The San Rafael Swell

The San Rafael Swell of central Utah is considered by many to be one of the most unique, rugged, and beautiful geology in the western United States. Spanning from Price to Hanksville and Emery to Green River, this colorful sandstone triangle brings out the adventurer in all of us. You can raft the San Rafael River, mountain bike the innumerable single tracks, explore pictographs and petroglyphs, horseback through the red rock, or kick back in a remote campsite. But the miles and miles of offroad trails running through desert juniper forests onto dry and arid plateaus before descending to cottonwood-lined rivers is the largest draw. Behind the Reef may be the hidden gem of the magnificent Swell. Behind the Reef traces along the huge jutting San Rafael Reef, the eastern wall of the Swell. The dichotomy of jaw-dropping and conflicting views adds to the uniqueness of this remote meandering red track. Looking west, you feel like you are on top of the world, an eagle's perspective of the vast sandstone solitude below. To the east, towering cliffs remind you just how small you really are in this endless stony landscape. What will you find Behind the Reef?

With a name like Devil's Racetrack, you expect a thrill ride or sense of danger. That's partially true for this iconic Utah trail. There are a couple of rock-crawling obstacles near the edge of a shear cliff but nothing like the trails in Moab. The endless panoramas of distant arches and rock spires along the entire route keep you occupied between the rocky challenges. The trail's most iconic section is along The Razorback, a rocky stretch that tilts the driver off-camber while traversing a narrow spine high above the canyons below. The northern portion of the route crosses grassy meadows with the Twin Priest's rock spire as a backdrop.

Wild Horse Road is a visually stimulating treat of quintessential Utah landscapes. Starting just past the towering form of Factory Butte, this offroad trail takes you through the distinct features of Little Wild Horse Mesa, Little Wildhorse Canyon, the San Rafael Swell, and Goblin Valley. Encapsulated between more popular offroad areas of 'The Swell,' Capital Reef National Park, and Moab, this trail is lightly used by comparison and feels utterly remote. If the stunning visual scenery isn't enough, add a river crossing, winding washes to navigate, and your pick of dispersed campsites - and Wild Horse Road may quickly become a new favorite for you.

Buckhorn Draw is your gateway trail into one of America's truly majestic landscapes. The San Rafael Swell is an "Adventurers Paradise", offering unique opportunities to explore narrow canyons, track a dinosaur, camp under a "Dark Sky", and see world-famous Native American artwork all on the same trail. The easy access on gravel allows all types of adventurous travelers to get far back into the backcountry while still being on a maintained county road. With campsites lining the entire route, the toughest part of the ride will be choosing where to put down stakes.

Black Dragon Canyon has amazing Native American pictographs. These rock art pictographs are considered among the best in Central Utah. This trail combines incredible history, amazing high canyon walls, and even a few challenging obstacles along the way. The end of the trail is very close to the freeway and Green River, so you can stock up for a long day out in the Swell.

The iconic destinations along Eagle Canyon are pictured all over Utah, from signs to merchandise and even on TV. There is no end to all of the history to be learned or the sights to be seen from this incredible trail. Running through the center of the San Rafael Swell, this short canyon has an arch, elevated viewpoints, a historic walk to a refrigerator of times past, and a cabin housing a family with a significant history in the Swell. Be sure to find your way into Eagle Canyon next time you are venturing around this incredible region.

While standing at Fixit Pass, take a moment to absorb the breathtaking scenery and congratulate yourself for safely climbing the trail's notable narrow shelf road. The towering white buttes are abundant along the entire route. Using your imagination, the rocky spires create different shapes as you travel past. There are praying hands, a dinosaur, and deep indentations in the white sandstone cliffs. Fixit Pass is required but an excellent addition when connecting with North Fork of Coal Wash, Nielsen Dugway, or Cane Wash.

This beautiful off-road trail acts as a shortcut from Buckhorn Draw Road over to Fixit Pass. Wash roads in the San Rafael Swell are abundant, but this one has a few extra features along its edges such as hikes and abandoned mines. This wash has some incredible scenery as it takes you from the more green area near Locomotive Point into the barren desert along the central portion of Buckhorn Draw Road. If you feel like taking a dip, you can even reach the San Rafael River via Fuller Bottom. What this wash lacks in obstacles, it makes up for in scenery. This off-road trail will get you deep into the network of trails within the San Rafael Swell providing days of endless excitement and scenery to view.

The San Rafael Swell in Central Utah is famous for its unique geography and incredible diversity. Boasting multiple dark sky parks, pictograph and petroglyph panels, the world-famous Goblin Valley, and the Wedge (Mini Grand Canyon), the San Rafael Swell is one not to miss. In the northern portion of the Swell, the San Rafael River carves its way from Emery County 90 miles southeast, where it meets with the Green River shortly before it joins up with the Colorado River. Along the river banks is Fuller Bottom, an "oasis" within the arid climate of the San Rafael Swell. Lush with vegetation, Fuller Bottom is accessed by a relatively easy offroad trail from the north and the south. Most visitors come in from the north due to the easy access from the intersecting Wedge Overlook and Buckhorn Wash trails. Coming in from the south requires you to cross the San Rafael River, which may not be an easy task based on when you expect to be traveling. Although this trail, in particular, may not boast of any specific interests aside from Fuller Bottom itself and the river crossing, it is worth the drive! Fuller Bottom gives you access to the petroglyphs and pictographs along Buckhorn Wash to the north and the incredible network of trails to the south, such as Devil's Racetrack, Fixit Pass, Eagle Canyon, or North Fork of Coal Wash.

Whether beginning or ending your adventure into the San Rafael Swell with the Nielsen Dugway trail, the yellow and orange sherbet cliffs are always a wonderful backdrop. The few challenges do little to distract from the views of towering rock buttes that poke out behind the Ponderosa Pines and Rocky Mountain Juniper trees that line the trail. The contrasting layers of the sandstone cliffs are incredibly vibrant along this specific trail within The Swell. Set up basecamp near the southern trailhead to explore all the historic stops this region offers.

The Wickiups' red cone peak acts as a beacon on the San Rafael Swell landscape. Passing along the base of the colorfully layered mountain, this trail plots a course through desert junipers, pinyon pine, and several colonies of rare cacti. Eventually, the trail breaks out of the trees and opens to vast open plains with expansive views of the surrounding sandstone buttes and spires. The north end of The Wickiup connects with Oil Well Flat and many other scenic trails within The Swell.

