Utah Off-Road Trails

Running along its namesake, Strawberry River is an easy, well-maintained dirt road running from US-40 to Mill B, offering the opportunity for great camping and awesome fall color viewing. Other connecting trails include Dock Flat and Bjorkman Hollow, allowing adventurists and overlanders to create their own route through the western end of the Uinta Mountains. Dispersed camping is abundant, and extremely popular due to its proximity to large cities and its ease of access. In the fall, it may be hard to find camp, as this is a very popular area for hunting.

Henry's Fork offers an easygoing out-and-back journey that starts just off Highway 414 near Mountain View, Wyoming, and leads you to the edge of the High Uintas Wilderness. It ends at the trailhead for Kings Peak, the tallest point in Utah. This well-maintained, graded gravel road rolls through expansive meadows and dense conifer forests, gradually gaining elevation without presenting any serious obstacles. It's an easy route for drivers of all experience levels, and any vehicle with decent ground clearance will handle the trail comfortably.

Ideal for those seeking scenic access to the backcountry, this route is most commonly used as a gateway for hiking, especially by adventurers setting out for Kings Peak or backpackers en route to Dollar Lake. The road is open seasonally, with summer bringing moderate traffic from hikers and campers, while winter transforms the area into a popular cross-country skiing destination.

At trail’s end, travelers will find a Forest Service campground with limited but well-kept sites, including a separate area for equestrian use. While camping options are not abundant, they offer a peaceful basecamp for those planning early morning trailhead departures. Henry's Fork Trail is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy remote alpine access without the technical challenges of more rugged off-road routes.

This short bumpy spur leads you toward the Castle Peak yurt (available to rent for a fee). If camping is more your thing, there is a good site with plenty of room to stretch out. Loose rocks and a slight incline warrant the moderate rating, although most any high clearance vehicle can work their way carefully through without too much issue.

Running between Silver Meadows and Rhodes Canyon is a very seldom-used trail called Mill Fork. Although not intensely difficult, this trail will likely add a little spice to the otherwise "easy" forest service road. Due to the lack of maintenance and use, Mill Fork has severe ruts and washouts that must be maneuvered and straddled. Stock 4WD vehicles will not struggle under average conditions, but a little experience can be helpful. The difficulty will only increase if this trail is wet, as these ruts are large enough to swallow a tire. A few rocky patches will also slow drivers down, where embedded and loose rocks reach 6-8" tall. Please remember to stick to the trail and not drive around the rutted section! If you cannot drive over the washouts, just turn around.

Camping was limited to the few spots on the trail's western end, right where it branches off from Silver Meadows. These are smaller dispersed sites with nothing more than a man-made fire ring.

Sharing a name with the better-known Sheep Creek and Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area, Sheep Creek Lake (or Reservoir) is within the Ashley National Forest, with scenic cliffs of the Uinta Fault rising in the background.

Although short and lacking obstacles, this maintained dirt road still has plenty to offer, including scenic camping at the primitive Sheep Creek Lake Campground. This is a designated camping area but has no numbered sites or amenities and is first come, first served.

The mountain lake itself is large (approx. 81 acres) and has a public, unpaved boat launch. Sheep Creek Lake is overseen by the Utah Division of Wildlife (DWR) and serves as a wild broodstock source for Colorado River Cutthroat trout. Next to the boat launch, you will see a concrete fish trap that is used to house spawning fish (typically in June) so that eventually fertilized eggs can be collected and taken to a hatchery. Fish are later stocked throughout the Uinta Mountain Range.

If you're looking for great fishing and free camping, this might be your spot!

Set deep in the Rainbow Terrace area, 2538 is a short, sandy dead-end spur off Rainbow Rocks. The trail has exemplary views of the surrounding sandstone buttes. The trail abruptly ends at the Enduro Loop motorcycle trail. The trail is all soft sand with a couple of off-camber wash crossings.

San Rafael Desert 9400 is an alternate looping road branching off Saucer Basin. The trail is used to access other remote 4x4 trails and enjoy this massive desert's sprawling panoramic views. While it's not a destination trail, you will enjoy beautiful views far off to the west and the edge of The Swell. The road has long stretches of groomed gravel and short sections of bumpy sandstone bedrock. The bedrock has been ground down to help smooth it out. No camping was found along this very brushy route.

Tucked into the eastern expanse of Sand Mountain, Dominguez Falls is a short but action-packed trail that combines scenic slickrock climbs with the classic technical flavor Sand Hollow is known for. This two-part, counterclockwise loop begins with rolling sandstone and sandy stretches before quickly transitioning into a series of ledge climbs and off-camber shelves. Along the western half, drivers will find a variety of line options ranging from extreme challenges to complete bypasses, making it accessible to a wide range of capable rigs.

