Around The Rocks

Trail Overview

Non-Resident OHV permits apply to ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. Plated street-legal vehicles typically do not need one on legal motorized routes. This route loops out and around the surrounding rock formations, offering a mix of scenery and technical driving. Expect several washout crossings through the Salt Wash, where deep ruts and soft sand can develop quickly. It is wise to stop and inspect these sections before committing, especially after recent storms. Along the route you will also encounter rocky climbs and uneven ledges that can feel steeper than they appear. Narrow stretches lined with brush and small trees make pinstriping very likely for wider vehicles. Two gates are located along the trail, so practice good trail etiquette and leave them exactly as you found them.

Photos of Around The Rocks

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Difficulty

This route combines sandy wash crossings, deeper washout sections, narrow brush-lined stretches, and a few rocky climbs that require tire placement and driver awareness. Most obstacles are manageable in a 4x4 vehicle such as a SxS, dirt bike, high clearance 4x4, and a full-width 4x4, but soft sand, deep erosion, and tight vegetation can create added challenges depending on recent weather. After rain, wash sections may become more difficult, and drivers should be comfortable navigating uneven terrain with the potential for pinstriping.

History

This region is closely tied to the uranium and vanadium mining booms that shaped eastern Utah in the mid-1900s. During the Cold War, demand for uranium surged, bringing roads, claims, camps, and small industrial sites into the desert. Evidence of that era still remains today in the form of old structures, fenced or barricaded mine openings, tailings areas, and abandoned access roads. These remnants are part of the area's story: look, photograph, and respect them without disturbing anything.

Technical Rating

Around The Rocks can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike