Elberta Slant Road

Elberta, Utah (Utah County)

Last Updated: 02/24/2018
4.4 / 5 ( 14 reviews )
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Status:
Open
Typically Open: Year Round
Difficulty: 1-1
( EASY )
Length: 8.26 miles
Highest Elevation: 6060 feet
Duration: About 45 minutes
Shape of Trail: Straight Through
Best Direction to Travel: West
Nearest Town: Elberta
Nearest Town w/ Services: Santaquin
Official Road Name: Elberta Slant Road
Management Agency: Bureau of Land Management
District: Salt Lake Field Offie

Highlights

Highlight: Elberta Slant Road
Tucked in the hills of the Tintic Mountains lies a rich history. This easy off-road trail puts you right through the heart of it all, following closely to what used to be the Tintic Railroad. Challenges are minimal allowing vehicles of all makes and models access to such an area. The trail is mellow but don't let that stop you from visiting. The tunnel along the route is worth the drive alone!

Video

Route Information

Advanced Rating System

Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
This trail is an easy dirt road the entire way through. There are no height or width issues in the tunnel​.

Technical Rating

MANDATORY
1
EASY
OPTIONAL
1
EASY
Dirt and/or rocky road. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 5" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 5" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 6" inches. Good tire placement likely. Can be steep, but with good traction.
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Community Consensus

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Description

Although smooth and graded may be an overstatement, airing down is only slightly considered. Right from the start, you can see remains of the train tracks just south of the trailhead. As you start out, you will ride on a straight dirt road following where the tracks used to be. Keep your eyes open for rabbits or tarantulas crossing the road! Once you reach the hills, the excitement will heighten. You will quickly come to the turnoff for the tunnel. This tunnel is one of three that existed back in the day, however, the only one still remaining. It is also a rare occurrence that you can drive through this tunnel. It is plenty big for just about any he street-able vehicle. After the few hundred feet of life underground, you will join back up with the main road and onto the next historical marker. The double circle was at one point the greatest feat of engineering in the country. Today, you must use your imagination to make out where the majority of it was, with slight assistance from remaining cement supports crumbling away. As you exit this little valley, you will start to climb the remainder of this mild road up to Highway 6 where you can continue your adventure or call it a day.

Waypoints

1. Trailhead (0 mi)
The trailhead lies just 0.9 miles from the UT68/UT6 intersection in the town of Elberta on the west side of UT68. The trail heads northwest to start.
2. Parking/Air Down Lot (2.1 mi)
This is a good parking lot to leave trailers or air down if you feel the need. It is plenty big for multiple trucks and trailers if needed.
3. Tunnel Turnoff (4 mi)
This is the turnoff for the last remaining tunnel from the old Tintic Range Railroad. It is worth the extra few minutes.
4. Start Of Tintic Range Railroad Tunnel #1 (4.4 mi)
Here is the east entrance to the tunnel. This tunnel is just over 200 feet long and is large enough for just about any vehicle to drive through. It is rare for such a tunnel to not be closed off, let alone be able to drive through it. This makes for some good photos!
5. End Of Tunnel (4.5 mi)
The west end of the tunnel. This is the only real visible tunnel within the network. Tunnel number 2 was closed in at both ends, and the supports in tunnel number 3 caught fire in the 1920's. After deeming it unsafe, the railroad cut a bypass and collapsed the tunnel.
6. Fork - Turn Left (4.6 mi)
Turn left at this fork to get back to the main road. If you go right, you can explore some of the other mining sites along the hillside.
7. Fork - Turn Right (4.8 mi)
This is where you link back up with the main road. Turn right/west to continue on the Elberta Slant Road.
8. Historical Marker (6.1 mi)
This is the site of the double circle, one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the entire country back in the 1870's. It allowed the trains to climb quickly in elevation over a short distance using long trestles. The picture dates back to the 1870's. Here is a good article to learn more about the railway system in the Tintic Mining District. Tintic Rails
9. End (7.9 mi)
Marking the end of the Elberta Slant Road is its intersection with UT6. From here, you can head right/west into Eureka and the west side of the East Tintic Mountains, or you can turn left/east and head back toward I15.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Lehi, Utah

Head west on 2100 N. until it intersects with UT 68. Turn south (left) on UT 68 and follow 33.8 miles until the trailhead on the west (right) side of the road.

Camping

Dispersed
There are many dispersed sites along this trail up until the tunnel. After the tunnel, there are numerous plots of private property with signs posted. Be aware of these private properties. Refer to the land status here. All of the camping along this trail is primitive with no amenities. There is no option for improved camping anywhere near this trail.
Camping: Elberta Slant Road

Trail Reviews (15)

Questions & Answers (1)

Q: What are the god coordinates for the tunnel opening?
–Megan Hansen (02/11/2018)
A: The exact coordinates for the openings of the tunnel are North End: (39.999047,-112.026129) South End: (39.998366,-112.026210)
–TJ Bosworth (02/11/2018)

Writer Information

TJ Bosworth

Mapping Crew - Utah
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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!
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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