Utah Off-Road Trails

Dixie Springs Cutoff is a simple connecting trail between West Frontage Road and Sliplock Gulch. The road surface is primarily soft sand with occasional protruding rocks along the trail's southern end. The primary purpose of Dixie Springs Cutoff is to access Sliplock Gulch and Resurrection from Waddy's Corral Staging Area. 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.

Landslide is one of Sand Mountain's lesser-known challenges, a difficult slickrock trail that strings together a series of steep ledges, off-camber drops, and vertical waterfall climbs that demand precise tire placement and careful throttle control. Traversing a mostly traction-rich sandstone path, this trail will push the limits of your rig’s articulation and test your nerves as you stare mostly at the sky, trusting the words of your spotter. The trail weaves along narrow shelves and up sharp ascents, showcasing unique rock formations and offering expansive views of the Arizona Strip to the south. With equal parts adrenaline and scenery, Landslide is a trail worth putting on your list while visiting Sand Mountain.

The Funnel Alternate is a straight-through sandy and slickrock route that parallels West Rim trail, one ridge to the east. This trail is an alternate that avoids The Steps and The Funnel along West Rim. The trail starts along a sandy rise and quickly comes to a sloped slickrock climb with multiple lines and several small ledges to traverse. The height of the ledges is comparable to The Steps on West Rim. However, the spacing between ledges is considerably wider, providing slightly better traction.

Additionally, this trail provides better approach and departure angles at the slickrock obstacles when compared to The Funnel obstacle on West Rim. This makes the Funnel Alternate a better option for vehicles with long overhangs, such as trucks. The trail ends intersecting with Bobsled Cut Through, where you can turn west and reconnect with West Rim at Waypoint 4. This trail is suitable for any high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle and drivers of any skill level.

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.

West Side Currant Creek is a well-maintained, graded dirt road. Initially leading as pavement from Highway 40, this route provides access to Currant Creek Reservoir and the various forest service roads, taking off into the surrounding ridges and basins. Multiple camping options are available: various single dispersed sites, a large group dispersed camp area, and Currant Creek Campground. The forest is filled with aspen, making late September and early October a beautiful time to visit. Be aware of possible prescribed burns and management agency closures. Check with the Heber-Kamas Ranger District.

Just east of North Dragon lies Birch Spring Point, a difficult spur that climbs up its namesake mountain but stops shy of the peak, Birch Spring Point. This trail will test your break-over angle due to the numerous berms along its first stretch for water diversion. If you have made it over the berms, a tight, washed-out turn will be the next obstacle, where longer wheelbase vehicles may need to attempt with caution. Numerous washouts and ruts dot the trail to keep things interesting. Although the road appears to continue, official Forest Service MVUMs end the trail at a weird location with minimal room to turn around. The provided GPX ends near the official end but with room for multiple vehicles to maneuver. Camping is only found near the trailhead in the form of a dispersed, unimproved site.

Josie Morris Loop is a 40-mile route recognized as part of the Vernal Rock Rally that takes you from the sleepy valley along the flowing Green River to the heights of Cliff Ridge, with panoramic views. Along the way, you'll enjoy the towering formations of Split Mountain and Dinosaur National Monument, make stops to see ancient petroglyph art, and explore the historic namesake of this trail, the Josie Bassett Morris cabin and homestead site.

Though it can be done in a day, with many miles to complete and sights to take in, this trail makes for a great overland-style one to two-night trip. There are plenty of interesting stopping points to explore and stretch the legs, making this a great family trail as well.

D1233 is a short, half-mile out-and-back 4x4 trail that leads to a turn-around for a hike to an overlook of Shafer Canyon. The trail requires 4x4 because of the trails leading there and an undercut rock ledge. The trail is narrow, with twisting turns through the tight trees. The trail abruptly ends at a grassy dune with no indicators of a hiking trail. To reach the Shafer Canyon overlook cliff edge, you must carefully hike through the crypto soil to reach views of Crow's Head Spire and the canyon. There are no campsites along this trail.

