Utah Off-Road Trails

The Anderson Creek Trail (FS 035) is a moderate out-and-back route that offers a scenic escape into the heart of northeastern Utah’s Uinta Mountains, stretching from the Red Cloud Loop to the historic Dyer Mine and Anderson Creek Smelter. The trail winds its way through a thick patch of pines, leaving little visibility of your surroundings. The trail’s defining features are its namesake creek crossings; multiple shallow fords that make for a fun, splashy drive and serve as a highlight for many users.

The surface is typical of remote Forest Service roads, consisting of rough dirt, occasional rocky patches, and light rutting. While no major obstacles stand in your way, a stock, high-clearance 4WD vehicle with low range is recommended, particularly during the spring melt when creek levels can spike and sections may become impassable. Beginners will find the route approachable, though it’s best driven when the trail is dry and fully open in late summer or early fall. Please keep in mind that the trail for full-size vehicles ends at the mine, while an ATV-only trail continues on.

Dispersed camping opportunities are limited, with two known spots: one just off the trailhead and another near the mine ruins. Most drivers come here to trace the path of the old miners and explore the weathered structures at the trail’s end. All told, Anderson Creek delivers a satisfying mix of adventure, history, and quiet backcountry beauty.

Although a continuation of North Dragon, road number 50170, this trail's southern portion is entirely different from the northern portion. 4WD will likely be required, especially after a good rainstorm, with a wash crossing being the most challenging portion. Wider vehicles will be required to crawl over one of two rocks, causing a little suspension flexing. The trail dead-ends where it turns to a 66-inch or narrower trail heading further south. This trail passes through pinyon and juniper trees, winding down to a small area of bentonite hills. This is an excellent trail for beginners to expand into rougher roads and sightseers wanting to view the colors of bentonite that central Utah is known for. The only camping along the trail was at the beginning, next to the large intersection.

Hastings Pass Road is a maintained gravel and dirt road traversing the Cedar Mountains west of the Great Salt Lake. Only climbing 1,000 feet, this trail is not too difficult, and it is less used due to its remoteness. This combination makes for a smooth and easy trail. Dispersed camping is found in a select few locations along the trail, primarily on the west side of the pass.

D1031 is a straight-through, lightly used sandy two-track that follows a high ridgeline between Mineral Bottom and Big Draw. The sandy trail has short sections of bumpy slickrock up to 10" ruts. The trail passes through extremely tight brush and trees where branches are likely to scratch your paint. The trail provides scenic views of the La Sal Mountains and has two great campsites with amazing cliffside views. Although the road is rough, any high-clearance vehicle will easily handle this trail in 2WD. Airing down is highly recommended to smooth the ride.

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.

Tucked away near the top of Upper Setting is Francis Road. This unmaintained, bumpy trail leads you to great camping further away from the more popular areas, giving you the feel of being "out there." The rocky surface promotes airing down to aid in the comfort during your journey. This trail can get rather tight during the spring due to its lack of popularity, so be sure to bring a saw to cut back the offending overhang.

Near the northern end of Skyline Drive is Bennion Ridge, a packed dirt trail running atop its namesake ridge. The trail is relatively easy, but the snow and mud hold late into spring, causing deeper rutting due to its shaded nature. 4WD is likely not needed, but high clearance will help with a few of the exposed rocks that poke through the dirt. Overgrowth is also common on this lesser-used spur, so expect pinstriping. The trail terminates at a small turnaround with impressive views of the surrounding valleys. Camping is found in very few locations, often taken by the sheepherders.

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.

Roundup-Cuddyback is a maintained forest road branching off of the Hells Backbone Loop. This trail acts as an access point to many good hiking trails and ATV-only trails. It is a maintained dirt road with only a few occasional washouts to slow you down along the way. Camping is available in a few locations along the journey, with some having great views into the Boulder Valley below. All of the camping options are dispersed and offer no amenities.

Magazine cover views abound at the end of this short out-and-back trail to the Kane Creek Canyon Overlook. The rocky, bumpy, 1.5-mile-long slow-going trail offers continuous unobstructed views of Behind the Rocks and the La Sal Mountains before ending at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Kane Creek Canyon. This 360° panoramic view is like no other in Moab.

During the drive, you will encounter 6-8" rock steps mixed with loose dirt that can be completed in stock-type 4x4s with durable tires and high-ground clearance. At the end of the trail, you cross an old drill platform area that is large and flat, suitable for several vehicles camping with offroad trailers, rooftop tents, or ground tents. The overlook can accommodate 4-6 vehicles safely and offers a small, level spot used for camping but has little shelter from the wind.