As the trail crosses Razzle Dazzle and turns north, it threads through shallow canyons and sculpted redrock contours carved by erosion. Here, the obstacles shift toward ledgy descents and suspension-twisting holes, culminating at the trail’s namesake feature, Dominguez Falls. This steep rock drop is framed by vertical walls and capped with loose sand at the base. The approach alone will stretch most suspensions to their limits, and poor positioning can easily cost taillights or rear corners. Spotters are strongly recommended, especially for longer wheelbase vehicles tackling the descent.

Rock sliders are essential, and lockers are highly recommended for the more technical climbs and traverses. This trail is best run in the afternoon, as early morning sun will continuously blind the driver during obstacle climbs.

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.

Upper Bear Creek is an easy trail forking off Big Bear just west of Elk Horn Flat. Beginning and ending in aspen trees, this short but beautiful trail winds back to the west side of Wagon Road Ridge and allows drivers to stretch their legs on the Big Bear Creek hiking trail. Camping opportunities lie among the aspens in multiple locations, offering relief from the sun and a peaceful night under the stars.

Left Fork Rhodes Canyon is another option jogging between Silver Meadows and Rhodes Canyon. This trail is a tale of two conditions, really, split between two national forests. On the east side, the trail resides in the Ashley National Forest and is far from maintained. The climb is bumpy, rocky, and narrow, and 4WD and low range are highly recommended. The loose football-sized rocks will shift around as your tires propel you up the inclines. Pinstriping is also likely due to the overgrowth encroaching on the trail. The western portion of the trail before the pond lies within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which is a well-traveled, easy dirt road leading to wide-open camping in the flat basin.

Camping is limited to the western portion of the road. It is dispersed dry camping, with only man-made fire rings. Most sites are large enough for multiple trailers but close enough together that you will likely hear your neighbors.

Box Flat Road is your easy gateway to the sprawling meadows and hidden canyons tucked back on the surrounding 4x4 trails. Box Flat is a remote central San Rafael Swell region with less human traffic. The trail is a well-maintained gravel road easily traveled in passenger cars equipped with durable tires. There's no established campsite along the road. However, venturing onto one of the many connecting 4x4 trails will reward you with private and remote camping.

Climbing its way from US-40, Dock Flat is a rough and, at times, rocky road that guides users across its namesake flat and over to Strawberry River. The trail is quite steep and narrow along the initial climb, with exposed rocks warranting the need for 4WD and high clearance. Once on top of the flat, mud ruts and potholes litter the trail, which provides a small challenge in adverse conditions. Camping is abundant after the climb, with many hunters calling this trail home for weeks at a time in the fall. All camping options are dispersed, with no amenities offered.

Duchesne Ridge is an impressive, unmaintained road winding along a ridgeline above the West Fork Duchesne Road and River. Although it is not maintained, the trail is relatively easy, with just a few bumpy ruts to be aware of. Any vehicle with a decent amount of clearance can handle the trail. Dispersed camping can be found in several locations, with the bulk lying on the eastern side. If you are looking for improved camping, Wolf Creek Campground is available at the trail's eastern end, and Mill Hollow Campground is on the nearby trail, Mill Hollow.

SS4295 is a popular camping spur off the even more popular Behind the Reef Road. This trail offers numerous opportunities to pitch a tent under the incredibly dark sky that central Utah is known for. Many sites are large enough to accommodate big groups, including RVs and trailers, if you decide to bring them back this far on Behind the Reef Road. This trail is no more difficult than the trail to get here, that is until you reach the end. Packed dirt and frequent use keep this trail relatively smooth for the majority. Just before the trail terminates at another campsite, there is a large patch of embedded rock. Although the route through the rock is still 2WD friendly, high clearance is definitely necessary to reach the end.

Rising 2,300 feet above the Great Salt Lake, the Lakeside Mountains are a great way to view the largest endorheic lake in the Western Hemisphere. The lack of vegetation also provides ample views of surrounding smaller mountain ranges and open valleys. Black Mountain Road is an occasionally maintained dirt road terminating at a group of cell towers. Although there are no obstacles, the steeper grades and loose dirt and gravel surface encourage the use of low range. Camping is not found along this road.

The Fallen Peace Officer Trail is a rugged 14-mile loop north of Moab, Utah, between Highway 191 and Arches National Park. It climbs to a high ridge with sweeping valley and La Sal Mountain views. The southern section pushes the harder end of the moderate rating. Expect steep, rocky climbs and technical ledges up to 18 to 24 inches. About 3 miles of the northern section overlap with the Copper Ridge Safari Route. There are stretches of rolling hills and several sandy wash crossings.