The name "Wickiup' derives from the similarly shaped dwellings of early American Indians. The mountain is primarily made up of Sinbad Limestone, dating back to the Triassic era, approximately 200 million years ago. There is a quick but difficult "climbing" trail to the top of the peak.

Nestled in the heart of the San Rafael Swell in central Utah, the Locomotive Point trail travels across the picturesque flats known as The Head of Sinbad. Besides the epic canyon camping, this trail has two worthy attractions. The Locomotive Point Pictograph Panel and the Head of Sinbad Pictograph Panel are painted on the walls of the towering sandstone formation for which the trail is named. These Barrier Canyon-style pictographs are estimated to be 1500 to 4000 years old. A quick diversion from the Interstate instantly transports you into a beautiful, rugged landscape with hidden gems around every corner.

West of Factory Butte is Factory Bench which hosts the uber-popular Skyline View camping area. Skyline View overlooks an otherworldly landscape of multi-hued bentonite hills. Often referred to as the Moonscape Overlook, this place looks so unearthly that it hosts the Mars Research Station. Sunsets and sunrises from the campsites scattered along the edge of Factory Bench are amazing. The northernmost spur has large flat campsites and is the most popular. Smaller campsites further south offer more privacy. The BLM roads that make up this trail are ordinarily easy to drive but will become quite difficult after heavy rains.

South Fork Coal Wash, nestled within the stunning San Rafael Swell, captivates visitors with its striking beauty and geological wonders. This remote and awe-inspiring canyon, located in central Utah, showcases towering cliffs, intricate rock formations, and a vibrant array of colors. With its natural beauty, South Fork Coal Wash stands as a captivating testament to the remarkable landscapes found within the San Rafael Swell. This trail is also run in conjunction with Eva Conover to make for a full day of exploring such an amazing area.

Situated at the southern end of the San Rafael Swell, the Temple Mine is a scenic trip along a ridgeline with inspiring views of Temple Mountain. There are several mining areas to explore. This remote, historic, and seldom traveled route is perfect for the adventurer looking for the hidden nooks and crannies of the San Rafael Swell.

Oil Well Flat is a fun, offroad trail within the heart of what is truly a natural wonder, the San Rafael Swell. The shifting terrain is sure to keep you wondering what’s around the next bend. You’ll wind through junipers and bobbing slopes of colored sandstone. Beyond a clearing in the trees, the trail parallels the towering sandstone cliffs and towers. Spring and fall are prime seasons to visit, when temperatures are moderate. Ideal for beginners, combining this trail with both The Wickiup and Round Knoll creates a wonderful loop around this mesmerizing landscape.

An ideal beginner's route and an excellent addition to The Wickiup, Round Knoll is a meandering scenic route named after a nearby natural flat-top mesa. The route twists, bumps, and drops across varied terrain with lush high desert vegetation. Desert junipers and pinyon pine patches are dense, while shrubs of black brush, rabbitbrush, and several colonies of rare cacti line the route. The northern portion of the route has ever-expansive views of colorful sandstone buttes and spires.

Rods Valley Road is a nice mild trail winding its way through the south end of the San Rafael Swell in Central Utah. This trail provides easy access to a number of trails in the area as well as a good route to take you from the south end, up to I70 and the north end of the Swell.

Wild Horse Canyon is an excellent way to continue your Behind the Reef overland adventure into the San Rafael Swell. Ideal for stock type 4x4s, the trail climbs over 1200' from Behind The Reef to sprawling meadows where herds of wild horses are seen grazing. The trail crosses meadow valleys where wild herds spend their days. Wild horses and burros have occupied the region since the Spanish Trail days in the early 1800's. The trail has a few rocky sections that require 4x4, durable tires, and high clearance; however, there are no hard obstacles, steep hill climbs, or extremely narrow ledges. The camping is pretty limited, and only a couple of small pull-off-type sites were found along the route.

Continuing your Behind The Reef adventure through Little Wild Horse Canyon may be the adrenaline boost your overland trip needed. With two choices at the end of Behind the Reef trail, Little Wild Horse is the difficult option for reaching the higher elevations within the San Rafael Swell. The trail winds through a rocky wash before climbing along narrow, steep, rocky ledges. A few hills are long, loose rock, requiring low-range gearing, offroad tires, and a confident driver. The views of the colorful reef, buttes, and canyons go on for miles as you wind your way up to the meadows on top of The Swell. There were no established campsites found along this challenging trail.

Last Chance Road easily transports you 26 miles into Utah's remote backcountry, where the spires, cliffs, and mountain views will have you saying, "Wow" around every corner—the gravel washboard road winds through several canyons on tight corners and along cliff edges. You will drive for miles across prairies rimmed with towering cliff walls and have abundant choices of private primitive camping. The numerous short offshoots offer semi-secluded camping for a couple of vehicles with tents. The views at every campsite are amazing. The trail connects in the south with the Cathedral Valley Loop trail and numerous other trails with days' worth of scenery to be wowed by. Your vehicle must be very dependable and durable for offroad travel. In dry conditions, the entire route is passable in 2WD. There are no washouts or deep ruts unless driving in the mud, which makes it nearly impassable. Overprepare for the desert with extra fuel, water, and a good working spare tire.

Travel across a beautiful landscape, twisting through pine trees and picturesque meadows before ending at a sandstone wall covered in ancient rock art. Prickly Pear Panel is a well-preserved Native American artwork display along a fun 4x4 trail. The trail leading out and back to the panel is an ideal route for stock 4x4s. There are mild challenges along the way that keep things exciting enough to keep pushing forward to the unique reward at the end. Long stretches of two-track zig-zag across grasslands, steep and soft dunes climb through pine trees, and there's primitive camping far away from the crowds. The rock art near the trail's end is estimated to have been painted around 2,000 years ago by the early Native American "Barrier Canyon Culture." These creative archaic people were hunter-gatherers, living in area caves or more temporary brush shelters. The red pigment was created using powdered hematite found in the surrounding landscape and likely mixed with animal fat, eggs, or other fluid as a binder. Paintbrushes were their fingers or brushes made from animal fur or prairie grasses. The course sandstone has absorbed the natural pigment, preserving it for thousands of years.

Price River Road is a welcoming backcountry road through a corner of this secluded desert region of Utah. While traveling along Highway 6, you can detour onto this enjoyable, maintained gravel road. The trail can be completed in 2WD in dry conditions. However, there is one bumpy crossing and soft sand crossing at the train trestle. This can be cautiously completed by all overland and camper van-type vehicles. The camping is pretty limited along this route. Only one established rock fire ring was found. Private ranches line the northern sections of the route; please respect the fence and boundary markers. Connecting the trail to Buried Forest and back on East Mounds Road makes for a scenic trail ride with an exciting hike in the middle.

