Utah Off-Road Trails

Adobe Mesa is a lesser-known but highly scenic trail in the highlands above Moab. It is located on the mesa that separates Castle Valley from Professor Valley and is particularly known for the majestic overlook of Castleton Tower from the western end of the mesa. The trail starts from the La Sal Loop Road in the Manti-La Sal National Forest and crosses onto BLM land once out on the mesa. It initially winds through a valley with a section of off-camber shelf road before coming out onto the flat mesa. Near the end of the mesa, it splits into two branches that each go to a different overlook on the rim. The western branch leads to an overlook of Castleton Tower and is the more difficult of the two branches. The northern branch is the easiest of the two and leads to another overlook of Professor Valley on the rim, where you will also find an excellent campsite. While this overlook isn't quite as spectacular as the western overlook, it is still worth checking out. The entire mesa is open to dispersed camping, and several campsites can be found both near the beginning and ends of the trail.

Adobe Mesa's overall difficulty is moderate. The road surface changes from rutted dirt near the beginning to a mixture of sand and slickrock ledges further out. The western branch is the most difficult, with a series of rock ledges that will challenge stock vehicles.

Mat Martin Point is one of the most scenic yet obscure and rarely visited Jeep trails in Moab. It starts at an intersection where the Porcupine Rim safari trail ends and a mountain bike trail continues west. Mat Martin Point heads north and leads to five different branches and overlooks of Castle Valley. Most people who drive Porcupine Rim either don't realize this is a legal trail or are so worn out from its relentless bumps they just turn around where the Mat Martin Point trail begins. It takes a minimum of 2 hours to reach the beginning of the Mat Martin Point trail from Sand Flats Road, so it's best to allocate a full day to explore this trail. Due to its remoteness, you will almost certainly have the whole area to yourself.

The trail is slightly less difficult than Porcupine Rim, with no major obstacles, but there are a few moderate ledges and shelf road sections. The most difficult section is where the trail crosses a small canyon in the middle of a SITLA parcel about halfway out to the point, where there are a series of ledges on a shelf road descending into the canyon. While the main route out to the point is fairly distinct, there are a couple of places where route finding can be difficult. The two overlook spurs to the northwest have become overgrown to the point where they are almost non-existent, though they can still be followed on the ground if you look carefully. Be sure to follow the GPS track closely to stay on the legal trail.

The northeastern overlook is by far the best overlook, as it provides spectacular views of the La Sal Mountains straight up Castle Valley to the south and Fisher Towers to the east along the Colorado River. The north overlook is also worth visiting, with excellent views across the Colorado River canyon to Dry Mesa and Arches National Park, along with two arches in the Windows area clearly visible on the horizon. The pair of overlooks to the northwest are less impressive as both spurs dead-end on hilltops in the middle of the mesa, quite a distance from the rim itself or any expansive views. Getting there requires driving a sandy trail that is so overgrown with small clumps of sagebrush it is barely visible, and the payoff isn't worth the bumpy drive over all that sagebrush. 

While the overlooks at the end of the point would make excellent campsites, camping is unfortunately prohibited on all BLM land along this trail. Camping is allowed on the SITLA parcel in the middle of the trail, but there are no existing campsites there. The closest established camping is either in the campgrounds in the Sand Flats Recreation Area or dispersed camping up Sand Flats Road in the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

With a name like Nasty Flat, you might not expect 360-degree world-class views of most of southern Utah or picturesque canyons with creeks lined by aspen and bigtooth maples amongst the pines and junipers. That the road curves, climbs and dips along the side canyons of an ancient granite mountain range might seem incongruous. Nasty Flat is neither nasty nor flat. It is, in a single word, extraordinary. Running along the western slopes of Utah's Henry Mountains, Nasty Flat offers a new eye-popping view around each of its innumerable curves. The multi-hued Waterpocket Fold snakes along far below with its toothy monocline uplifts of pink, gray, yellow, and red sandstone. Beyond the Fold lies the vast and magical Escalante. To the south rises the mammoth and majestic Mount Pennell, the stony Horn below it. Ragged Mountain sits off to the east. Don't forget to look up and behind you to see the smooth bare slope of Mount Ellen rising into the skyline. It's easy to get lost in the epic grandeur surrounding the Nasty Flat, but look closer to see the shy deer peeking out from brush thickets or scattering off the trail as you round yet another tight curve along the many heartstoppingly sheer sections of shelf road suspended precariously on the slopes of the Henrys. Nasty Flat ain't flat or nasty. But it is certainly worth venturing deep into the remote Henry Mountains to enjoy its many offerings.

Located a short distance east of the tunnel, just before the east fenceline, Arrowhead Canyon is a technical, tight sandstone canyon ready to wage war on body panels and weak driveline components. Drivers can expect to encounter massive v-notches spanning 4 feet wide, multi-step 6-foot waterfall climbs, a 10-foot sheer wall, and endless side challenges that will push the limits of any rig.

This trail starts up a soft sandy wash from Lakeside for a short distance until you reach the first slickrock slab with a steel sign marking the official trail start. This slabbed waterfall is in no way a representation of what you will eventually encounter along the trail. Continue along the sandy slickrock wash as the canyon constricts, eventually leading to a gatekeeper v-notch scarred with countless engravings from prior vehicles that fell victim to the trail's true difficulty. Arrowhead then continues up the canyon, offering numerous side challenges through a trail known as Side Chick, a level 12-rated trail. Several more waterfalls and v-notches await as you continue traveling southwest to the end, where you will intersect with Papa Smurf and make a hard right turn up a steep, chunky, slickrock slab to exit the canyon.

This trail should only be attempted by experienced drivers in purpose-built rock-crawling rigs. Body damage and mechanical failure are highly likely, and recovery attempts will be challenging.

