible connection to Notom’s past
You’re fundamentally standing on working ranch property, imagining a vanished community beneath your boots. The land doesn’t whisper its history here — it keeps that story buried deep.
Cemetery Still Exists
Though Notom keeps nearly all its secrets buried beneath ranchland, one tangible remnant survives: the cemetery. Unlike the vanished homes and foundations, this modest burial ground offers you a rare physical connection to the twenty-three families who once shaped this remote Utah community.
Historical preservation efforts, however minimal, have kept this site recognizable amid the surrounding cattle ranch.
When you visit, approach respectfully and quietly — you’re stepping into both history and habitat. The open terrain surrounding the cemetery makes it an unexpected spot for wildlife observation, where ravens, raptors, and mule deer frequently move through undisturbed land.
You won’t find interpretive signs or fences, just weathered markers standing against the Waterpocket Fold’s dramatic backdrop. That raw, unmediated experience is exactly what draws freedom-seeking travelers to places like Notom.
Estimated Location Only
Where exactly do you plant your feet when a town has vanished entirely? With Notom, you’re working from an estimated location only — no markers, no foundations, no signage confirming you’ve arrived. That uncertainty is part of the adventure, giving you total freedom to explore on your own terms.
Here’s what you’ll actually experience at the site:
- Open ranchland stretching toward dramatic Waterpocket Fold scenic viewpoints
- Wildlife encounters with deer, ravens, and occasional desert predators crossing your path
- A quiet, unmarked landscape requiring your own navigation instincts
- Raw, unfiltered high desert terrain demanding respect and preparation
You’re fundamentally standing somewhere near where twenty-three families once built lives. That “somewhere” carries its own quiet power, connecting you directly to Utah’s untamed, forgotten history.
Best Stops Along the Waterpocket Fold Drive
Driving the Notom-Bullfrog Road along the Waterpocket Fold treats you to some of Utah’s most dramatic backcountry scenery, and a few key stops make the journey even more rewarding. Scenic overlooks along the route reveal the Fold’s twisted, colorful geology in stunning detail, so pull over often and take it all in.
Wildlife sightings are common here — watch for mule deer, eagles, and desert bighorn sheep roaming the rugged terrain.
The Burr Trail junction, roughly 30–35 miles from Utah State Route 24, marks a worthwhile pause before continuing your adventure. Heading north toward UT-24 connects you to Torrey, a lively gateway town perfect for resupplying.
Every mile of this route delivers raw, unfiltered desert beauty that rewards explorers willing to venture off the beaten path.
How To Use Notom-Bullfrog Road as a Capitol Reef Back Door
Few visitors realize that Notom-Bullfrog Road offers a stunning back-door entry into Capitol Reef National Park, bypassing the more trafficked western approaches entirely. You’ll access raw, unfiltered terrain that rewards curious travelers willing to leave pavement behind.
Notom-Bullfrog Road is Capitol Reef’s best-kept secret — raw, solitary, and entirely yours to discover.
- Navigate independently by heading north along Notom-Bullfrog Road until you intersect Utah State Route 24.
- Explore historical landmarks near Notom’s estimated settlement site, where twenty-three Mormon families once carved out a community in 1883.
- Pursue wildlife observation opportunities across open ranchland and canyon terrain where desert species thrive undisturbed.
- Connect westward via UT-24 toward Torrey, completing the celebrated “Loop the Fold” drive through dramatic Waterpocket Fold geology.
This route puts you in control, trading crowds for solitude and delivering Capitol Reef on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a High-Clearance Vehicle Required to Drive Notom-Bullfrog Road?
You’ll want a high-clearance vehicle for Notom-Bullfrog Road to meet vehicle requirements on this rugged backcountry route. Road safety depends on your rig’s capability, so don’t attempt it in a standard passenger car.
Are There Camping Sites Available Along the Notom-Bullfrog Road Route?
Forget five-star hotels — you’ll camp freely along Notom-Bullfrog Road! Dispersed sites let you sleep under Utah’s wild skies, but you’ll respect camping regulations and practice wildlife safety to keep your rugged adventure gloriously untamed.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Notom?
Spring and fall are your best seasons to visit Notom. You’ll enjoy mild temperatures, clear skies, and stunning desert landscapes. Avoid summer’s brutal heat and winter’s icy roads — these weather considerations make shoulder seasons ideal for exploring freely.
Is There Cell Phone Service Along the Notom-Bullfrog Road Corridor?
Like a signal lost in the wind, cell service vanishes along Notom-Bullfrog Road. You’ll find virtually no connectivity options in this remote corridor, so download offline maps and embrace the liberating digital silence before you go.
Are Pets Allowed on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and Surrounding Areas?
You’ll find pets are generally allowed along Notom-Bullfrog Road, but prioritize pet safety by keeping them leashed. The rugged terrain brings real wildlife encounters, so stay vigilant and protect your furry companion throughout this untamed adventure.
References
- https://kslnewsradio.com/all-news/utah-ghost-towns/1947650/
- https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Utah_Ghost_Towns
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Utah
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMi96a4IrCg
- https://capitolreefcountry.com/cities-towns/ghost-towns/
- https://capitolreefcountry.com/cities-towns/notom/
- https://travelingwithtom.com/whats-in-a-name-part-2/