Wood Canyon is a difficult and long crossing along the west rim of the San Rafael Swell upheaval. You will cross prairies and zig-zag through trees, all with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The views are best enjoyed traveling south to north. Along the trail, there are various challenges for stock and slightly modified 4x4 vehicles. The trail has two difficult hills that lead to a narrow rocky canyon. You will need experience on remote and difficult trails and have a reliable and durable vehicle with low-range gearing and durable offroad tires. Camping is found in the trees on the southern portion of the route. The sites are small, with one vehicle max.

It doesn't get much better than sitting on the edge, drinking your morning coffee while the sun rises over the Little Grand Canyon. This easy out-and-back trail has countless free campsites right on the canyon's edge, or you can choose a camp tucked back in trees across the trail from the cliffs. There are breathtaking views all along the route. The trail becomes rougher the further you travel out to the three overlook points. Each overlook offers a different view down into the canyon, where the San Rafael River cuts through the earth. To reach the final point, you'll need 4x4 and high clearance.

This offroad trail crosses a dead flat plateau of hard-packed, grayish bentonite clay, with views of Factory Butte, the most recognizable feature in the immediate area. It is bordered by Capitol Reef to the west, the Henry Mountains to the south, San Rafael Swell to the north, and the San Rafael Desert to the east. This road gives you access to a vast network of four-wheel drive routes within the Factory Butte OHV system as well as the open OHV areas. It can also be used to connect to Wild Horse Road, which takes you all the way to Goblin Valley on dirt. This is a relatively maintained dirt road, with a few small patches of bumps after rain storms. 2WD and high clearance will be plenty under dry conditions. However, due to the bentonite, 4WD will be required if the trail is wet, but it is advised to avoid it altogether if there is heavy rain in the forecast. Camping is available in many locations, all in the form of dispersed camping. Interestingly, some scenes of Disney's "John Carter" were filmed in the factory butte area.

Caineville Reef Road provides you with a cut-over from Cathedral Valley Loop to Factory Butte Road (north of the Factory Butte geologic feature). The trail directly follows the North Caineville Reef and Mesa, snaking through an area that may surprise you with the stark difference of surface features on either side of you. In some sections of the trail, a gray, moon-scape-like terrain will be on your right, while pink and red-hued rock is a head-turn to your left.

Although no camping is found along this trail, it does lead to Factory Butte Road, which gives you access to the Factory Butte OHV Area and Skyline Rim, where open dispersed camping is available.

Much of Caineville Reef Road travels in a wash, meaning conditions can change quickly, turning this trail from easily traversable to a nightmare mud pit. This trail should be considered Impassable When Wet. The general area is well-known for the extremely sticky mud that forms when rain and snow soak the ground.

Smith Camp Road is a maintained gravel road that accesses numerous other scenic routes within the San Rafael Swell region. As you drive along, note how the landscape changes dramatically from the flat plain. The route quickly travels to an old ranch site with a couple of structures still standing. You will also pass a massive area for a free group campsite. Be sure to combine this with Cottonwood Canyon Road and the petroglyphs at Waypoint 08, then onto Green River Cutoff to create a memorable day on the trail.

The epitome of "the further you go, the harder it gets" type trail, Humbug Mountain, begins as an easy gravel road, leading past the Jurassic National Monument site, before climbing up difficult rocky passes at almost 6500' and a breathtaking overlook. Early along the route, signs mark the various sediment layers containing prehistoric bones. Much more information is available at the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, a marked turn along the route.

The trail remains easy and passable for cars until around the 12-mile point. After that, you need 4x4 low-range, high-clearance, and durable tires to reach the trail end. The climb up the mountain is rough and not for inexperienced drivers or under-equipped vehicles. The area is very remote. The ledges are very narrow. Rock slides can occur. Large rocks must be driven over or moved from the trail. The final 8 miles of the route are very scenic as you climb high above the desert, with views of the Price River and Stove Gulch below.

Early along the route, there are large areas where groups can be found camping. Along the easy section, before the steep climb begins, two pull-off trails lead to excellent primitive camping in the boulders. Both areas are interesting to explore on foot.

You will wonder what the travelers think as they watch you drive under I-70, out in this desolate landscape. It's a rare opportunity to drive across an interstate median, but it's legal and a creative link on your overland adventure across the San Rafael Swell. The moderate 6.4-mile trail takes about an hour to cross the seemingly endless desert flats. The dirt is soft, and there are countless deep washouts; a few can swallow an entire vehicle. Please use caution since they sneak up on you. A couple of the washouts have become so large you have to detour around them. The two tunnels under the interstate are large enough for full-size vehicles and rooftop tents. The camping is in the wide open and very exposed to the area's frequent winds. However, there is one protected site at the start of the gravel road, behind the large gravel mound, on the northern section of the trail.

Camping and more camping is the best way to describe Desert Lake Road. This well-maintained gravel and dirt road is the main access route into the San Rafael Swell from the north. The trail travels across wide-open prairie while approaching the base of Cedar Mountain. Once you're around the foothills, the boulders along the eastern edge of the trail contain numerous free campsites. Many primitive campsites have large open areas for groups or RV campers. Smaller sites are hidden back in the boulders, making an ideal basecamp while exploring the Swell.

Three Fingers is a popular petroglyph site on the edge of the San Rafael Swell. The site is named for a specific piece of art with three fingers. The artwork is quite impressive, with numerous characters unique to this site. This easy out and back trail travels to a small parking area for hiking to the rock art site. The trail is easy enough for all stock 4x4s with high clearance and durable tires. This dirt road is not for passenger cars. A couple of deep washouts and ruts could cause low clearance 2WD vehicles to become high-centered. The walk to the rock art is about 100 yards beyond the parking area. Stay to the right as you walk into the canyon and start looking at the solid rock ground and walls. Be careful as you walk to help preserve the site; the petroglyphs are in the rock under your feet. There were not any campsites found along this trail. Please do not camp in the parking area.

In the far northern region of the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area, Jurassic Flats is a unique, rambling journey across a varied and rugged landscape with a unique beauty and wealth of natural history. Buried under various layers of sediment lies millions of years of bones and other organic surprises. Before traveling to this remote trail, the nearby Jurassic National Monument is an excellent place to begin your journey. Combining the route with Humbug Mountain creates a scenic loop around this colorful landscape.