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.

Fees

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.

The Bridger Jack Mesa trail is a rougher, more scenic alternative to the graded Beef Basin Road, winding around the west side of Bridger Jack Mesa. Most of the road is a narrow and rocky shelf road following a terrace on the side of the mesa with spectacular views down into Dry Fork Canyon and Lavender Canyon. While not recommended for those uncomfortable driving shelf roads, the road is wide enough for full-size vehicles and never gets dangerously narrow or off-camber. It is rough and rocky the whole way, but there are no major obstacles, and it should be passable to stock 4WD vehicles, though it will be more difficult for them.

This is an excellent overlanding trail, as it has abundant camping opportunities and can be combined with multiple other trails as part of a multi-day trip through Beef Basin and over Elk Ridge to Hotel Rock and Arch Canyon. The trail's northern end has a cluster of free designated campsites in the Bridger Jack Dispersed Camping Area, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, offering panoramic views of the Indian Creek area. This area makes a perfect basecamp for exploring the Indian Creek area and the Needles District of Canyonlands. There are also several established campsites near the southern end of the trail and a flat mesa top near the middle that would be a good area to camp as well.

Blue Lake Loop is nestled high in the Uinta Mountains, just a few miles off of popular Mirror Lake Highway. When looking for somewhere not too far from civilization, but off the beaten path, this one makes the list. This moderate off-road trail will lead you to nearby Blue Lake and neighboring Buckeye Lake. Both are popular fishing destinations for catching perch, brown trout, and rainbow trout. In addition to some great destinations for water recreation, there is a plentiful selection of peaceful campsites to choose from for both small and large groups.

Water Tank Road is one of the central access veins to the southern side of Sand Mountain and a great trail to familiarize yourself with the open OHV area. The trail starts at the massive Waddy's Coral staging area just south of Highway 7 off Sand Hollow Road. Here, you will find a restroom and plenty of space to gather and prepare for your trail ride. From the staging area, the trail travels directly south past many other trail intersections, traversing sharp sandy embankments and tiptoeing through protruding sandstone rocks. You'll cross several long dune sections as you work your way to the Top of The World overlook and the Sand Dunes Overlook, where you will be rewarded with expansive views of Sand Mountain, Sand Hollow Reservoir, The Arizona Strip, and Competiton Hill. This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle, and airing down is highly recommended due to the rough terrain and soft sand.

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.

Fees

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.

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.

Traveling along the northwest reaches of its namesake, Tub Canyon is a moderate challenge traversing trees and a scenic prairie-like landscape. Part of the much larger Dome Plateau Loop, this trail offers glimpses of red sandstone buttes poking out between the trees and tall, blowing grass. Although this trail is impossible to run as a stand-alone trail, combined with the other Dome Plateau sections, it creates a challenging and incredibly scenic day on the trail. Considered an alternate route to the popular Dome Plateau Overlook, this route adds a small pinch of difficulty for those looking for a bit more excitement.

The Imperial Valley and Impossible Hill trail is a remote, challenging, and stunning trail in the Beef Basin area of Bears Ears National Monument and a portion of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is rarely traveled, and the road has all but faded away in places. The few who venture down it will find spectacular views, challenging rock obstacles, and perfect solitude.

This trail can be run in both directions and in combination with other connecting routes in the area. As shown here, the trail starts at an intersection with the Bobby's Hole trail just below the Bobby's Hole Dugway. It descends a steep, rocky hill called Impossible Hill, which is not for the faint of heart. It is much rougher than the challenging Bobby's Hole Dugway, and most of it is on a narrow, off-camber shelf road with significant exposure. Once at the bottom of Impossible Hill, the trail follows the bottom of Cross Canyon for a short distance before turning left and following the long, flat Imperial Valley. The trail through this section is faint and overgrown with tall grass, as it follows a broad meadow surrounded by red rock spires and cliffs and is filled with wildflowers in the spring. There are a few rocky sections as the trail cuts between levels of the valley.

Near the far point, the trail cuts steeply in and out of a wash before reaching a short spur leading to a spectacular overlook at the head of Imperial Canyon, a side canyon of Cataract Canyon. There is also a nice campsite here, though it lacks shelter from the wind. Continuing past this side spur, the trail follows a sandy wash and loops back upon itself, forming a lasso shape. The trail is almost non-existent in places and may not be possible to get all the way through, though it can be clearly seen at the fork where it rejoins the main trail.

This is an excellent trail to drive as part of a multi-day overlanding trip through Beef Basin. Camping is allowed throughout the area, though only one established campsite exists. If it is windy, you may wish to find a more sheltered spot to camp.

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.

Located in BLM land south of Hanksville, Utah, Lone Cedar is the start of the Bull Creek Pass Back Country Byway, a 68-mile route through the ruggedly beautiful Henry Mountains. Lone Cedar also leads to the Little Egypt Geologic Site. If you enjoy the subtle hues of southern Utah's sandstone, Lone Cedar is definitely for you. With easy access and abundant campsites, Lone Cedar is a popular side trip off Utah's scenic Highway 95. Stately rust-red sandstone buttes stand watch over the trail. The road dips and curves, first hiding and then filling your windshield with its earthy charms. The Henry Mountains, named for the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, were the last mountain range to be added to the map of the 48 contiguous States. They loom tall and gray to the west of the trail. Made of igneous minerals that extruded through the surrounding sandstone sediments, the mountains range from 23 to 31 million years old. The Henrys host one of only three genetically pure herds of buffalo left in the United States. Slow down and take a side trip on Lone Cedar. Or use it enter the beckoning Henry Mountains. As they say in Utah, it rocks.