Trail Overview
FS 225A is an out-and-back dirt road departing from Buffalo Ranch, tracing the hillside with rewarding views of the Vermilion Cliffs throughout. The trail features a narrow shelf road section and a series of switchbacks as it approaches Highway 89A — a highlight of the route and a testament to early trail craftsmanship, with hand-stacked rock reinforcements preserving the integrity of the switchbacks. Travelers should be aware that the intersection at Highway 89A has been permanently closed off with dirt and a guardrail, making this a true out-and-back with no exit to 89A by vehicle. The only option to reach 89A from this point is on foot. The switchbacks demand careful, deliberate navigation — they are steep and sharp. Trailers of any kind are strongly discouraged, as there is no room to maneuver or turn around until reaching the very bottom, where a small loop around a tree provides a tight but usable turnaround point. Best suited for high-clearance vehicles without trailers. Driver experience and caution are strongly advised on the switchback section.
Difficulty
Ruts, bumpy, natural overgrown switchback shelf road, nothing technical, and no obstacles, but steep hill in sections, tight turn around at the bottom near 89a