The trail is ideal for stock to slightly modified vehicles. The trail has a few sections in rocky washes, with the big boulders cleared out of the way, but things can always change. Low-range 4x4, high-clearance, and durable offroad-type tires are required. The western portion is wide-open prairies along old fences, while the eastern portion is in the rocky canyons. Camping can be found near the western trailhead in the boulders along the Humbug Mountain trail.

Family Butte Road is tucked far back in the southern region of the San Rafael Swell. The easy-graded dirt road offers breathtaking overlooks, up-close spire views, and memorable primitive camping. In either direction, you will enjoy views of Turkey Spire and Family Butte and stop at a couple of old mine sites. In dry conditions, the route is passable in 2WD with high clearance. There is abundant camping along the route; many sites offer cliffside views, or you can be nestled back in a canyon alone.

Deep within the San Rafael Swell, the Salt Wash joins the San Rafael River at a scenic remote canyon overlook. This moderate 4x4 trail travels 7.5 miles to a spectacular overlook of this river junction. The rocky and dirt two-track crosses over desert meadows and along the edge of the Little Grand Canyon. The trail requires high clearance and 4x4 for the numerous rocky ledges and soft sand found along the route. Camping is limited to a few campsites along the edge of the cliffs at the end. It's worth the drive if you desire a private camping experience with breathtaking views.

As the name suggests, this is another way to reach Dog Hollow Reservoir. Although that may not be your end goal, this trail is pretty exciting in its own way. From the start, you are treated with views over the western side of the San Rafael Swell. Once you start down into the wash, you will be treated with a few minor obstacles until you must exit the wash. Over the years this exit changes, so much so that previous users abandoned hopes of continuing on and returned the way they began. This has left the northern end of the trail almost invisible. For those people able to exit the wash, you can head north to other access trails for the Swell. If you are just looking for a little dirt, be sure to make it to the descent before the wash for the most scenic views!

A more challenging trail leading west toward Swasey's Cabin and Eagle Canyon, Earl's Draw is an easy-to-moderate 2.8-mile two-track traveling past several charming campsites. The trail winds through a dry gully with a few short side trails leading to large campsites. Almost all the sites are ideal for a group base camp while exploring the San Rafael Swell trails. The trail is ideal for beginners and stock vehicles with durable tires.

An excellent addition to Thompson Hole, Tidwell Draw offers a more clear view of the Swell's uprising and a different 4x4 challenge while traveling out to the Hole. The trail is the same difficulty, but the challenges are more dirt with a mix of rock. You also drive through the cottonwood trees in the large Tidwell Draw. The trail ends at the brushy, dry Tidwell Draw and the always-flowing San Rafael River. There was no river access and no camping found along this route.

As the early settlers crossed this desolate landscape, they marked their way, leaving behind a trail marker for others to follow. Old Spanish Trail is the original route used by these weary travelers. This small section follows that original trail before it treks through Cottonwood Wash. The trail is loose and soft dirt but was once a graded road in areas. BE CAUTIOUS because there are deadly blind washouts. One crossing over a washout is not advised. Bypassing around the crumbling "bridge" will prevent a collapse. Camping is in the wide open on the dirt, where it can be very windy.

Circling out and back across rolling hills and sprawling meadows, Arsens Garden Loop is used to access some of the country's best-wet slot canyoneering. Upper Greasewood Draw and other narrow slot canyons can be accessed by foot along this trail. A couple of pull-off areas mark where the hiking trails leading to the canyons begin. Minimal camping is found before the loop begins, and no "campsites" are found on the loop itself. The wildlife is abundant; herds of pronghorn antelope, the fastest animal in North America, can be seen grazing. The trail is ideal for stock-type 4x4s with high clearance. The tunnels under Interstate 70 appear to be around 12' tall. They can be filled with blowing sand, reducing the height. Do not attempt the trail in wet conditions.

In the early 20th century, a Utah photographer captured an image he labeled "Buried Forest." Perhaps he thought the large circles in the cliff face were petrified logs. We now know that to be false, but they are visually stunning, naturally occurring rock formations. The recent rediscovery of the "Buried Forest" concretions gave folks in Carbon County a new interpretation site. A hiking trail with signage explains how these tubes formed. The road from the highway and all the main roads in the region are well maintained. They are rough gravel, but there are no washouts or serious washboards. Camping is wide open and free, but the only established site was at the hiking trailhead. It's very exposed to the wind and visitors to the interpretive site. The hike to the site of the tubes is 1 mile.

Hugging up against the Molen Reef, NF-3498 is an easy jaunt taking you from Moore Cutoff Road to Horn Silver Gulch/Dutch Flat Road. This is a mellow trail suitable for any driver looking to get out and enjoy the San Rafael Swell's incredible views. Camping is also amazing along this route and away from the major crowds of the Swell.

Although not technical, BLM 855 provides an alternate path over a small plateau rather than around its foothills. While Wild Horse Canyon stays low, BLM 855 climbs, providing a different vantage point for its brief 1.5-mile length. There are no technical obstacles, but 4WD may be required to navigate the loose, rocky patches on the incline and decline. Embedded rock is littered with loose fragments, so slow and steady momentum is your friend. Camping is not found directly off this trail. However, many nearby trails have dispersed camping options available.

Lower Wedge is simply the trail with the most camping in the area. This easy dirt road winds through the trees to several free and eight improved sites that charge a fee. The campsites range from large open sites for RVs and groups to small intimate single tent camps with beautiful views of the nearby canyons. The trail ends at a large turn-around with a canyon view with Cedar Mountain as a backdrop. Early in the trail at campsite 5, there are vault toilets for the area campers. The most challenging part is the blind corners around the trees. Please be sure to use caution and take it slow.

Lower Price River Canyon is one of those trails where you think, "Since I'm here, I might as well check it out," followed by being pleased you did. With easy access from Highway 191, it is passable in 2WD drive vehicles with high ground clearance and durable tires. The trail twists past private ranch land marked by old tires before primitive camping begins, and you enter the Desolation Canyon Wilderness. Price River comes into view as the canyon walls close in. Sometimes, you drive on steep, narrow shelf roads high above the muddy river. The trail is bouncy but reasonably well-maintained to the dead end at the old, closed river crossing. The real reason to venture out and back is the petroglyphs and pictographs hidden along the canyon walls. There are two sites, one with many hidden gems on the rocks.

