Arapeen Manti Canyon and Milky Falls

This scenic, moderately challenging trail is perfect for offroaders seeking a steady, picturesque climb from the desert floor to the high-alpine ridges of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Starting near the town of Manti, the route spans 10.1 miles and gains over 3,400 feet of elevation, culminating at an impressive 9,195 feet near Skyline Drive. Along the way, travelers will encounter a mix of dirt and gravel surfaces that wind through the beautiful Manti Canyon, tracking alongside a creek and passing landmarks like Birch Canyon and The Cottonwoods. The route features a moderate technical rating of 5, meaning high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes are recommended to navigate the occasional rough spots, washouts, and rocky sections. A key highlight of the drive is Milky Falls, a stunning cascade over limestone cliffs that is best viewed during the peak runoff of late spring and early summer. As the trail continues past Yearns Reservoir—a popular stopover for trout fishing and lakeside camping—it climbs through stands of aspen and pine, passing the Manti Canyon Summer Homes and Hougaard Fork. Driver focus is required as the road narrows and curves upward, presenting stunning vistas of the surrounding canyon walls and valleys below. Because of the high elevation at the trail's end, the upper portions are typically snowed-in during the winter and spring, making late June through October the prime season for exploration. Reaching the intersection with Skyline Drive opens up countless opportunities for extended overland journeys along the spine of the Wasatch Plateau. Be prepared for variable mountain weather, and ensure vehicles are equipped with airing-down gear to handle the vibrating corrugated sections and loose rocks.