Best Beginner Off-Road Trails in Utah

Utah is an off-roading paradise, especially around Moab, but adventure awaits across the entire state. In today’s post we’ll be highlighting our top 10 beginner-friendly trails and a glimpse into what you can expect on these trails.

Check out our top 10 beginner-friendly trails below and if you’re looking to explore any of these trails, make sure to sign up for the Trails Offroad™ Membership!

Gemini Bridges - Moab, UT

• Length and Duration: 13 miles, taking about 2 hours one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Year round
• Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance and 4 Low

Gemini Bridges in Moab offers a scenic, rock-lined route leading to the natural twin bridges for which it’s named. This trail features a scenic climb out of the valley with views of Gooney Bird Rock and the La Sal Mountains. The road itself is rocky, with a few narrow sections and steep shelves, especially on the east side. Most prefer to run the trail west-to-east route for the best views, though either direction offers a memorable experience.

Shafer Trail - Moab, UT

• Length and Duration: 5 miles, taking about an hour one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Year round
• Vehicle Requirements: Stock SUV with High Clearance and 4 Low

The Shafer Trail is both historic and scenic, originally built as a cattle trail and later used for hauling uranium. This trail descends over 1,300 feet through narrow switchbacks, bordered by towering canyon walls with no guardrails. Accessible for most SUVs, the trail can close quickly during rain or snow, so checking conditions beforehand is recommended. It connects easily to other routes like the White Rim, making it a great choice for a full-day or multi-day excursion through stunning desert landscapes.

Cathedral Valley Loop - Torrey, UT

• Length and Duration: 64 miles, taking about 5 hours on-way
• Best Time to Visit: Fall-Spring
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

The Cathedral Valley Loop goes through Capitol Reef’s “Cathedral District,” with stops at the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, and other stunning rock formations. The trail is mostly easygoing, however starting from the western trailhead is advised because the river crossing at the beginning of the trail head may be impassable. This route provides excellent views with few challenges, although conditions can become impassable when wet.

Elberta Slant Road - Elberta, UT

• Length and Duration: 8 miles, taking about an hour one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Year round
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

Elberta Slant Road winds through the historic Tintic Mountains along what used to be the Tintic Railroad. On this trail you will find a preserved railroad tunnel that is open for vehicles to pass through, and views of the surrounding landscape. The road is accessible for most vehicles and generally smooth, though the occasional rocky patch may benefit from lower tire pressure.

Valley of the Gods - Mexican Hat, UT

• Length and Duration: 13 miles, taking about one hour one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Fall-Spring
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

Valley of the Gods is a scenic drive with sandstone formations and iconic rock landmarks, including “Lady in the Bathtub” and “Rooster Butte.” The route is relatively smooth on the eastern side, accommodating trailers, while the western section narrows, making it more suitable for stock SUVs. Wet weather can make the road slippery, so it’s wise to check forecasts ahead of time. This easy-going trail provides numerous viewpoints and pull-offs to take in the unique scenery of the valley.

The Pony Express - Fairfield, UT

• Length and Duration: 131 miles, taking about 8 hours one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Spring-Fall
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

Covering nearly 2,000 miles, the historic Pony Express Trail runs from St. Joseph, Missouri, to San Francisco, tracing one of the country’s earliest mail routes. Originally ridden on horseback, the trail connected eight states and had around 190 stations along its path, bringing mail across mountains and deserts in about 10 days. Today, it’s mostly maintained by the Bureau of Land Management and can be driven by high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. While most of the route is a mild gravel road, some sections feature washboards and uneven terrain. And don’t forget to bring desert essentials like extra food, water, and warm layers in colder months!

Cottonwood Springs - Saint George, UT

• Length and Duration: 21 hours, taking about 3 hours one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Spring-Fall
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

Cottonwood Springs Road offers easy access to the scenic Pine Valley Wilderness within Dixie National Forest. This 21-mile dirt and gravel road leads through slot canyons with plenty of quiet, primitive campsites along the route. Many campsites are perched right on the edge of narrow canyons, making them perfect for scenic stays. The road is passable for high-clearance 2WD vehicles in dry weather, but AWD or 4WD can be useful, especially if tackling some of the side trails or when road conditions are rough.

Reds Canyon Loop - Hanksville, UT

• Length and Duration: 25 miles, taking about 3 hours one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Year round
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

Reds Canyon Loop takes you into the scenic San Rafael Swell, winding through dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Starting at a higher elevation, the trail descends into a canyon with the red rock views the area is known for. The trail is mostly packed dirt, with sandy sections in the wash, and remains fairly easy to drive for much of the year. There are no major obstacles, making it an accessible adventure for those looking to experience Utah’s iconic red rock country without intense technical challenges.

Little Moab/Chimney Rock Pass - Elberta, UT

• Length and Duration: 7 miles, taking about 30 minutes one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Year round
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

This trail is part of the Prospector OHV Backcountry Complex, which offers easy access to western Utah’s rugged backcountry, including famous spots like Little Moab and The Great Wall. Starting near Utah Highway 68, this section connects to Allen’s Ranch Road and is accessible as a quick day trip or a multi-day trip across miles of open trail. The main route is flat and manageable for most vehicles, while plenty of obstacles at Little Moab that have challenging lines suited only for highly built and experienced drivers. It’s a versatile route with something for everyone, from casual dirt roads to advanced off-road areas.

Joshua Tree Scenic Byway - Santa Clara, UT

• Length and Duration: 19 miles, taking about 2 hours one-way
• Best Time to Visit: Fall-Spring
• Vehicle Requirements: 2WD Vehicle with High Clearance

Joshua Tree Scenic Byway leads through the beautiful Mojave Desert landscapes near St. George, Utah. This route passes through the Beaver Dam Mountains and offers views of the Red Mountain Wilderness and the St. George Valley. Along the way, you’ll find access to other easy trails and attractions like the Bloomington Caves. The road itself is mostly gravel and loose rock, easy enough for most vehicles in dry conditions, though all-terrain tires are recommended. Camping here is quiet and remote, making it an ideal place to stargaze and enjoy the desert landscape far from city lights.