Neversweat Canyon is a truly unique Utah rock-crawling experience that isn't well-known or run by full-size vehicles. The pock-marked greenish sandstone narrow slot canyon section is almost surreal. You must choose your line through the entire canyon, over and around boulders, picking the best line for your vehicle, one rock at a time. The canyon is very challenging in stock vehicles. Modified 4x4s with extra ground clearance, skid plates, and durable 33-inch tires are recommended for this challenging route. Count on harsh pin-striping and potential body damage. The route follows the wash for the entire canyon. Motorcycles still use the grassy by-passes, which are now reclaimed and overgrown, therefore reduced to single-track. There's no camping within the canyon, but it is available on many of the easier trails in the area.

East Mounds Road is a picturesque backcountry road through a corner of this secluded desert region of Utah. While traveling along Highway 6, you can detour onto this enjoyable, maintained gravel road. The trail can be completed in 2WD when the conditions are dry. However, there is one bumpy crossing and soft sand crossing at the train trestle. This can be cautiously completed by all overland and camper van-type vehicles. Camping is limited to non-existent along this route. No established campsites with fire rings were found. Connecting the trail to Buried Forest and Price River Road makes for a leisurely scenic trail ride with an exciting hike in the middle.

East Main is the first of many gravel roads leading to the vast network of trails within Utah's San Rafael Swell. In dry conditions, all vehicles with durable tires can easily travel the trail. The trail crosses over sprawling prairies with 360-degree views of the Book Cliffs and the mountains to the west. You'll be crossing over sections of private land, so camping is nonexistent along this route. Abundant free camping can be found further south on Desert Lake Road.

This little jaunt takes you from Calf Canyon Overlook, across a very straight and flat section, and into a winding little trail along one of the many side canyons shooting off from Buckhorn Wash. Although not a destination trail itself, it provides some solitude from the more well-known areas of the San Rafael Swell and good camping opportunities.

Time to get off the gravel roads and find a campsite? East Wedge is an ideal trail for those seeking more difficulty in their trails and privacy in their camps. The trail crosses over rolling prairie land with views of Cedar Mountain before getting into the trees and rocks. There are several free primitive campsites along the trail. A couple of the camps have room for a few vehicles and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The trail has no difficult obstacles and can be completed by all vehicles with 4x4, high clearance, and durable offroad tires.

If you're the adventurous type seeking the lesser-traveled trail, bushwhacking and rock crawling through remote Camel Wash is made for you. This very lightly used canyon is far out in the northern region of the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area, where very few full-size vehicles travel. The trail is almost "virgin" in spots, with the driver having to find their way through the brush, over boulders, up and down near vertical dirt embankments, all while staying on track. The trail is best traveled in either direction, the easiest being the flats on the western end. Combined with Neversweat and Grey Flats, it creates a fantastic rock-crawling scenic loop. No established campsites were noted along this trail, but a small group could use numerous flat and open areas on the BLM Land. You will need rock crawling experience and a reliable 4x4 vehicle with durable tires and high clearance.

Continue your San Rafael 4x4 adventure with Big Hole Wash, a moderate 5-mile crossover. The trail has a few mild challenges for stock 4x4s. There are numerous deep washouts and one loose dirt hill. The trail has a couple of good-sized campsites with rock fire circles. Near the trail's eastern end is an old stone culvert left over from the Spirit Railroad that ran across the area over 140 years ago. The sandstone rocks are still standing in their original condition, but all the ground has washed away around them, creating a unique rock formation.

Wedge Cutoff is a short gravel road shortcut from Green River Cutoff to the Wedge Overlook trail. It's a well-maintained gravel road with views of Cedar Mountain. Look for pronghorn hanging around the middle of the route, near the shallow reservoir and cattle crossing. No camping was found along the route.

Take a trip back in time through a narrow slot canyon. Stove Gulch within the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area is a beautiful 4x4 experience. The trail winds through a narrow redrock-walled canyon leading to an old settler cabin before a dead end at the Price River. The trail is intended for slightly modified to capable stock 4x4s, but everyone will love it. The drops and descents into the wash are steep and very off-camber. The rocks in the wash are large, requiring careful tire placement to prevent high centering. To help preserve the integrity of this pristine canyon, please do not camp along the trail or drive off the trail up to the cabin. The trail ends at a turnaround near the very brushy Price River. Rockfall is common and may temporarily block the narrow canyon.

The trail climbs numerous ridgelines with sprawling views while you're hyper-focused on the narrow rocky ledge ahead. Accessing remote canyons along the northern edge of the San Rafael Swell, Verde Ledges is an exhilarating addition to the Verde Loop. The trail has narrow ledge hills with large loose boulders to climb over, out, and back. Experience is needed on remote and difficult trails; low-range 4x4, high clearance, and durable offroad tires are required. While no established campsites were found along the route, the scenery, ground conditions, and privacy are motivators to create a temporary site along the trail for the night. The trail is impassable in wet conditions. Note: The end of the track currently ends at a large boulder, partially blocking the trail. The width is too narrow for full-size vehicles. ATV 66" width or less to safely pass.

Upper Sid and Charley trail easily travels almost 11 miles across wide-open prairie land above the popular spire. The trail has distant views of red and white sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons. You can park along the trail and hike into many of the numerous remote canyons that line the eastern edge of the trail and overlooks along The Red Ledges. The trail requires high clearance, durable tires, and four-wheel drive for the numerous off-camber ruts and rocky ledges. No established campsites were found along the route. Abundant camping can be found along Horn Silver Gulch at the northern trailhead.

Winding its way back to the popular Crack Canyon slot canyon hike, SS4303 provides a great opportunity to camp away from the overcrowded Goblin Valley side of the reef and find solitude in the towering rocky environment. All camping offered is dispersed, and there are no amenities or services for quite a distance. Despite traversing a wash in several places, this packed dirt trail is relatively smooth and easy, although any storm could change that. If you have time, be sure to hike the slot canyon! It is a top-notch feature in this region and an incredible experience to witness what the San Rafael Swell offers. Just be sure to check the weather first, as these canyons often have flash floods!

Home Base Loop traverses the high-elevation rolling hills deep within the San Rafael Swell. It is most frequented by wild burros, horses, and adventurous hikers. The trail accesses what is considered one of the more difficult slot canyon hikes in Utah, Crawford Draw to Eardley Canyon. In dry conditions, the entire 11-mile loop is passable in 2WD with high clearance. There are no obstacles, height restrictions, or narrow ledges. Washouts and deep ruts across the track are the only challenges. The trail drives down a broad grassy draw with sprawling meadow views and back up a similar draw. Limited camping was found along the trail, and the short spur trail included on the track is the unmarked drop-off and staging for the Crawford Draw hiking.

