Ridgeline

Located along the western edge of Sand Mountain, Ridgeline is a short, steep, and rocky climb connecting Long Valley to West Rim. Ridgeline starts heavy, climbing immediately and gaining 100 feet in elevation in the first 300 yards of the trail. The trail snakes its way up the ridge, traversing several 1-2 foot ledges that will require good tire placement to avoid tire slippage and undercarriage damage. The trail is only 1.5 vehicles wide along the first 100 yards, and users should be cautious of potential washouts along the downhill side after heavy rain events. After making a hard, rutty turn, you quickly approach the trail's most difficult obstacle, a steep, 6-foot slickrock slab that pitches your vehicle to nearly 40 degrees vertical. This obstacle requires momentum as it is often covered in a thin film of sand and dirt. The trail then passes both ends of Razorback before becoming significantly easier as you make your way up and down several sandy hills. This trail is a great trail for beginners to test their skills and gain confidence with their vehicle. Stock vehicles will likely struggle on this trail, especially without skid plates or rocker protection, but any high clearance 4WD vehicle with larger than stock tires should be able to complete the trail with minor heartburn.

Abundant primitive dispersed camping exists at the start of this trail within Long Valley. Numerous large open areas have room for groups or large RV's. Be cautious when accessing these sites, as there are many patches of soft sand that can burry tires quickly.

About Sand Mountain

Sand Mountain is an extremely unique parcel of public land. Designated as an Open OHV Area, riders are free to make their own trails. Due to this, many of the long-established named trail routes have several variations that can take easier or more challenging routes through the intended trail. The GPX track for this trail helps you navigate the area, but various lines, bypasses, and additional obstacles may exist along the way. Riders are encouraged to stay on existing trails and not unnecessarily drive over or destroy vegetation.

Fee

Riding on Sand Mountain is entirely free. However, there are multiple entry/exit points for the area, including "the tunnel," which connects Sand Hollow State Park to the open OHV area. Any entry into the boundaries of Sand Hollow State Park requires a Utah State Park Pass.

Requirements

When operating on Sand Mountain, users must attach an orange or red safety flag to the vehicle, rising at least 8 feet off the ground.