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.

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.

Branching off D1136 is a fantastic, moderately rated loop offering incredible North Fork Mineral Canyon views. Take a break and enjoy the peace and solitude at the end of this loop. Spanning 4 miles in length, this trail has a few minor bumps but should not require 4WD. Sadly, there is no camping on this trail, but many nearby spurs have good options for dispersed camping.

Bridging the gap between D1136 and Mineral Bottom Road, D1122A is a moderate trail that drives through typical Moab desert scenery. Sandy and smooth dirt stretches give way to rocky patches that may concern beginners and stock 4WD vehicles. The most challenging section is right where it branches off D1136, so you will quickly see if you are comfortable driving this trail. There are several dispersed campsites with plenty more opportunities on nearby spurs.

Searle Short Cut Road is a maintained public access road running across the Diamond Mountain Plateau. It bridges a gap between Mckee Spring Cutoff and Diamond Mountain Road. There are no obstacles and hardly any washboarding, making for a smooth ride. Since the land on either side is private, please stick to the road and avoid pulling off. No camping is found on this road.

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!

A short section of graded road leads to Oil and Gas activity in the area. It leads to a portion of the Secret Spire Route run for Easter Jeep Safari.

Wolverine Bypass provides a cut-over for those seeking to shorten their trip along Wolverine Loop Road. The trail is well-traveled and journeys through an area filled with scrubby juniper trees, dipping briefly into a windy section of a shallow canyon. A couple of campsites are located at the northern end of Wolverine Bypass, one with a scenic view of the surrounding mesas. The trail is suitable for any stock high-clearance vehicle in dry conditions, but be aware that seasonal rainfall creates flash flooding in the area.

If you plan to overnight camp within Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, be sure to obtain a Backcountry Permit at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center or in most of the trail register boxes at hiking trailheads. Backcountry Permits for overnight stays are free and assist the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) with tracking public land use and can also assist with emergency response efforts. Day use does not require a backcountry permit, but please sign the trail register.

Running nearly parallel to a fence, hence the name, Fenceline is a bumpy, rocky, and occasionally steep trail jogging from Taylor Mountain to an overlook of the Ashley Gorge. The rocks on the trail are around grapefruit-sized, but they are very loose and located on the steeper parts of the trail around the intersection with East Ashley Grasshopper. This may cause havoc for 2WD vehicles, and 4WD may be required to complete the return trip from the overlook. Once you reach the end, take a bit of time to enjoy the impressive nearly 2,000-foot gorge below. Just be careful not to roll over the edge! Camping at the end is possible, although no fire rings exist, and it will likely be windy. Dispersed camping is available at the eastern end in the form of smaller sites located at the tree line.

Desolation, defined as "a state of complete emptiness," is the feeling that comes over you at the end of Turtle Canyon. Traveling over 25 miles across rugged, washed-out ruts and rocks, you’re rewarded with a primitive campsite along the flowing Range Creek. Accessing the southernmost point within the protected Range Creek permit area, Turtle Canyon travels through the Desolation and Turkey Canyon Wilderness Areas. The early route travels along the Bookcliffs, with distant views across The Swell. As you traverse deeper into the high desert, the trail becomes less maintained. The graded dirt turns to rocky washes, requiring high-clearance, durable tires, and low-range 4x4. The area is very remote and is only advised for experienced drivers with reliable vehicles. There are very few campsites along the route, because the one at the end is worth the drive, if you’re adventurous enough.  Range Creek is a permit-only hiking area managed by the Natural History Museum of Utah. It’s $1.00 for an annual permit to reserve access into this amazingly well preserved area. 

Center Canyon Trail is conveniently located just off Highway 40 outside of Heber in the expansive Uinta National Forest. The easy out-and-back features a seldom traversed two-track through a beautiful aspen-lined canyon with a handful of small campsites, each offering a fire ring and shade from the afternoon sun. The canyon is an active cattle pasture, so make sure to close the entry gate when entering and exiting the trail.

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.

Who doesn't want a primitive Green River campsite all to yourself? Irvin Ranch is a short, sandy trail leading to a turn-around type campsite above the rivers' banks. After stopping at Fossil Point to hunt for dinosaur bones, traveling to the river for camping is a unique adventure. Irvin Ranch was once a working farm on the banks of the Green River. Now, it's a camper's oasis. This short spur trail leads to an excellent and remote campsite with a unique firepit above the river. Nearby cliffs and gulches allow hikers to explore the uniquely rugged desert.