Baptist Draw is a 5.5-mile spur off McKay Flats leading to a beautiful overlook at the edge of the Little Ocean Draw Wilderness. Although it is an easy journey over the packed dirt portions, the trail is rough in a few spots with loose and embedded rocks ranging in size up to about soft-ball size, so be sure to air down your tires. One patch of the trail has a small rocky rut cutting across, so take it slow. 4WD will not be necessary, but high clearance is recommended. At the trail's end lies impressive views of the surrounding Swell, including Temple Mountain, Behind the Reef, and even a distant view of the Henry Mountains. Dispersed camping is available in a few locations along the trail, as well as at the end, where a number of both small and large sites line the rim. The area offers no amenities, and the closest town is almost an hour away. Enjoy the solitude!

Dating back before the times of the Spirit Railway in the San Rafael Swell, these stone cabins are a sight to see. Still standing high in their original form, one can step inside and feel what it would have been like to live back in this era. This easy little jaunt will make a wonderful addition to an already packed weekend exploring the incredible sights that this area of the Swell has to offer.

Quickly crossing miles of grassy prairie with Chimney Rock and Cedar Mountain as a backdrop, Pack Saddle connects Green River Cutoff with more remote trails within the San Rafael Recreation Area. Pack Saddle Flats is an overland adventure trail ideal for the back-country explorer trying to avoid gravel roads but not break anything. The trail has a couple of 4x4 challenges for stock or expedition-type vehicles. Camper vans or trucks with camper tops are not advised. The southern portion of the trail is the most difficult. One loose rock hill climb with a step at the very top requires extra ground clearance and a bump. This obstacle is going up when traveling north to south. After that point, the trail becomes narrow, around trees and along the edge of a cliff, wide enough for most standard 4x4s but not full-sized trucks and vans. The route has no established campsites.

Traveling out and back to Box Flat feels like entering your remote private paradise. Once through the trees and over the numerous rock steps, you pop out onto a pristine prairie surrounded by scenic sandstone cliffs. The trail has a few early challenges that require you to take it slow in four-wheel drive and accept the bouncy ride. Located along the sandy two-track that circles Big Flat, there are a couple of small individual campsites and the trailhead for a remote hiking trail. The drive around the grassy meadow and between the sandstone buttes is scenic and peaceful.

We've all said while on the trail, "I could live here." Hidden behind a sandstone butte are the fallen remains of Warrior Cabin, an unknown homestead that once stood here. Named after the nearby Lone Warrior rock art site, this short sandy two-track leads out and back to an old wooden cabin slowly disappearing into the ground. Taking your time and walking around the site, you might catch yourself thinking about it. Please stay on the designated track. The trail is soft sand and tall grass with hidden bumpy ruts. Short dead-end spurs lead up to the cliffs where small primitive campsites can be found. There is room for one to two vehicles with tents at each site.

The first of many camp spurs, Wild Horse Canyon Camp Spur offers numerous opportunities to set up for the night and enjoy the serenity of the San Rafael Swell. This easy, packed dirt trail travels just 1 mile and dead-ends at one of the many popular slot canyon hikes within the "reef." Along this short trail lie endless options for setting up camp, ranging in size from single-vehicle to large groups and even RVs and trailers. The further back you go, the more likely you are to be alone. Just keep in mind that hikers are frequent in the area!

Wedge Pond is a short 1.8-mile connector trail to access primitive camping and the North Salt Wash Point trail. The trail is a mix of small rock ledges and dusty two-track traveling across desert prairie land. The trail can be completed in high clearance 4x4s with durable offroad-type tires. Tall camper vans will not have height or width issues. Camping is found at the eastern trailhead and is usually occupied by large RVs and groups. There are no services or running water in the immediate area.

Box Flat Road is your easy gateway to the sprawling meadows and hidden canyons tucked back on the surrounding 4x4 trails. Box Flat is a remote central San Rafael Swell region with less human traffic. The trail is a well-maintained gravel road easily traveled in passenger cars equipped with durable tires. There's no established campsite along the road. However, venturing onto one of the many connecting 4x4 trails will reward you with private and remote camping.

SS4295 is a popular camping spur off the even more popular Behind the Reef Road. This trail offers numerous opportunities to pitch a tent under the incredibly dark sky that central Utah is known for. Many sites are large enough to accommodate big groups, including RVs and trailers, if you decide to bring them back this far on Behind the Reef Road. This trail is no more difficult than the trail to get here, that is until you reach the end. Packed dirt and frequent use keep this trail relatively smooth for the majority. Just before the trail terminates at another campsite, there is a large patch of embedded rock. Although the route through the rock is still 2WD friendly, high clearance is definitely necessary to reach the end.

Native American rock art is abundant in the San Rafael Swell; large pictograph and petroglyph panels are the most popular destinations. The smaller sites are often overlooked and driven past. Serpent Cross falls into the latter category. This short, grassy two-track leads to an interesting piece of rock art, a long snake with a cross for a head. It's roughly six feet long, pecked into the sandstone cliff. The site is across the deep sandy trench at the end of the track. On a short spur trail, wonderful secluded camping is in the trees along the cliff. The trail mixes hard dirt and soft sand that may require 4x4 on hot days.

Solitude is the name of the game on this little spur. No major obstacles on an easy dirt road make this friendly for any adventurer looking to get away from the crowds of the San Rafael Swell. There is even a great campsite with a pretty good view over the surrounding area.

Desert Lake Loop is a well-maintained gravel road and part of an overland route accessing the San Rafael Swell from Wellington, Utah. The route is named after the protected Desert Lake Waterfowl Management Area that the route circles. The area is an extensive collection of retention ponds that migrating birds often frequent in this desert landscape. In dry conditions, the entire road is easily accessible in all vehicles equipped with durable tires. No camping was found along this route. Abundant camping can be located further south in the Swell.

A short detour off Family Butte Road leads to what was likely a decommissioned uranium mine. The trail leading to the turnaround area is a moderate two-track with mild washouts that require high clearance. The site has a hiking trail leading up to the old flume and the closed-off tunnels. Please leave the site as you found it. The site is for day use only; please do not camp at the old mine.

