The Jackass Benches are a series of small mesas on the eastern side of the San Rafael Swell just west of Green River, Utah. They are named for the wild burros that roam the area. This offroad trail runs along the east side of the benches and is a nice alternate route to return from Swasey's Leap. It also provides access to the trailheads for Sulpher Springs and Black Dragon Wash. There is amazing high desert scenery and a lot of wide, open spaces. Plus, if you're lucky, you'll get to see the wild burros!
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Easily identify whether the trail is stock friendly
or not.
View 14 specific concerns along the trail such as
height and width restrictions.
Upgrade from free to our All-Access Membership and get
every detail, waypoint, photo, and more on every single
trail guide.
When you are an All-Access member, our trail guides
come with a short video of the author running the trail
to give you a visual understanding of what to expect.
Head west on I-70. Take Exit 131 and proceed to the large, dirt parking area on the north side of the highway. This marks the end of Buckhorn Draw Road. Follow Buckhorn Draw Road in reverse to Waypoint 9. This is the trailhead for Swasey's Leap.
To complete this trail from north to south as described here, run Swasey's Leap to Waypoint 12 (or, better yet, run it all the way then return to Waypoint 12). Jackass Benches goes northeast from this waypoint.
To complete this trail from south to north, run Swasey's Leap to Waypoint 10 and turn right onto Jackass Benches.
Another option to go from south to north is to run Rattlesnake Flat to Swasey's Leap, Waypoint 4, Swasey's Leap from Waypoint 4 to Waypoint 10, and turn right onto Jackass Benches. If you are just trying to connect to Black Dragon Wash, this is the quickest route.
Nothing special. There is some decent camping away from the masses and it gives you access to Black Dragon Wash which is an incredible trail. However, it is cool to see the wild burrows.
From the Community
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Ask the author of a trail guide any questions you may have and
get a direct answer from the author and the community! One of
the many perks that come with an All-Access Membership.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, he's only been off-roading since he was 16 but fell in love immediately. He attended college in Denver for Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management and wheeled in Colorado for 4 years, but ended up moving back home to Salt Lake City. He currently works in an off-road shop and spends his free time doing anything he can to stay busy, which is usually working on his jeep or playing music. Outside of off-roading, he is an avid whitewater rafter and outdoor cook. Camping at least every other weekend in any season is a normal year. The further from civilization, the better. Bring on the memories!
By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each
policy linked to above. You also agree to the storing of cookies on
your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site,
enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our
site is used.