Those familiar with the annual Vernal Rock Rally and the OHV community in Vernal, Utah, will immediately recognize the names Butch Cassidy Loop and Asphalt Ridge. Situated just south of Vernal in the sprawling, high desert of northeastern Utah, this 15-mile loop makes a great day trip for a small group or a solo explorer. Enthusiasts who also enjoy mountain biking should take the opportunity to explore the McCoy Flats Trail System, a fantastic single-track network accessible from the western side of the loop. If you want big views on a trail run, the climb to the summit on Asphalt Ridge will make the journey worthwhile, providing panoramic views on all sides. The Vernal area is lovingly known as 'Dinosaurland' and offers many other great offroad trail opportunities, as well as hiking, rafting, fishing, and geologic education, with petroglyph sites and fossil beds.

D2745 is slightly more difficult than its neighbors in this region. Bridging the gap between Duma Point Road, and D2707, this mixed-surface trail offers a few small rocky obstacles, where a slight lift aids in protecting your undercarriage. Running this trail from north to south offers a more significant challenge, as all obstacles will be uphill. There are no campsites along this trail.

Cottonwood Road lies between the Book Cliffs and I-70. The Bureau of Land Management classifies it as a B road, and it will receive maintenance from time to time, making it suitable for any vehicle during dry conditions. You can drive it in any direction, depending on your chosen routes. Traveling from the south to the north, you will have incredible views of the beginning of the Book Cliffs and cross an area called "The Grassies," which is aptly named with most of the vegetation being high desert grasses and brush. Towards the northern end, Cottonwood trees will come into view, and eventually, the road will intersect at a sheep ranch, which is on private land. While plenty of spots exist to pull over and camp, nothing is pre-disturbed.

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.

Dry Fork is an excellent addition to the beautiful Lavender Canyon, a short out-and-back trail to a unique natural occurrence. At the midway point, a tree is growing through a natural arch. A deep cut into the sandstone cliff has a hole in the roof, and a tree grows through the hole. Plus, there is a small campsite at the mouth of the cave. The cave is at the halfway point of the dead-end trail. It's full of tight brush and rocky. You'll need durable tires, low range, and high clearance to reach the end. The legal trail end is unmarked and not ideal for turning around.

Corn Creek runs between Kanosh and Clear Creek Canyon Road through the Fishlake National Forest. While easy, the trail is well maintained in the north and slightly less cared for in the south. The southern portion is narrower, with ruts from wet weather travel. The northern portion is heavily wooded, while the southern portion is split between large grassy valleys and a juniper/pinion forest. The southern portion of the trail is also leased for cattle grazing. Expect wayward bovines to cross the road randomly.

While only a few scattered dispersed campsites dot the southern half, the northern section of the trail leads to the Adelaide Campground and plentiful large dispersed campsites. Adelaide has a paid group campsite and nine individual sites set in a cottonwood grove. Many of the dispersed sites can accommodate larger rigs.

The Kitchen is a difficult trail located just south of Elk Horn Flat. Be prepared for loose rocky hills and deep ruts from runoff. A slight lift helps to conquer this trail without significant scraping on the underside or tail-end of your vehicle. Once at the end, the trail appears to continue and even connect to 52246, but this trail is a 66-inch or narrower trail. Full-size vehicles need to turn around and return the way you came. Camping is legal, but no established campsites were found.

Mill Hollow is a maintained Forest Service road stretching from Highway 35 to Lake Creek. This trail runs by Mill Hollow Reservoir and Campground, providing excellent fishing opportunities as well as a nice hiking loop. This trail is a great addition to continue your journey deeper into the Uintas or makes for a great loop, finishing on Lake Creek and heading back to Heber. Dispersed camping is available along the trail in a few spots, with improved camping offered at Mill Hollow Campground, first-come, first-served for a nightly fee.

Hunter Rim is a scenic, meandering, bumpy drive along the edge of Hunter Canyon, ending at a view of Hunter Arch across the canyon. If you've committed to driving out this far on Behind the Rocks, consider driving about an hour roundtrip to the arch and narrow canyon viewpoint. The trail is mild compared to anything already encountered to reach this remote area along Behind the Rocks Road but expect several 12-14" ledges and basketball-sized rocks that can easily snag a differential. A couple of spots along the trail are a bit narrow due to washouts, but at the time of publication, they were passable in full-width vehicles. The terrain is rugged for camping, but it is allowed if needed.

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 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.