Climbing and descending over 500 feet, Verde Loop offers stunning views of the Book Cliffs and the foothills of the San Rafael Swell. On the northeastern edge of The Swell, the trail twists its way up and around rolling hills, with mild challenges for stock-type 4x4s. The trail is a mix of dirt and short, bumpy rock sections. A couple of deep washout obstacles require suspension flex for traction. While no established campsites were found along the route, the ease of access, scenery, ground conditions, and privacy are motivators to create a temporary site along the trail for the night. The trail is impassable in wet conditions.

Crossing the barren landscape along Grey Flats feels like driving on the moon. The puffy gray dirt creates dust clouds as you zigzag around the rutted washouts. The trail is the only legal connector between Neversweat Canyon and Camel Wash. The trail has a couple of hills that require extra momentum and 4x4. The hardest section is the descent down the narrow ledge above the Price River. River access is minimal because of the dense foliage. Expect pinstriping if you intend to reach the river or access Camel Wash. There were not any established campsites along this very lightly used trail.

Although you're more likely to see pronghorn, Horse Heaven was named for the meadows and shady canyons horses once populated. Horse Heaven is a moderate 4x4 trail connecting different San Rafael Recreation Area regions. The trail has mild hills with loose dirt and rocks that may require 4x4. The trail twists through desert scrub brush and across rocky washes that require high clearance and durable tires. Connecting with Cottonwood to the Big Flat area creates an enjoyable back-country overland route. The route has no established campsites.

The not-so-famous twin spires, Sid and Charley, stand tall and are tucked 4 miles back in the desert. It's a quick and easy dead-end drive back to this photogenic pair of spires named after the local Swasey brothers; you know, Swasey's Cabin. The trail is rough dirt with rut washouts that bottom out suspension. You can drive up to the spires for pictures, continue a stone's throw away to camping near the cliffs and the petroglyphs, and then onto the end, where there is hiking to more petroglyphs hidden in the canyon. The level dirt area allows several vehicles with tents to hide from the wind below the cliffs, but the site does have moderate OHV and hiking traffic.

Rolling hills and grassy meadows line the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell in central Utah. Grassy Flats is a moderate 4x4 trail with mild challenges for stock-type 4x4s with high clearance and durable tires. The tail links Grassy and Cedar Bypass, two old mining and railroad communities. Take a scenic loop on Coleman Wash for a short drive along the Price River. Keeping an eye on the surrounding hills, you'll likely be rewarded with a glimpse of the speedy pronghorn antelope. No established campsites were found along the trail, which is impassible in wet conditions.

To complete the Grassy network of trails, you'll need nerves of steel or extra time to clear rocks off the narrow ledge you must drive along. While the trail is scenic and creates a nice loop from the Grassy Creek Petroglyphs, one short section is very hazardous as you navigate a hill. Small round lava rocks continually fall from above and accumulate on the narrow ledge. You feel like you're driving on ball bearings, and you don't realize it until it's too late; you must keep moving unless you want to kick several hundred rocks off the edge. No camping was found along the route.

Somerville Wash, BLM 1096, is the eastern access to a pair of challenging 4x4 trails across a colorful desert between The Swell and Book Cliffs. 1096 easily accesses both Neversweat Canyon and Camel Wash via Grey Flats. The most challenging part of this road is the near-blind trailhead along Highway 191. The trailhead has no turn lane on 191, so caution must be taken. The trail is a semi-maintained county road made of hard-pack dirt and rock. The entire route can be completed in 2WD with high clearance in dry conditions. No established campsites were found along the route.

Tucked away in a lesser-used part of the San Rafael Swell, NF3511 draws users from E South Sand Bench Loop and down toward Ferron Creek. This journey crosses rocky patches and rolling hills and through a short and unimpressive "canyon" to reach the patch of trees along the creek. Camping was not observed along this trail, likely due to the rough ground and exposure to the elements.

A hidden gem in the San Rafael Swell, Calf Canyon sees little use, but don't let that deter you from what this trail has to offer. Lying just off Buckhorn Draw Road, this little canyon provides incredible isolated camping, stunning views, and access to world-class rock climbing. Although it is an easy trail, high clearance is needed due to the unmaintained wash crossing and a sandy and bumpy rock surface just before reaching the end. Dispersed camping is available at the trails end around the rock climbing areas. If you are looking for improved camping, Swinging Bridge Campground is just south on Buckhorn Wash and offers pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in designated sites.

Cedar Bypass is a quick and easy way to access primitive camping, the Price River, and the large rock art site at the end of the Grassy Creek Petroglyph trail. The trail begins as a grated gravel road across from the rest area along Highway 191. There is a small staging area at the trailhead and a small campsite further ahead on the right. The trail becomes thinner and rougher as you wind down through the rolling hills to the river basin. Washed-out ruts and corrugation bumps require durable tires and suspension. There are no obstacles, and the trail is impassable in wet conditions.

One of the few remaining 4x4 trails in the region to access the Price River, Coleman Wash is a moderate drive along a private ranch road and through a rocky canyon. The trail branches off of Grassy Flats, adding an excellent addition to a rather mundane trail. There are a couple of "flexy" washouts in the wash, and large rocks require high-ground clearance and durable tires. Work is being done at a diversion dam for a canal system. The trail conditions may change, and it is impassable in wet conditions. No camping was found along the river or in the canyon.

Located along the bank of the Price River, Grassy Creek Petroglyphs are a unique kind of rock art compared to what's typically found in the San Rafael Swell region. Differing from the colorful pictographs on the region's sandstone, these peckings have a creative circular theme throughout the site. Moccasin footprints, turtles, snakes, and other familiar shapes were chipped into the dark faces of numerous boulders on the hillside. The trail getting to the site used to connect to a trail across the Price River, which is now impassable, but you can drive over to the petroglyph site and back out to Cedar Bypass or continue your 4x4 adventure along Grassy Creek. The trail requires 4x4 high clearance and durable tires and is impassable in wet conditions. Please respect the artwork, take only pictures, leave only footprints, and no camping is at the Day Use Site.

After visiting the Grassy Creek Petroglyphs, your adventure continues through a canyon with a mine site with cabins, an old railroad line, and a natural spring oasis. Grassy Creek winds along the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell, where water is extremely rare during the summer months. After stopping at the log cabins, continue following the old railroad track mound to the hidden oasis. Large boulders in the creek mark where the mineralized water leaches from the cliffs. You will need 4x4 high-clearance and durable offroad tires to travel the entire trail. Consider that the Grassy Hills trail is considered hazardous, so you might consider an out-and-back on this one. No camping was found along this route.

