West Desert

If you travel around the Dugway Range using Dugway Mountain Road (to the east), you'll more than likely also need West Dugway Mountain Road to complete the loop. This trail at the southern end starts just off the Pony Express and comes to a complete termination at a large gate and the fence line marking the large military area to the north of the mountain range. There are no obvious camping opportunities to be found along this track; your nearest option is likely near the Dugway Geode Beds (See Pony Express trail guide for location and details).

Dugway Mountain Road spurs off of the Pony Express and travels along the eastern side of the Dugway Range. It cuts through Bullion Canyon at the most northern end to cut over to the western side of the range. The last few miles of the trail are easily the most fun as you travel through Bullion Canyon and climb in elevation. If you keep a sharp eye out, you'll notice dilapidated remnants of mining structures along the high points of the canyon. The hardest part of Dugway Mountain Road is a set of switchbacks roughly 1.5 miles from the trail's northern end. Taking a trailer on the switchbacks is not recommended due to the tight turns.

Fling Springs Road works with Around the Keg to connect the Pony Express and the Weis Highway. There are no obvious campsites along this trail, but the rock formations are a visual treat. The stone along Flint Springs is not your typical red rock but rather jagged and stark dark gray accentuated by hard shadows. Depending on the light, it really looks like an area out of a sci-fi movie set.

Around the Keg (BLM7B) travels around the east side of Keg Mountain, passing Harvey Knoll, and can be used to connect the Weis Highway to the Pony Express. Although there is no notable camping along the trail, there is plenty to take in between the views of Simpson and Sheep Rock Mountains, Harvey Knoll, pronghorn, jackrabbit, and even the occasional badger. The trail does briefly become narrower where it travels along the northern end of Keg Mountain connecting to Flint Spring Road.

Railroad Bed Road is a common thoroughfare when exploring the West Desert and the Tintic Mountains. Connecting the 5 Mile Recreation Area to the East Tintic Mountains, this occasionally maintained road is much quicker than heading back to Redwood Road and running along Utah Lake. Occasional ruts from large storms are the only obstacle, and you can often pick up some speed along this trail. Just be respectful of others on the trail, as it is often very dusty. This trail is also part of the large Prospector Trail Network. Camping can be found on the northern end, in the 5 Mile Recreation Area, where pit toilets are available.