The sandstone slabs just above Hell’s Backbone Bridge provide a spectacular view of Sand Creek and the Box-Death Wilderness Area. The original bridge was built as a heavy timer structure with local pines in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, as a public works project during the Great Depression. It was in use until the 1960’s when it began to groan and squeak under vehicular traffic. It was replaced in 2005 with the current steel and concrete bridge. Hell’s Backbone Road was also built by the CCC and was the first road to connect the town of Boulder with Escalante. In places it is steep and exposed, providing dramatic views down into very rugged canyons. Today the 38 mile road is prized as a scenic drive. Unsettled mid-May weather provided unseasonably cool temperatures and dramatic brooding clouds.