Bird's eye views of the San Rafael Swell from your campsite. Cedar Mountain is an easy gravel road to the summit, where you'll find a day's worth of adventure. There are carefully constructed overlooks with steel walkways and fences on the edge of building-sized boulders. Shaded campsites and picnic tables are abundant before reaching the multiple radio and cell towers. Cell service is amazing. The trail becomes slightly rougher after the radio towers and ends at the airplane runway. The camping is primitive and free. Small individual campsites are tucked within the trees, and larger sites for RVs can be found along the main route. There is a vault-type toilet at the day-use picnic area. 

Cedar Ghost Town is for train buffs and campers. Little is known about this shanty town located along the Union Pacific Railroad and the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell. The Utah desert and The Swell, in particular, have an abundant history of old towns lost to time. The meadow along the tracks is littered with debris that has been burned, buried, and wind-blown for a long time. This short looping road can be traveled in a passenger car with durable tires. One large open camping area on a bluff overlooking the valley and train tracks has several fire rings for an overland group. The bend in the tracks is scenic and a wonderful place to enjoy the busy rail traffic.

Verde Mounds is an easy scenic crossover along the northern edge of the San Rafael Swell, offering sprawling views of the valleys leading to the Book Cliffs. The trail crosses broad meadows where pronghorn antelope and cattle graze on the rolling grassy mounds named after a long-forgotten town. In dry conditions, the trail is passable in 2WD vehicles equipped with durable tires for the chunky corrugated gravel. No established campsites were found on this windswept route.

Coal Wash Spur is a short, moderate ledge climb connecting Coal Wash with Wood Hollow. The trail travels along a narrow switchback ledge with room for one vehicle. The dirt and rocks require durable tires and 4x4 low-range. No camping was found along the route.

Named after a nearby creek, Grassy, a long-forgotten shanty town, is gone now, and the road is mainly private ranch access. The trail is an easy gravel for most of the way, before ending on bumpy dirt at the ranch gate and the trailhead for Grassy Flats. The trail did not have any established campsites.

Traveling along the barren western edge of The San Rafael Swell, trail 1097 is a rollercoaster ride between two access trails. The trail navigates between two ridgelines where deep runoff ruts in the soft dirt have created trenches you must climb up and down. The approach angles are steep and not advised for large overland-type vehicles or trailers. There is abundant camping at the southern trailhead.

Deep within the San Rafael Swell region lies the Mexican Hat Wilderness, where access is limited to foot traffic. However, one trail, Lockhart Wash, offers an easement, allowing motorized travel into the wilderness before reaching the San Rafael River. The trail once traveled to the river edge, but now erosion has closed the final mile to the river. The trail has one nice camping area with distant views of the sandstone cliffs to the north. There is room for a couple of vehicles with tents. The route becomes rougher the further you travel. It's a bumpy two-track, without obstacles, and passable in high-clearance stock 4x4s. It is imperative that users remain on the established trail, as both sides of the road are wilderness.

Cow Camp is a short out-and-back dirt road leading to a free scenic camping area. Along the short drive, there is a dry wash with access to the San Rafael River. The large open area at the end of the trail has a couple of established fire rings for individual or group campers. The trail is hard-packed dirt and passable in 2WD vehicles.

Once an old highway, it allows you to continue your overland adventure along the eastern edge of The Swell. Traveling along the decommissioned highway, cows are now more frequented along this short connector between Cedar Bypass and Price River Road. The asphalt has been torn up and left in piles along the trail. The old bridges have collapsed, exposing the old layers of asphalt and timbers. The trail has no obstacles but will be impassable in wet conditions. No camping or services were found along the route.

Jumping from Baptist Draw to Wild Horse Canyon, this tame trail follows a dirt two-track up and over a small hill. There is little in the way to slow vehicles down other than a few small patches of loose gravel. 4WD is not needed to zip through this short jumper. Despite its open and relatively flat nature, no camping is offered along this trail. There are a number of dispersed sites off of McKay Flat or Baptist Draw.

From the desert to the pines, this road gains 3,000 feet of elevation as it bridges the BLM lands of the San Rafael Swell and Fishlake National Forest. Baker Ranch Road travels easily along wide gravel ledges with dramatic views across the Rock Springs Bench and Cathedral Valley. Traction can be difficult when climbing the loose gravel and bumpy hill; a 4x4 is required to prevent washboards. Ranchers can be hauling big trailers, so use caution and slow down around blind turns. The trail is closed during winter months and is impassable in wet conditions. Camping was limited to a couple of small pull-off campsites with expansive views. The best camping in the area can be found at the western end of the trail, along Elkhorn Road.

Red Draw is a short, out-and-back spur off Arsens Garden Loop, which provides a beautiful side trip down the scenic valley of its namesake draw, along the foot of Cliff Dwellers Flat, to a small lake. At one time, the trail continued to the border of the wilderness area but was officially closed beyond the lake in 2024 due to a new Travel Management Plan. There are plenty of opportunities for picnics or camping among the junipers that line much of the trail. Pronghorn, deer, and wild burros frequent the area, creating high chances of seeing wildlife. There are also smaller creatures such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and lizards, and, of course, plenty of cows. To reach Red Draw, run the beginning of Arsens Garden Loop. When you emerge from the tunnels under I-70, stay straight instead of turning left. The spur to the right is closed under the new Travel Management Plan.

This spur off Arsens Garden Loop leads to two spectacular overlooks, follows an old landing strip, and passes several nice camping opportunities. Turn right off Arsens Garden Loop past a large stock tank and gradually climb to the top of the mesa. At the top, follow the old landing strip for several hundred yards. The only thing that distinguishes the landing strip is the long, straight section of the road. The landing strip appears to be used only rarely but is still listed as an active strip. Near the end of the trail, a spur to the right will take you to the first overlook and several campsites. The last part of the trail crosses Utah State land before ending at the second overlook and several more campsites. Although the trail is easy, wet conditions would make it difficult or impassable.

Wilson Holes is a mild connector trail that has abundant primitive camping easily accessible from Buckhorn Draw Road. The trail winds through dense trees to small open areas with fire pits and room for a tent or two. At the end of the spur trail, there is a group party pit area. A veteran's memorial has been posted at the top of a nearby butte, and a very large community fire pit has been constructed over the years. The trail is a typical two-track without any obstacles. It can be completed in stock 4x4s with high ground clearance.