Arapeen Six Mile Canyon

Designed primarily for riders with ATVs, dirt bikes, and narrow SxSs under 50 inches wide, this challenging 40-mile loop highlights the dramatic high-country scenery of Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest. Starting near Palisades State Park, the route climbs steeply up Six Mile Canyon to connect with the famous Skyline Drive, offering sprawling panoramic views before dropping down on a designated 50-inch trail toward Duck Fork Reservoir and Ferron Reservoir. With a technical rating of 6 out of 10, drivers should expect a mix of unpaved dirt, loose gravel, ruts, and rocky climbs that demand solid off-roading skills and a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle where widths permit. The extreme elevation change ranges from 6,160 feet at the canyon floor to a peak of 10,586 feet along the windswept ridgeline of Skyline Drive. Because of the high-elevation segments, this route is highly seasonal and typically only fully accessible from mid-summer through early autumn when the snow finally clears from the mountain passes. Navigation requires careful attention to trail width restrictions, as the descent to the reservoirs is strictly limited to 50 inches, making it inaccessible for full-size trucks or wider utility vehicles. After exploring the peaceful shores of Duck Fork and Ferron Reservoirs, the trail climbs back up to Skyline Drive, treating riders to spectacular alpine vistas before descending back down a different, rugged path into Six Mile Canyon. Offroaders should carry plenty of fuel and warm layers, as temperatures drop rapidly above 10,000 feet, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in this beautiful pocket of the Arapeen OHV Trail System.