The project of creating this trail began following the 2010 shooting of Utah State Parks Officer Brody Young, who was critically wounded in a shootout at the Poison Spider Mesa trailhead. Dedicated in 2013 by the Utah Peace Officers Association, the trail serves as a living memorial to Utah law enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. The trailhead is located on Utah State Trust land and is accessible from Highway 191, approximately 13 miles north of the Colorado River bridge outside Moab.

There is a large camping area at the trailhead, suitable for big RVs or trucks towing trailers. In addition, a popular dispersed camping area can be found nearby along Klondike Bluffs Road. There are also a few small, undesignated campsites scattered along the trail itself for those seeking more secluded spots.

Iron Mine Camp Spur gives you a great place to base camp while also providing a small pond to toss in the line and relax. This trail is not technical at all, but ruts are beginning to develop, causing a bumpy ride. You will likely have a little seclusion compared to other trails nearby as well. Dispersed camping is available at the end of the trail. There is not much level ground, but it would be good for vehicles with rooftop tents. 3-4 vehicles would fit comfortably.

South Valley Road is an escape road leading from the Cedar Mountains to the pavement at Skull Valley Road. This is an easy, and randomly bumpy road where rain pools and ruts form. Dust is heavy most of the year, so please be respectful when passing others. Camping is not found along this road.

With conical spires resembling the walls of an ancient castle, Castle Rock is named for the volcanic tuff formations that line the trail's end. Along the easy, graded track, numerous ATV and hiking trails can be found, and you will also pass the Belknap Ranger Station Interpretive Area, which takes explorers back to the early European inhabitation of the canyon.

The trail ends at the Castle Rock Campground, an excellent base for exploring the area. The nearby Fremont Indian State Park operates the Fishlake National Forest facility. Thirty-one sites can accommodate tents, smaller RVs, and trailers. The campground even boasts a teepee site for adventurous campers. Each site has a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. Water spigots are scattered throughout the campground. A central bathroom has flushing toilets and a sink.

A short detour off Family Butte Road leads to what was likely a decommissioned uranium mine. The trail leading to the turnaround area is a moderate two-track with mild washouts that require high clearance. The site has a hiking trail leading up to the old flume and the closed-off tunnels. Please leave the site as you found it. The site is for day use only; please do not camp at the old mine.

Deep within the San Rafael Swell region lies the Mexican Hat Wilderness, where access is limited to foot traffic. However, one trail, Lockhart Wash, offers an easement, allowing motorized travel into the wilderness before reaching the San Rafael River. The trail once traveled to the river edge, but now erosion has closed the final mile to the river. The trail has one nice camping area with distant views of the sandstone cliffs to the north. There is room for a couple of vehicles with tents. The route becomes rougher the further you travel. It's a bumpy two-track, without obstacles, and passable in high-clearance stock 4x4s. It is imperative that users remain on the established trail, as both sides of the road are wilderness.

Traversing the transition zone between sandstone slickrock and the wide-open desert floor, this trail slices through the eastern half of the Sand Mountain OHV Area, tracing a section of the historic 1776 Dominguez Escalante Trail. Traveling from Razzle Dazzle to Warner Valley, the trail takes users to many other roads and trails in the area, passing through a variety of desert fauna native to southern Utah and northern Arizona. It is a low-end moderate trail that features extremely rough, slow-going terrain across a mostly sandy path with exposed slickrock and a few ledges 10"-12" high. This is not a technical trail, and most of the trail is easy, but the few ledges and the rough, slow-going terrain are where it earns the moderate rating. The eastern half of the trail crosses dry desert washes several times, where flash floods can be a real risk. At the far eastern end, dispersed camping can be widely found along Warner Valley and nearby spur roads. This trail is best suited for a high clearance 4x4 vehicle. Airing down is not mandatory, but it will greatly ease driving comfort.

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.

We've all said while on the trail, "I could live here." Hidden behind a sandstone butte are the fallen remains of Warrior Cabin, an unknown homestead that once stood here. Named after the nearby Lone Warrior rock art site, this short sandy two-track leads out and back to an old wooden cabin slowly disappearing into the ground. Taking your time and walking around the site, you might catch yourself thinking about it. Please stay on the designated track. The trail is soft sand and tall grass with hidden bumpy ruts. Short dead-end spurs lead up to the cliffs where small primitive campsites can be found. There is room for one to two vehicles with tents at each site.